from יְהֹוָה and שָׁלוֹם; Jehovah (is) peace; Jehovah-Shalom, a symbolical name of an altar in Palestine; Jehovah-shalom.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw' shaw-lome'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The compound Hebrew phrase `{{H3073}}`, *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm*, is a profound declaration of God's character. It is formed from `{{H3068}}` (Yᵉhôvâh), the personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "LORD," and `{{H7965}}` (shâlôwm), a rich Hebrew term typically translated "peace." While "peace" in English often denotes merely the absence of conflict, *shâlôwm* encompasses a far broader semantic range. It signifies completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, health, and harmonious relationship. Thus, *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* can be literally understood as "The LORD is Peace" or "Yahweh is Wholeness/Completeness." It identifies God Himself as the very essence and source of all true and holistic peace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* appears uniquely in the biblical narrative in [[Judges 6:24]]. This singular occurrence provides the full context for its meaning and significance. The passage details Gideon's initial call to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Filled with doubt and fear, Gideon requests a sign from the Angel of the LORD, who appears to him. After Gideon prepares an offering, the Angel of the LORD touches it with the tip of a staff, and fire consumes the offering and the rock. Realizing he has seen the Angel of the LORD face to face, Gideon exclaims, "Alas, O Lord God! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face" ([[Judges 6:22]]). He fears for his life, as it was a common belief that seeing God would result in death. In response, the LORD reassures him directly, saying, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die" ([[Judges 6:23]]). In profound gratitude and as a memorial to this divine encounter and assurance, Gideon builds an altar at Ophrah and names it "The LORD is Peace" or "Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm" ([[Judges 6:24]]). The naming of the altar serves as a permanent testimony to God's character as the giver of peace, particularly in a moment of existential fear and national distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of `{{H3073}}` are `{{H3068}}` (Yᵉhôvâh) and `{{H7965}}` (shâlôwm). The name `{{H3068}}` is central to Israel's understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and self-existence, appearing in other compound names such as `{{H3072}}` (Yᵉhôvâh Yireh – "The LORD Will Provide," [[Genesis 22:14]]) and `{{H3071}}` (Yᵉhôvâh Nissi – "The LORD Is My Banner," [[Exodus 17:15]]). These names, like *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm*, reveal specific aspects of God's character and His interaction with His people. The concept of `{{H7965}}` (shâlôwm) permeates the Old Testament, representing not merely the absence of war but a holistic state of well-being, often linked to covenant blessings and right relationship with God ([[Numbers 6:26]], [[Psalm 29:11]]). Other related concepts include divine presence, the fear of God, divine assurance, and the altar as a place of worship, sacrifice, and remembrance. The act of naming an altar after a divine attribute underscores the significance of the event and the enduring truth it represents.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* is multifaceted. First, it declares God as the ultimate and sole source of true peace. In a world fraught with conflict, fear, and uncertainty, this name asserts that genuine *shâlôwm* comes not from human effort or political arrangements, but from the divine presence and intervention of Yahweh. Second, it highlights God's ability to bestow peace even in the midst of profound fear and chaotic circumstances. Gideon's experience was one of terror and doubt, yet God's word brought immediate calm and reassurance. This testifies to a peace that transcends external conditions, rooted in God's sovereign control and loving provision. Third, the name anticipates the comprehensive peace brought by the Messiah. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah as the "Prince of Peace" (`{{H8280}}` *sar shalom*, [[Isaiah 9:6]]), and the New Testament affirms that through Christ, believers "have peace with God" (`{{G1515}}` *eirēnēn echomen*, [[Romans 5:1]]) and that He "is our peace" (`{{G1515}}` *autōs estin hē eirēnē hēmōn*, [[Ephesians 2:14]]). Thus, *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* serves as an Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect peace found in Jesus Christ. Finally, the altar named *Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* stands as a perpetual memorial, reminding generations that God's presence dispels fear and brings holistic well-being.
### Summary
*Yᵉhôvâh shâlôwm* (`{{H3073}}`) is a powerful compound divine name meaning "The LORD is Peace." It uniquely appears in [[Judges 6:24]], where Gideon names an altar in commemoration of God's direct assurance of peace and life, dispelling his fear after encountering the Angel of the LORD. This name profoundly declares that Yahweh Himself is the source and embodiment of complete well-being, security, and wholeness (*shâlôwm*), providing it even amidst fear and distress. It underscores God's character as the giver of peace that transcends circumstances and foreshadows the ultimate peace revealed in the person and work of the Messiah.
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