from שָׁלַם; allied; Meshullam, the name of seventeen Israelites; Meshullam.
Transliteration:Mᵉshullâm
Pronunciation:mesh-ool-lawm'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper name מְשֻׁלָּם (Mᵉshullâm, `{{H4918}}`) is derived from the root שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`). This foundational root carries a rich semantic range, primarily encompassing concepts of "to be complete, sound, whole, at peace, to make good, to repay, or to restore." As a passive participle, מְשֻׁלָּם literally translates to "one who is made whole," "one who is recompensed," or "one who is at peace." It can also convey the sense of "allied" or "befriended," implying a state of completeness in relationship. When used as a proper name, it often signifies a hope or declaration that the individual embodies these qualities of wholeness, peace, or divine recompense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name מְשֻׁלָּם is remarkably common in the Old Testament, attributed to no fewer than seventeen distinct individuals, primarily in post-exilic texts. This prevalence suggests that the underlying concepts of peace, wholeness, and repayment were significant aspirations within Israelite society. The individuals bearing this name are found in various roles, often associated with community leadership, temple service, and genealogical records, particularly during the periods of the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Examples include:
* A gatekeeper in the temple during the time of Nehemiah, highlighting a role of maintaining order and access to sacred space, perhaps reflecting the "peace" or "completeness" of the temple's security and function ([[Nehemiah 12:25]]).
* A chief of the people who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah, signifying commitment to the restoration of the community and its laws, aiming for a "whole" and right relationship with God ([[Nehemiah 10:20]]).
* Several individuals involved in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall, including a priest and a Levite, underscoring their participation in the physical and spiritual restoration of the city ([[Nehemiah 3:4]], [[Nehemiah 3:30]]).
* A Levite who oversaw repair work on the temple during the reign of Josiah, indicating a role in maintaining the integrity and wholeness of sacred worship ([[2 Chronicles 34:12]]).
* A Benjamite resident in Jerusalem, illustrating the widespread nature of the name among various tribes and social strata ([[1 Chronicles 9:7]]).
* An ancestor of Shaphan, the scribe, connecting the name to significant figures in Judahite history ([[2 Kings 22:3]]).
The diverse contexts in which מְשֻׁלָּם appears demonstrate its widespread adoption and the enduring resonance of its root meaning across different generations and societal functions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for מְשֻׁלָּם is its root, שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), which is a cornerstone of biblical theology. From this root spring several crucial related terms:
* שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`): Perhaps the most well-known derivative, signifying "peace, completeness, welfare, prosperity, health." This noun encapsulates the holistic well-being implied by the name מְשֻׁלָּם, extending beyond mere absence of conflict to a state of flourishing and integrity.
* שֶׁלֶם (shelem, `{{H8002}}`): Refers to a "peace offering" or "fellowship offering." This sacrificial term highlights the aspect of reconciliation and making things right with God and others, leading to a state of peace and communion.
* שִׁלּוּם (shillum, `{{H7966}}`): Denotes "recompense" or "retribution," emphasizing the "repayment" aspect of the root, where justice is served and balance is restored.
The name מְשֻׁלָּם thus stands as an embodiment of these interconnected concepts. It suggests an individual who is either recipient of divine peace and wholeness, or one who strives to embody and promote such a state. It stands in direct conceptual contrast to ideas of fragmentation, conflict, or unfulfilled obligations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְשֻׁלָּם is deeply rooted in the concept of *shalom* (peace and wholeness) that permeates the biblical narrative. As a proper name, מְשֻׁלָּם serves as a personal echo of God's overarching desire for *shalom* for His creation and His people. It can be understood as:
1. **Aspiration for Wholeness:** The name expresses a profound hope that the individual would experience or embody the completeness and integrity that God desires for humanity. In a world marked by brokenness and sin, מְשֻׁלָּם points towards divine restoration.
2. **Divine Recompense/Completeness:** The passive form of the participle suggests that the "wholeness" or "recompense" is something received, perhaps from God. This aligns with God as the ultimate source of peace and the one who makes all things whole.
3. **Covenant Fidelity:** Many individuals named מְשֻׁלָּם are found in contexts of covenant renewal and temple service. This suggests a connection between the personal state of "being made whole" and active participation in the covenant community, striving for a right relationship with God and neighbor. The name could serve as a reminder of their commitment to the *shalom* of the community and their God.
4. **Prophetic Hope:** In a broader sense, the recurring presence of this name throughout Israelite history, particularly during periods of rebuilding and restoration, can be seen as a subtle yet persistent testament to the enduring hope for a time when all things will be made שָׁלַם (whole) by God.
### Summary
מְשֻׁלָּם (Mᵉshullâm, `{{H4918}}`) is a Hebrew proper name derived from the verb שָׁלַם (shalem, `{{H7999}}`), signifying "to be complete, sound, whole, at peace, or to repay." The name itself, a passive participle, conveys the meaning "one who is made whole," "one who is recompensed," or "one who is at peace." It is a frequently occurring name in the Old Testament, designating numerous individuals, often found in roles of community leadership, temple administration, or genealogical records, particularly during the post-exilic period in books like Ezra and Nehemiah. Its semantic field is intimately connected to core biblical concepts such as שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`), denoting holistic peace and well-being, and שֶׁלֶם (shelem, `{{H8002}}`), referring to the peace offering. Theologically, מְשֻׁלָּם subtly underscores the divine aspiration for *shalom* for humanity, reflecting the hope for personal and communal wholeness, divine recompense, and faithful participation in God's covenant. It stands as a testament to the enduring biblical emphasis on integrity, reconciliation, and the ultimate restoration offered by God.
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