### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shalvâh**, represented by `{{H7962}}`, conveys a sense of security, which can be either genuine or false. It is defined as abundance, peace, prosperity, or quietness. This term appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**, illustrating its nuanced role in describing states of being, from blessed tranquility to dangerous complacency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7962}}` carries a distinct dual meaning. It can refer to a desirable state, such as the **quietness** that makes a simple meal better than a feast with strife [[Proverbs 17:1]], or the **prosperity** wished for within Jerusalem's palaces [[Psalms 122:7]]. However, it is more frequently used to warn of a dangerous or deceptive security. This negative sense is seen when Israel's **prosperity** leads to disobedience against God [[Jeremiah 22:21]] and when the **prosperity** of fools becomes the very thing that destroys them [[Proverbs 1:32]]. A vile ruler is described as coming in **peaceably** `{{H7962}}` to seize a kingdom through flattery and using **peace** `{{H7962}}` as a weapon to destroy many ([[Daniel 11:21]], [[Daniel 8:25]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the different facets of `{{H7962}}`:
* `{{H7965}}` **shâlôwm** (peace): This closely related term also means welfare, prosperity, and peace. It appears alongside `{{H7962}}` in a prayer for Jerusalem, asking for **peace** within its walls and **prosperity** in its palaces [[Psalms 122:7]].
* `{{H8252}}` **shâqaṭ** (quietness, rest): This root word for repose or stillness is used in a negative context connected to `{{H7962}}`. Sodom's sin included an "abundance of **idleness**," linking a state of ease to moral failure [[Ezekiel 16:49]].
* `{{H1347}}` **gâʼôwn** (pride, arrogancy): This word is explicitly tied to the misuse of abundance. The **iniquity** of Sodom began with **pride** `{{H1347}}` which was coupled with "abundance of idleness" `{{H7962}}`, showing how prosperity can foster arrogance [[Ezekiel 16:49]].
* `{{H34}}` **ʼebyôwn** (needy, poor): The presence of the **needy** is often a test of righteousness. Sodom's sin of prideful abundance was compounded because they did not strengthen the hand of the poor and **needy** [[Ezekiel 16:49]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7962}}` is found in its sharp contrasts. It highlights key principles regarding wealth, security, and responsibility.
* **The Duality of Prosperity:** The word illustrates that prosperity can be a blessing or a curse. While it can be a component of a peaceful life [[Proverbs 17:1]], it can also lead to a hardened heart that refuses to obey God's voice [[Jeremiah 22:21]]. The **prosperity** of fools is self-destructive [[Proverbs 1:32]].
* **False Security:** `{{H7962}}` is used to describe a deceptive peace that evil leaders use to achieve their goals. A vile person comes **peaceably** `{{H7962}}` through flatteries and uses that very **peace** to destroy many ([[Daniel 11:21]], [[Daniel 8:25]]). This serves as a warning against worldly security that is detached from divine truth.
* **Prosperity and Moral Obligation:** The most stark theological lesson comes from the description of Sodom's sin. Its **iniquity** `{{H5771}}` was defined as a combination of **pride** `{{H1347}}`, "fulness of bread," and an "abundance `{{H7962}}` of idleness," which resulted in a failure to help the **poor** `{{H6041}}` and **needy** `{{H34}}` [[Ezekiel 16:49]]. This establishes a direct link between material abundance and the responsibility to care for the vulnerable.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7962}}` is more than a simple word for prosperity. It is a powerful theological concept that challenges the reader to discern between true, God-given peace and a dangerous, worldly security. It can denote the quiet blessing of a simple life, but more often it serves as a solemn warning. The use of **shalvâh** demonstrates that abundance, when combined with pride and complacency, leads not to security but to moral decay and divine judgment.
TRV