from שָׁלַם; complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly; full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shâlêm**, represented by `{{H8003}}`, means complete, perfect, just, whole, and peaceable. It appears 27 times across 26 unique verses in the Bible. The term signifies a state of wholeness and integrity, applied to a person's character, physical objects, and abstract concepts like rewards or justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8003}}` is frequently used to describe the state of one's heart toward God. A recurring theme is the call for a **perfect** heart, as when David charges his son Solomon to serve the LORD with a **perfect** heart and a willing mind [[1 Chronicles 28:9]]. This quality is used as a measure of a king's faithfulness, such as Asa, whose heart was **perfect** with the LORD all his days [[1 Kings 15:14]]. The term also applies to ethical conduct, where a **just** weight is the LORD's delight [[Proverbs 11:1]]. In construction for sacred purposes, altars were to be built of **whole** stones [[Deuteronomy 27:6]], and the stones for the temple were **made ready** before being brought to the site [[1 Kings 6:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of completeness and peace:
* `{{H7999}}` **shâlam**: This is the primitive root from which **shâlêm** is derived, meaning to be safe, completed, or to make amends. It is used in the context of a **full** reward, where the LORD is asked to **recompense** a person's work [[Ruth 2:12]].
* `{{H8002}}` **shelem**: Meaning a peace offering, this word comes from the same root and signifies a voluntary sacrifice in thanks. It is used in connection with offering sacrifices on an altar of **whole** stones [[Joshua 8:31]].
* `{{H3820}}` **lêb** / `{{H3824}}` **lêbâb**: These words for **heart** are frequently described by **shâlêm**. A **perfect** heart denotes a mind and will that are undivided in their devotion to God ([[1 Chronicles 28:9]], [[2 Kings 20:3]]).
* `{{H6664}}` **tsedeq**: Meaning just or right, this term is used alongside **shâlêm** to emphasize fairness. The law commanded the people to have a **perfect** and **just** weight and measure [[Deuteronomy 25:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8003}}` is significant, highlighting God's standard for devotion and justice.
* **Undivided Devotion:** The concept of a **perfect** heart is the primary theological application. It describes a heart that is completely loyal and faithful to the LORD, in contrast to a heart turned away after other gods [[1 Kings 11:4]]. This is the standard for leaders like Hezekiah, who walked before God with a **perfect** heart [[Isaiah 38:3]].
* **Ethical Integrity:** **Shâlêm** extends from internal piety to external righteousness. A **just** weight is not merely a commercial guideline but a reflection of divine character, being a delight to the LORD, while a false balance is an abomination [[Proverbs 11:1]].
* **Sacred Wholeness:** The requirement for **whole** stones for God's altar implies that what is dedicated to Him must be complete and unblemished [[Deuteronomy 27:6]]. This principle applies to the idea of receiving a **full** reward from God [[Ruth 2:12]] and even to the measure of iniquity reaching its **full** point [[Genesis 15:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8003}}` is a rich term that encompasses far more than simple perfection. It describes a state of completeness, wholeness, and integrity. From the undivided loyalty of a **perfect** heart to the fairness of a **just** weight and the unhewn nature of a **whole** stone for an altar, **shâlêm** consistently points to a condition of undividedness that is commanded and valued by God.
TRV