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 adjective שָׁלֵם (shâlêm, `{{H8003}}`) is derived from the verbal root שָׁלַם (shâlam, `{{H7999}}`), which fundamentally means "to be complete," "to be sound," "to be intact," or "to be at peace." As an adjective, שָׁלֵם carries this core meaning into a descriptive sense, indicating a state of wholeness, perfection, or integrity.
Its semantic range is broad and encompasses:
* **Literal Completeness/Wholeness:** Referring to something physically undamaged, full, or entire. This could apply to objects, measurements, or even parts of the body.
* **Figurative Completeness/Integrity:** Extending beyond the physical, שָׁלֵם describes moral soundness, blamelessness, and spiritual perfection. It often denotes an undivided or sincere quality, particularly in relation to the heart.
* **Peace/Harmony:** Implies a state of being "at peace," "friendly," or "quiet." This reflects a wholeness in relationships or an absence of conflict, mirroring the broader concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`).
* **Readiness/Preparedness:** Suggests something "made ready" or fully equipped for a purpose.
* **Justice/Equity:** When applied to weights or measures, it conveys accuracy and fairness, reflecting a complete and uncorrupted standard.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of שָׁלֵם in the Hebrew Bible illuminates its rich semantic scope:
* **Physical Completeness/Soundness:**
* In the construction of the altar, the command is to use "whole stones" (אֲבָנִים שְׁלֵמוֹת), emphasizing that they must not be cut or shaped by tools, preserving their natural integrity [[Deuteronomy 27:6]]. This signifies an unadulterated offering.
* Regarding commerce, the LORD commands "a perfect and just weight" (אֶבֶן שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק) and "a perfect and just measure" (אֵיפָה שְׁלֵמָה וָצֶדֶק) [[Deuteronomy 25:15]]. Here, שָׁלֵם denotes accuracy, fairness, and the absence of deceit.
* **Moral and Spiritual Integrity (The "Whole Heart"):**
* This is perhaps the most significant and frequent theological application of שָׁלֵם. It is repeatedly used to describe a "whole heart" (לֵב שָׁלֵם) or "perfect heart" towards God. King David is commended for his "whole heart" in serving God [[1 Kings 8:61]], [[1 Kings 11:4]]. In contrast, King Solomon's heart was not שָׁלֵם with the LORD his God, leading to his downfall [[1 Kings 11:4]].
* Other instances include King Asa [[1 Kings 15:14]], Hezekiah [[2 Kings 20:3]], and various calls for the people to serve God with a "whole heart" [[1 Chronicles 28:9]], [[2 Chronicles 16:9]], [[2 Chronicles 19:9]], [[2 Chronicles 25:2]]. This usage signifies undivided loyalty, sincerity, and complete devotion to God, free from hypocrisy or wavering allegiance.
* **Peaceable/Friendly:**
* The term can describe an individual or a group as being "at peace" or "friendly" in their disposition or actions. For instance, Hezekiah's prayer in [[Isaiah 38:17]] speaks of God restoring him to "peace" or "wholeness," implying a state of well-being.
* **Readiness:**
* While less frequent in this specific adjectival form, the underlying root שָׁלַם often conveys the idea of completion or readiness for action, particularly in the Piel stem (to complete, to finish).
### Related Words & Concepts
שָׁלֵם is deeply connected to a family of words derived from the same root שָׁלַם (shâlam, `{{H7999}}`):
* **שָׁלוֹם (shalom, `{{H7965}}`):** This is the most famous cognate, a noun meaning "peace," "welfare," "completeness," "prosperity," "soundness." שָׁלֵם functions as the adjectival form of the comprehensive state described by שָׁלוֹם. Where שָׁלוֹם is the state, שָׁלֵם describes something or someone *in* that state.
* **שִׁלּוּם (shillum, `{{H7966}}`):** A noun meaning "recompense," "repayment," "retribution." This highlights another facet of the root שָׁלַם – to "complete" an obligation or a debt, whether in payment or punishment.
* **תָּמִים (tamim, `{{H8549}}`):** This adjective also means "complete," "sound," "perfect," "blameless," and is often used in parallel or synonymously with שָׁלֵם, especially in contexts of moral integrity or sacrificial purity (e.g., "a blameless animal" for sacrifice). While שָׁלֵם emphasizes internal wholeness and undividedness, תָּמִים often highlights external purity and lack of blemish.
* **כָּלִיל (kalil, `{{H3632}}`):** Meaning "whole," "complete," "entire," often used for a "whole burnt offering," where the entire animal is consumed on the altar, signifying total dedication.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שָׁלֵם is profound, touching upon God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of the covenant:
* **Divine Expectation for Integrity:** God consistently calls His people to be שָׁלֵם in their walk with Him. The repeated emphasis on a "whole heart" (לֵב שָׁלֵם) underscores that God desires not merely outward conformity, but an inner, undivided devotion. This integrity is the foundation for a true covenant relationship, where loyalty is absolute and sincere.
* **Reflection of God's Character:** God Himself is שָׁלֵם in His justice, faithfulness, and perfections. His standards, as seen in the call for "perfect weights and measures," reflect His own unblemished and equitable nature. He is complete in His being and His promises.
* **Foundational to שָׁלוֹם:** The state of being שָׁלֵם (whole, complete, integrated) is a prerequisite for experiencing שָׁלוֹם (peace, well-being). When individuals or a community are שָׁלֵם in their relationship with God and with one another, true peace and flourishing can be realized. Disunity or a divided heart (לֵב לֹא שָׁלֵם) disrupts this peace.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** שָׁלֵם encapsulates the ideal of covenant fidelity. To walk with a "whole heart" is to fulfill the covenant obligations with sincerity and without reservation, contrasting with the partial obedience or idolatry that characterized many kings of Israel and Judah.
* **Redemptive Wholeness:** Ultimately, the concept of שָׁלֵם points to the redemptive work of God, which aims to restore humanity and creation to a state of wholeness and completeness, bringing true שָׁלוֹם to a broken world.
### Summary
שָׁלֵם (shâlêm, `{{H8003}}`) is a powerful Hebrew adjective derived from the root שָׁלַם (shâlam, `{{H7999}}`), conveying the fundamental meaning of "completeness," "wholeness," or "soundness." Its semantic range extends from literal physical integrity, as seen in "whole stones" for the altar [[Deuteronomy 27:6]] or "perfect weights" [[Deuteronomy 25:15]], to the profound spiritual and moral integrity encapsulated in the concept of a "whole heart" (לֵב שָׁלֵם) devoted to God [[1 Kings 8:61]]. Theologically, שָׁלֵם highlights God's demand for undivided loyalty and sincerity from His people, reflecting His own perfect and just character. It serves as a crucial descriptor for the state of being fully integrated and aligned with God's will, a condition essential for experiencing true שָׁלוֹם (peace and well-being).
TRV