Word Information
Word: Eirēnē
Definition
- A state of national tranquility; exemption from the rage and havoc of war.
- Peace between individuals, i.e., harmony, concord: Specifically, good order.
- Security, safety, prosperity, felicity (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous).
- A formula of wishing well, blessing, addressed by the Hebrews to departing friends.
- Specifically, the Messiah’s peace.
- According to a conception distinctly peculiar to Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.
- Of the blessed state of devout and upright men after death: Romans 2:10.
The word translated ‘peace’ in the New Testament is the Greek word ‘eirēnē’, from the root word ‘eiro’, which means ‘to join’, or ‘tie together into a whole’. It means ‘wholeness, peace, quietness, and rest’ — similar to the Hebrew ‘shalom’.
In certain contexts, eirēnē means wholeness; bringing different parts together to form a whole or set it as one again. For example, two friends who reconcile after a fight make eirēnē; that is, they come back together, and their relationship is whole.
Peace comes from God. It results from our faith in Him. This faith, we must remember, is shown in our obedience to His instructions.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” — John 14:27
We live in a time when ‘violence’ is easily mistaken for ‘boldness’, and ‘rudeness’ is esteemed as ‘classy’, but as followers of Jesus, we must seek to maintain peace with people, and restore peace wherever it has been lost — even in the lives of others!
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23-24
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. — Romans 12:18
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. — Hebrews 12:14
More importantly, if you would love to be identified as a child of God, be an advocate of peace between quarrelling persons.
Choose the Lord’s side, not any of the opposing sides. Let it be your desire to see people happy and reconciled.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. — Matthew 5:9
Source: Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
Author: Joseph H. Thayer
Sizzling Sunday: 6th November 2022
Sizzling Sunday 015
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