Peace: Wholeness, Completion, and Flourishing

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Dec 8, 2025

This discussion dives into the profound meaning of 'shalom' in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing wholeness and integrity rather than mere absence of conflict. The symbolism of uncut stones at altars and fair weights in trade speaks to communal flourishing. They explore Jesus as the Prince of Peace, fulfilling ancient prophecies and reconciling divided people. Insights on how greetings of shalom reflect a wish for wholeness highlight the richness of relationships. This exploration encourages a deeper understanding of peace in the context of spiritual and societal harmony.

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INSIGHT

Shalom Means Wholeness

The Hebrew word shalom means wholeness, completeness, and being what something is meant to be.
It applies to stones, measures, and the human heart as unaltered, whole states.

INSIGHT

Integrity Embedded In Objects

Shalem stones and weights signify single, unaltered pieces used to ensure fairness and integrity.
Biblical shalom connects physical wholeness with ethical honesty in commerce.

INSIGHT

Shalom As Completion

Shalom can be an action: making something complete or fulfilling its purpose.
Examples include Solomon completing temple worship and God fulfilling prophetic plans.

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Advent E2 — In the second week of Advent, we’re reflecting on peace. The word most often translated as “peace” in the Hebrew Bible is shalom, but its meaning goes far beyond the absence of conflict. Shalom is about wholeness, completeness, and everything being as it should be. It describes uncut stones at an altar, honest weights in the marketplace, integrity of the heart, flourishing relationships, and life lived in harmony with God’s purposes. In this episode, Jon and Tim trace the deep biblical meaning of peace and show how Advent points to the arrival of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who reconciles divided people and makes them one.

FULL SHOW NOTES

For chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.

CHAPTERS

Shalom in Stones, Weights, and Hearts—and Also Fulfillment (00:00–15:15)
Shalom as Well-Being and the Prince of Shalom (15:15–29:21)
Jesus, Our Peace (29:21–35:38)
Reflections on Peace With Allison (35:38-39:42)

OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

View this episode’s official transcript.

REFERENCED RESOURCES

Shalom / Peace: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical word, shalom.
Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books here.

SHOW MUSIC

“Silver N Gold” by Lofi Sunday & Yoni Charis
“Snow Fall” by Lofi Sunday & TBabz
“Snowflakes” by Aves
BibleProject theme song by TENTS

SHOW CREDITS

Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Allison Steyn.

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