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εἰρήνη

eirḗnē

G1515 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Properly, a state of harmony or absence of conflict; in broader contexts, 'peace' as tranquility, well-being, or order both in interpersonal and societal relations. In extended use, the word can denote the condition of safety, prosperity, or wholeness, both in individual lives and communities. In some contexts, εἰρήνη can refer to internal tranquility and contentment or to the political order and absence of war.

Semantic Range

absence of war, harmony, tranquility, spiritual wholeness, personal well-being, prosperity, civil order, peace-making, security, rest

Root / Etymology

From the root εἰρ- or ειρην-, related to the verb εἴρω (to join, to tie together), reflecting the idea of bringing parts together into a unified whole. Cognate with verbs of joining and unity, the precise etymological development is debated, but the core semantic feature is 'putting together; joining into harmony.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, εἰρήνη primarily denotes the absence of war or hostilities between peoples or states, as in peace treaties. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the LXX and New Testament), the meaning expands to include personal well-being, internal harmony, prosperity, and salvation-like wholeness, sometimes reflecting the broader Hebrew concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which includes not only cessation of conflict but also completeness and welfare. In the Septuagint, εἰρήνη frequently renders שָׁלוֹם, broadening its scope beyond mere absence of strife. In the New Testament, it becomes a key term in social, communal, and theological contexts—used for personal tranquility (e.g., 'peace of mind'), for harmonious relations within communities, for the well-ordered situation established by rulers, and for the experience of restored relationship with God. Standard English translations often use 'peace,' but this may inadequately express the word’s full range, especially its positive sense of well-being, concord, and flourish. Notably, εἰρήνη could indicate civil order or the Pax Romana in Roman and Hellenistic contexts, as well as the result of divine intervention or blessing. Contrasted with πόλεμος (war), but also with internal unrest or disorder.

Translation Consistency

primary "peace" 92 occurrences

εἰρήνη is most naturally and most often rendered as the noun “peace.” It covers the primary senses in the SILEX range—absence of war, harmony, tranquility, personal and spiritual wholeness, safety/prosperity, and civil order—and matches the most frequent renderings in the data. “Peace” is simple, natural English and will provide consistent, idiomatic translations across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from a primary verb (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:--one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

Root Family

εἰρήνη (eirēnē) — joining, unity, harmony, wholeness, tranquility

Root εἰρ- to join, to unite, to bring together

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1515-01 εἰρήνη eirene N NOM F SG peace harmonious wholeness peace (harmonious wholeness) 48
G1515-02 εἰρήνην eirenen N ACC F SG peace harmony peace 25
G1515-03 εἰρήνης eirenes N GEN F SG peace of harmony of peace 19

Occurrences in Scripture

92 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1515-01 Matthew 10:13 εἰρήνη eirene N NOM F SG peace harmonious wholeness peace (harmonious wholeness)
G1515-01 Matthew 10:13 εἰρήνη eirene-2 N NOM F SG peace harmonious wholeness peace (harmonious wholeness)
G1515-02 Matthew 10:34 εἰρήνην eirenen N ACC F SG peace harmony peace
G1515-02 Matthew 10:34 εἰρήνην eirenen-2 N ACC F SG peace harmony peace
G1515-02 Mark 5:34 εἰρήνην eirenen N ACC F SG peace harmony peace
G1515-03 Luke 1:79 εἰρήνης eirenes N GEN F SG of peace of harmony of peace
G1515-01 Luke 2:14 εἰρήνη eirene N NOM F SG peace harmonious wholeness peace (harmonious wholeness)
G1515-01 Luke 2:29 εἰρήνῃ eirene N DAT F SG peace harmonious wholeness peace (harmonious wholeness)
G1515-02 Luke 7:50 εἰρήνην eirenen N ACC F SG peace harmony peace
G1515-02 Luke 8:48 εἰρήνην eirenen N ACC F SG peace harmony peace
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