Introduction:

The Greek word εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) is one of the most significant and frequently used terms in the New Testament, often translated as “peace.” Understanding this word is crucial for Biblical studies, as it encompasses a broad range of meanings that extend beyond mere absence of conflict. In the New Testament, εἰρήνη often refers to spiritual peace, reconciliation with God, and the well-being of individuals and communities. The concept of peace was deeply rooted in ancient Greek culture, where it was considered a key aspect of a balanced and harmonious life. In the context of the New Testament, εἰρήνη carries rich theological significance, reflecting the early Christian understanding of salvation, community, and eschatological hope.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: εἰρήνη (eirḗnē) [ay-RAY-nay]
• Etymology: Derived from the root verb εἰρηνεύω (eirēneúō), meaning “to be at peace” or “to bring peace.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine, first declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Peace (in general)
• Harmony
• Tranquility
• Safety and welfare
• Peace of mind or inner peace
• Reconciliation (especially between God and humanity)

Similar Words:

• ἡσυχία (hēsychía) [hay-soo-KHEE-ah]: Meaning “quietness” or “tranquility,” this word emphasizes calmness and stillness, often in a personal or spiritual sense.
• καταλλαγή (katallagḗ) [ka-tal-la-GAY]: Translated as “reconciliation,” this term specifically refers to the restoration of relationships, especially between God and humans, and is closely related to the concept of peace.
• σωτηρία (sōtēría) [soh-tay-REE-ah]: Meaning “salvation” or “deliverance,” this word is often associated with peace, as it denotes the ultimate state of safety and well-being in the presence of God.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• εἰρήνη is a feminine noun and follows the first declension pattern in Greek. It can appear in various grammatical cases, such as nominative (εἰρήνη), genitive (εἰρήνης), dative (εἰρήνῃ), and accusative (εἰρήνην), depending on its function in a sentence.
• Usage in Sentences: εἰρήνη is often used to describe both external peace (e.g., absence of war or conflict) and internal peace (e.g., peace of mind, spiritual peace). It is also used in theological contexts to describe the reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines εἰρήνη as “a state of concord or harmony,” often emphasizing its role in both personal and communal well-being. The lexicon highlights its theological significance in the New Testament, where it is closely associated with the concept of salvation and the peace that comes from a right relationship with God.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon describes εἰρήνη as a word that denotes “peace” in the sense of both a tranquil state of the soul and a harmonious relationship with others. Thayer’s emphasizes its frequent use in the New Testament to describe the peace that believers experience as a result of their reconciliation with God.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses εἰρήνη as a comprehensive term that includes both the peace of mind that comes from trusting in God and the peace that characterizes the relationships among believers. Vine’s also highlights the eschatological dimension of εἰρήνη, where it points to the ultimate peace that will be realized in the Kingdom of God.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
The LSJ lexicon traces εἰρήνη back to classical Greek, where it was commonly used to describe the absence of war and the presence of social harmony. LSJ notes that the term was also used in philosophical discussions to describe the ideal state of the soul, free from disturbance.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists εἰρήνη as “peace,” with an emphasis on its use in the New Testament to describe both personal tranquility and the peace that comes from reconciliation with God. Strong’s highlights its importance in understanding the broader Biblical theme of peace as central to the message of the Gospel.

Scripture References:

• Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace (εἰρήνη) among those with whom he is pleased!”
• Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace (εἰρήνη) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Philippians 4:7: “And the peace (εἰρήνη) of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of εἰρήνη (G1515: eirḗnē)

The Greek noun εἰρήνη (eirḗnē), meaning “peace,” is a central concept in the New Testament that encompasses a wide range of meanings, including harmony, tranquility, safety, and spiritual reconciliation. This term is not only used to describe the absence of conflict but also the positive presence of well-being and right relationships—both among people and between humanity and God. Understanding εἰρήνη is key to grasping the New Testament’s teachings on salvation, community life, and the ultimate hope of peace in God’s Kingdom. The word’s rich cultural and theological background makes it a vital term for both Biblical scholars and students of ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

The word εἰρήνη was not only a significant concept in early Christian thought but also a foundational principle in Greek philosophy and politics. For the Greeks, peace (εἰρήνη) was not merely the absence of war but the ideal state of society, where justice and harmony prevailed. This cultural understanding of peace profoundly influenced early Christian teachings, where εἰρήνη came to symbolize the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, as well as the hope for ultimate reconciliation in the eschatological future.