The Name

Who hasn’t longed for peace, living in a world that is so often full of strife? The Hebrew word for peace, however, means much more than the absence of conflict or the end of turmoil. Shalom conveys not only a sense of tranquility but also of wholeness and completion. To enjoy shalom is to enjoy health, satisfaction, success, safety, well-being, and prosperity. Though the New Testament does not directly call Jesus the Prince of Peace, this title from Isaiah has traditionally been associated with Him as the One who brings peace to the world. Furthermore, Paul assured the Ephesian Christians saying of Jesus, “He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). When you pray to Prince of Peace, you are praying to the One who is the source of all peace. To live in peace is to live in His presence.

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. … For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Luke 1:67, 76-79

Now his [John the Baptist] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: … “ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Jesus, my life was in chaos until You entered it. Thank You for the forgiveness that brought me peace. Deepen my sense of Your presence by keeping me close to You. Teach me to become a peacemaker—loving justice, doing right, and leading others along the path of peace.

Understanding the Name

…In Greek the word for peace is eirene. Like the Hebrew concept of shalom, the New Testament portrays peace as much more than the absence of conflict. Mark’s gospel, for instance, links healing and peace by capturing Jesus’ words to a woman He has just healed. He tells her to “go in peace” (Mark 5:34). The New Testament further develops our understanding of peace by revealing Jesus as the source of all peace. Though we were alienated from God because of our sins, Jesus reconciled us, making peace through His blood. Peace with God produces peace with others and peace within ourselves. …All strife will cease, and those who belong to Him will enjoy forever the fullness of peace—health, wholeness, well-being, tranquility, satisfaction, safety, prosperity, and perfect contentment.

Studying the Name

What does the word “peace” mean to you? How does this differ from the biblical idea of shalom? Why is the “Prince of Peace” a fitting title for Jesus? Can you think of incidents of His life that display His peace? What do you think it means to walk in “the path of peace”? Ask yourself whether you are experiencing Christ’s peace in your life. How can you participate more deeply in His peace?