What Is the Meaning of Shalem? - Answers About Jesus and the Holy Land - Artza

What Is the Meaning of Shalem?

The word Shalem is a bit confusing. It appears in the Bible and sounds so much like Shalom. But are they the same? What does Shalem really mean? Find out here.

By Petal Mashraki

Edited by Joel Taylor

Published November 30, 2021.

The name Shalem is used several times in the Bible. It is also an Arabic-given name and surname, as well as a Jewish Sephardic surname. "Shalem" means whole or complete, but it is also used in the Bible to mean total, fulfilled, perfect, and a covenant of peace.
Where Does the Name "Shalem" Come From in the Bible?Shalem comes from the Hebrew root word "S-L-M." Shalem's Hebrew meaning is peace or complete and can also mean safe, unharmed, or the City of Peace.
The word Shalem appears in the Bible 27 times, including in Genesis, Deuteronomy, Kings I and II, Chronicles I and II, Amos, Proverbs, Joshua, Isaiah, Ruth, and Nahum. 
Shalem vs. ShalomShalem can be confused with Shalom as they come from the same Hebrew root word. They both have Semitic roots and similar etymology. Shalem is used more commonly to mean whole or complete, while Shalom is associated more closely with peace.
However, both refer to a perfect state, where all is at peace and complete. Shalem should not be confused with "Shechem" the name of a biblical city (modern-day Nablus), which means shoulder or saddle.
The Meaning of ShalemIn the Old Testament, Shalem is the name of a city ruled by Melchizedek. Some experts believe that the biblical city of Shalem is today's Jerusalem (Jeru-shalem), the "City of Peace."