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H8002 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שֶׁלֶם
shelem
Noun, masculine
peace offering, fellowship offering

Definition

The 'fellowship' or 'peace' offering — one of the main sacrifice types, associated with communal eating and celebration before God. Unlike burnt offerings (wholly consumed), the shelem was shared.

Usage & Theological Significance

The peace offering created shalom — wholeness and right relationship — between God and worshipper. The shared meal at the altar foreshadowed communion and the Messianic banquet.

Key Bible Verses

Leviticus 3:1 If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering [shelem], if he offers an animal from the herd...
Amos 5:22 Even though you offer me...your peace offerings [shelem], I will not look upon them.
Ezekiel 46:2 The prince shall...worship at the threshold...and the priests shall offer his...peace offerings [shelem].

Word Study

Amos 5:22 shows the danger of ritual without justice — God rejects shelem from those who oppress the poor. Ritual and ethics cannot be separated. Christ is the true peace offering who achieves real shalom.

Related Words

External Resources

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