Biblical exposition
Keller explains the Hebrew word shalom, often translated as peace.
He argues that shalom means much more than the absence of conflict. It describes wholeness, flourishing, harmony and the proper functioning of relationships.
He uses the human body to make the meaning understandable.
Illustration – When the body loses its harmony
A person’s body experiences physical wholeness when all its parts work together properly.
But when the body begins to break down, its parts no longer function in harmony. Keller refers to cancer as an example of this breakdown.
The body loses its wholeness. Instead of working together, its systems become disordered and the person experiences physical deterioration.
Keller uses this picture to explain the meaning of shalom: everything is properly connected, functioning and flourishing.
He applies the same idea to human relationships and society. A healthy community is one in which people are connected rather than divided, and where relationships contribute to the flourishing of everyone.
Tim Keller in The City of God
Illustration’s point
Biblical peace is not merely the absence of fighting. It is the complete wholeness and flourishing of human life: physically, emotionally and socially.
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