Shalem
LocationsGeographical Setting
Shalem is an ancient toponym mentioned in Genesis 33:18, traditionally identified with the city of Shechem or its immediate vicinity in the central highlands of Canaan.
What is the meaning of Shalem in the Bible?
The term 'Shalem' in Genesis 33:18 presents a significant textual variant, with the Masoretic Text identifying it as a city of Shechem while the Septuagint and critical translations render the Hebrew phrase as an adverbial modifier meaning 'in peace' or 'safely,' indicating a likely scribal gloss or interpretive tradition rather than a proper noun.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this textual variance allows readers to appreciate the complexity of biblical transmission and understand that the narrative of Jacob's arrival may emphasize his safe return to Canaan rather than a specific geographical location, thereby enriching the interpretation of the subsequent Shechem incident in Genesis 34.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Shalem in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shalem clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.