The term "peaceably" in the Bible often refers to living in harmony with others, avoiding conflict, and promoting peace. It is a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in unity and tranquility.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "peaceably" is "shalom," which encompasses peace, completeness, and welfare. The concept of living peaceably is illustrated in various narratives and teachings. For example, in Genesis 26:31, Isaac makes a covenant with Abimelech, king of the Philistines, to live peaceably, saying, "They got up early in the morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace."

Proverbs 16:7 highlights the blessings of living peaceably: "When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." This verse underscores the belief that living in accordance with God's will can lead to harmonious relationships, even with adversaries.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirēnikos" is often used to convey the idea of living peaceably. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the importance of peace in the life of a believer. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive encourages believers to strive for peace in all relationships, acknowledging that while it may not always be possible, the effort should be made.

The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:9, further highlight the value of peace: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Here, Jesus elevates those who actively pursue peace, associating them with divine kinship.

Practical Application

Living peaceably is not merely a passive state but an active pursuit. It involves forgiveness, understanding, and a willingness to resolve conflicts. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit of peace is linked with holiness, suggesting that a peaceful life is integral to spiritual maturity and seeing God.

James 3:17-18 describes the wisdom from above as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This passage connects peace with wisdom and righteousness, indicating that living peaceably is a reflection of divine wisdom and results in a harvest of righteousness.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to live peaceably is clear, it is not without challenges. The fallen nature of humanity and the presence of sin can lead to strife and discord. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit, who produces the fruit of peace in their lives (Galatians 5:22). Through prayer, reliance on God's Word, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to overcome obstacles to peace and embody the peace of Christ in their interactions with others.1514. eireneuo -- to bring to peace, to be at peace
... have peace, live peaceably. From eirene; to be (act) peaceful -- be at (have, live
in) peace, live peaceably. see GREEK eirene. (eireneuete) -- 3 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1514.htm - 7k7962. shalvah -- quietness, ease
... abundance, peaceably, prosperity, quietness. From shalah; security (genuine or false) --
abundance, peace(-ably), prosperity, quietness. see HEBREW shalah. ...
/hebrew/7962.htm - 6k

7965. shalom -- completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
... 1), friend* (1), friendly terms (1), friends* (2), greet (1), greet* (5), greeted*
(1), health (1), how (1), Peace (2), peace (153), peaceably (1), peaceful (2 ...
/hebrew/7965.htm - 6k

The Shepherd-King
... lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest
thou peaceably? 5. And he said, Peaceably: I am come ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the shepherd-king.htm

The Story of David
... him. "Comest thou peaceably?" they asked anxiously. ... words. "Peaceably," he
answered at once; "I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

Philippians i. 11-Aug
... the pretence of love. How then, says he, "If it be possible, live peaceably
with all men"? "Live peaceably" (Romans 12:18.), he ...
/.../homily ii philippians i 11-aug.htm

Violent and Uncanonical Intrusion of Gregory.
... Footnotes: [450] Assembling in the Churches seems to have been a sort of protest
or demonstration, sometimes peaceably, but sometimes in a more exceptionable ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 2 violent and uncanonical.htm

That the Glorious virgin Died by an Extremely Sweet and Tranquil ...
... it finds resistance there: but when the passages of the soul are opened to it without
opposition or contradiction, it makes its progress peaceably, with an ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiv that the glorious.htm

Hebrews xii. 13-Nov
... Therefore with the evil-doers as well? "If it be possible," he says, "as much as
lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." ( Romans 12:18.) For thy part (he ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxx hebrews xii 13-nov.htm

The Life of William Gordon of Earlstoun.
... in his own house by outed ministers; ""and being required to enact himself to abstain
from all such meetings in time coming, and to live peaceably and orderly ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of william gordon.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... 17). Be of a peaceable disposition. If it be possible, as much as lieth
in you, live peaceably with all men' (Romans 12:18). The ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... when we read, "And when his brethren saw that their father loved him (Joseph) more
than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... He answered, I wish them well. But being asked again, If he would own them and
their government, live peaceably, and not rise against them? ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

Peaceably (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Peaceably (13 Occurrences). Romans 12:18 If it be possible,
as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (KJV WBS RSV). ...
/p/peaceably.htm - 10k

Comest (50 Occurrences)
... And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
(KJV JPS ASV WBS). ... And she said, Comest thou peaceably? ...
/c/comest.htm - 22k

Peacefully (5 Occurrences)
... sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said: 'Comest thou peaceably?' And
he said: 'Peaceably.' (See NAS NIV). Job 21:13 They spend ...
/p/peacefully.htm - 7k

Bathshe'ba (10 Occurrences)
... Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said: 'Comest thou peaceably?'
And he said: 'Peaceably.' (See RSV). 1 Kings 2:18 And Bath ...
/b/bathshe'ba.htm - 9k

Bath-sheba (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 2:13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon.
And she said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably. ...
/b/bath-sheba.htm - 13k

Bathsheba (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 2:13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of
Solomon. She said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably. ...
/b/bathsheba.htm - 14k

Adoni'jah (26 Occurrences)
... Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said: 'Comest thou peaceably?'
And he said: 'Peaceably.' (See RSV). 1 Kings 2:19 Bath-sheba ...
/a/adoni'jah.htm - 13k

Haggith (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 2:13 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of
Solomon. She said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably. ...
/h/haggith.htm - 9k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she said: 'Comest thou peaceably?'
And he said: 'Peaceably.' (See NIV). 1 Kings 2:46 So the ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

Peaceable (9 Occurrences)

/p/peaceable.htm - 9k

What does the Bible say about reputation? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Brethren Church / Church of the Brethren? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Peaceably: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus