Bible Dictionary
PEACEMAKER
A peacemaker is one who actively works to establish peace rather than merely settling a dispute. Jesus declares such people blessed, saying they will be called sons of God.
Definition
A peacemaker is one who works to establish peace. The biblical term suggests more than settling a dispute: it describes those who actively pursue peace as an expression of the will of the God of peace.
Biblical Usage
Jesus calls peacemakers blessed and says they shall be called sons of God. James similarly associates righteousness with the fruit sown in peace by those who make peace.
Historical Background
In classical Greek, a peacemaker could be an ambassador sent to negotiate peace. The biblical sense is broader, emphasizing people who work for peace.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>pes'-mak-er: Occurs only in the plural (Mt 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers (eirenopoioi): for they shall be called sons of God" (who is "the God of peace")). We have also what seems to be a reflection of this saying in Jas 3:18, "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for (the Revised Version margin "by") them that make peace" (tois poiousin eirenen). In classical Greek a "peacemaker" was an ambassador sent to treat of peace. The word in Mt 5:9 would, perhaps, be better rendered "peace-workers," implying not merely making peace between those who are at variance, but working peace as that which is the will of the God of peace for men.</p><p>W. L. Walker</p>