of Hebrew origin (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם); Hierosolyma (i.e. Jerushalaim), the capitol of Palestine:--Jerusalem. Compare Ἱερουσαλήμ.
Transliteration:Hierosólyma
Pronunciation:hee-er-os-ol'-oo-mah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, `{{G2414}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yerushalaim, `{{H3389}}`). Its core meaning universally refers to the city of Jerusalem, the ancient capital of Judah and a profoundly significant religious, political, and cultural center in the ancient Near East. The etymology of "Jerusalem" is debated, often popularly understood as "foundation of peace" or "city of peace" (from Hebrew *yara* "to found" and *shalem* "peace"). However, some scholars propose connections to an ancient Canaanite deity, Shalem. Throughout the New Testament, Ἱεροσόλυμα consistently denotes the literal geographical city. It is often used interchangeably with Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm, `{{G2419}}`), though Ἱεροσόλυμα is more prevalent in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, while Ἱερουσαλήμ appears more frequently in John's Gospel and Paul's epistles. Both forms unequivocally refer to the same sacred city.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, `{{G2414}}`) appears extensively in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and the Book of Acts, underscoring its central role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
In the Gospels, Jerusalem is consistently portrayed as the ultimate destination for Jesus' earthly ministry, the site of His passion, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension:
* [[Matthew 2:1]]: The arrival of the wise men in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King.
* [[Matthew 20:17-18]]: Jesus' deliberate journey to Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him there.
* [[Mark 10:32-34]]: The disciples' apprehension as Jesus resolutely heads towards Jerusalem.
* [[Luke 2:22]]: Jesus' presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem as an infant.
* [[Luke 13:33]]: Jesus' poignant declaration that a prophet must perish in Jerusalem.
* [[Luke 19:28]]: The triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of His final week.
In the Book of Acts, Jerusalem serves as the strategic birthplace of the early Church and the launching pad for the global evangelistic mission:
* [[Acts 1:4]], [[Acts 1:8]]: The disciples are commanded to remain in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit, from which point they are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
* [[Acts 2:5]]: The diverse gathering of devout Jews from every nation residing in Jerusalem for Pentecost.
* [[Acts 5:28]]: The Sanhedrin's accusation that the apostles have filled Jerusalem with their teaching.
* [[Acts 15:2]]: The pivotal Jerusalem Council, which addressed the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community.
The city is often depicted with a paradoxical nature: a place chosen by God for His presence (the Temple) yet also a place of profound rejection and opposition to His prophets and, ultimately, to Jesus Himself.
### Related Words & Concepts
* Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm, `{{G2419}}`): The alternative Greek form for Jerusalem, often used interchangeably, though with some distributional differences in the New Testament texts.
* Σιών (Sion, `{{G4622}}`): Zion, a poetic and prophetic name often referring to Jerusalem, particularly its spiritual, royal, or eschatological significance, or specifically the Temple Mount.
* ναός (naos, `{{G3485}}`): Temple, the central religious edifice in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's dwelling place among His people and the focal point of Jewish worship and sacrifice.
* πόλις (polis, `{{G4172}}`): City, a general term, but Jerusalem is uniquely designated as "the holy city" ([[Matthew 4:5]], [[Matthew 27:53]]), emphasizing its divine consecration.
* οὐρανός (ouranos, `{{G3772}}`): Heaven, particularly in the concept of the "heavenly Jerusalem" or "New Jerusalem" ([[Galatians 4:26]], [[Hebrews 12:22]], [[Revelation 3:12]], [[Revelation 21:2]]), which transcends the earthly city and represents the ultimate, perfected dwelling of God's people in the new creation.
* יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yerushalaim, `{{H3389}}`): The Hebrew origin of the name, deeply embedded in the Old Testament as the capital of the Davidic kingdom and the site of the First and Second Temples.
### Theological Significance
Jerusalem, denoted by Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, `{{G2414}}`), holds immense theological significance:
* **The Center of God's Redemptive History:** Jerusalem is not merely a geographical point but a divinely chosen stage for the unfolding of salvation. It is where God chose to establish His name ([[1 Kings 11:36]]), where the Temple stood as a symbol of His presence, and where the promised Messiah would ultimately accomplish His atoning work.
* **The Place of Rejection and Fulfillment:** Paradoxically, Jerusalem, identified by Jesus as "the city that kills the prophets" ([[Luke 13:34]]), became the very place where God's ultimate Prophet, Jesus, was rejected, crucified, and resurrected. Through this profound act of both human sin and divine love, ancient prophecies were fulfilled, and salvation was secured for all humanity.
* **The Birthplace and Launching Point of the Church:** From Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost ([[Acts 2]]), empowering the disciples and initiating the Church's global mission. It served as the initial hub from which the gospel message radiated outward, fulfilling Jesus' commission to be witnesses "in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" ([[Acts 1:8]]).
* **A Symbol of Earthly and Heavenly Realities:** Jerusalem serves as a potent dual symbol. The earthly Jerusalem represents the historical, tangible locus of God's interaction with humanity, marked by both divine presence and human rebellion. The heavenly Jerusalem, in stark contrast, symbolizes the eschatological hope of God's perfected kingdom, a city of ultimate peace, righteousness, and eternal communion where God truly dwells among His people forever ([[Revelation 21:2-3]]). This duality encapsulates the biblical tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosólyma, `{{G2414}}`) refers to the city of Jerusalem, which functions as a central geographical and theological cornerstone throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament. Its significance transcends mere location, embodying the heart of God's redemptive plan, serving as the scene of Christ's passion, resurrection, and ascension, and marking the birthplace and launching point of the Church. While frequently depicted as a place of human rebellion and rejection of God's messengers, Jerusalem remains divinely appointed for the unfolding of salvation history. The city also operates as a profound symbol, pointing from its earthly reality to the ultimate, perfected "heavenly Jerusalem" that awaits God's redeemed people. Its consistent and prominent presence in the biblical text underscores its enduring importance in understanding God's intricate interaction with humanity and the progressive establishment of His eternal kingdom.
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