### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Σαλήμ (Salēm, `{{G4532}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun שָׁלֵם (Shalem, `{{H8003}}`). Its core meaning is primarily geographical, referring to a specific ancient city in Palestine. However, the etymological root of "Shalem" (שָׁלֵם) carries the semantic range of "complete," "whole," "sound," or "peace." This underlying meaning is crucial for understanding the theological implications associated with the place name. Therefore, "Salem" can be understood not merely as a location but as a place embodying the concept of peace and completeness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Σαλήμ (Salēm, `{{G4532}}`) occurs only once in the New Testament, in [[Hebrews 7:1]]. Here, it is found in the phrase "Melchizedek, king of Salem." This New Testament reference directly alludes to the Old Testament account in [[Genesis 14:18]], where Melchizedek is first introduced as "king of Salem" who brings out bread and wine to Abram.
In the Old Testament, "Salem" is widely understood to be an ancient name for Jerusalem. This identification is strongly supported by passages such as [[Psalm 76:2]], which states, "In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion." Since Zion is a well-known poetic and theological designation for Jerusalem, the parallelism firmly links Salem with Jerusalem.
The context in [[Hebrews 7:1]] is a deep theological exposition of Melchizedek's priesthood, demonstrating its superiority to the Levitical priesthood and its prefigurement of Christ's eternal high priesthood. The author of Hebrews explicitly interprets Melchizedek's titles: "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, was first translated 'king of righteousness' (from his name Melchizedek), and then also 'king of peace' (from the name of his city, Salem)" ([[Hebrews 7:1-2]]). This interpretation highlights the intrinsic connection between the name of the city and the character of its king, both pointing to attributes of the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew root שָׁלֵם (shalem, `{{H8003}}`), from which Salem derives. This root is foundational to the concept of "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`), meaning "peace," "completeness," "welfare," or "wholeness." The identification of Salem with Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, `{{H3389}}`) is also crucial, as Jerusalem itself is often interpreted as "city of peace" or "foundation of peace," continuing the semantic thread of the root.
The figure of Melchizedek (מַלְכִּי־צֶדֶק, `{{H4442}}`) is inextricably linked to Salem. His name, meaning "my king is righteousness," combined with his title "king of Salem" (king of peace), creates a powerful typological connection to Christ, who is both righteous and the bringer of peace. The concept of peace (εἰρήνη, `{{G1515}}`) is thus central to the theological significance of Salem.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Σαλήμ (Salēm, `{{G4532}}`) in the New Testament is entirely tied to its role in the typology of Melchizedek, who serves as a profound prefigurement of Jesus Christ.
1. **Prefigurement of Christ:** By interpreting "king of Salem" as "king of peace," the author of Hebrews directly connects Melchizedek to Christ, who is the ultimate "Prince of Peace" ([[Isaiah 9:6]]) and the one who establishes true peace between God and humanity ([[Ephesians 2:14-18]]). Salem, as the city of peace, becomes a symbol of the spiritual realm where God's ultimate peace is revealed.
2. **Eternal Priesthood:** The association of Melchizedek with Salem underscores the unique and eternal nature of his priesthood, which is "without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God" ([[Hebrews 7:3]]). This priesthood, originating from Salem, is presented as superior to the Levitical priesthood and serves as the model for Christ's everlasting high priesthood "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 7:11-17]]).
3. **Divine Order and Completeness:** The root meaning of "shalem" (completeness, wholeness) subtly points to the divine order and the ultimate completeness found in God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ. Salem, as a place of divine encounter and blessing (where Melchizedek met Abraham), represents a locus where God's perfect will and peace are manifest.
4. **The City of God:** Through its identification with Jerusalem, Salem also carries the broader theological weight of the "City of God," a spiritual dwelling place of righteousness and peace, ultimately realized in the New Jerusalem ([[Revelation 21:2]]), where God's people dwell in perfect peace and completeness with Him.
### Summary
Σαλήμ (Salēm, `{{G4532}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew "Shalem" (שָׁלֵם, `{{H8003}}`), signifying "peace" or "completeness." It refers to an ancient city widely identified as an early name for Jerusalem. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 7:1]] is profoundly significant, linking it to Melchizedek, the "king of Salem," who serves as a vital type of Jesus Christ. The city's name, "peace," is explicitly interpreted in Hebrews to underscore Melchizedek's role as "king of peace," thereby prefiguring Christ, the ultimate bringer of divine peace and the possessor of an eternal priesthood. Thus, Salēm, though a geographical designation, carries deep theological resonance, symbolizing divine order, spiritual completeness, and the profound peace established through Christ's redemptive work.
TRV