rarely יְרוּשָׁלַיִם; a dual (in allusion to its two main hills (the true pointing, at least of the former reading, seems to be that of יְרוּשָׁלֵם)); probably from (the passive participle of) יָרָה and שָׁלַם; founded peaceful; Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine; Jerusalem.
Transliteration:Yᵉrûwshâlaim
Pronunciation:yer-oo-shaw-lah'-im
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim), Strong's `{{H3389}}`, is the proper noun designating the ancient city of Jerusalem. Its etymology is widely understood to derive from two Hebrew roots: יָרָה (yarah), likely in its passive participial form meaning "founded" or "laid," and שָׁלַם (shalem), meaning "peace," "completeness," or "wholeness." Thus, the name inherently conveys the meaning "Founded Peaceful" or "Foundation of Peace." The definition also notes its rare alternative pointing יְרוּשָׁלַיִם and the true pointing of the former reading as יְרוּשָׁלֵם, suggesting a dual form, possibly alluding to its two main hills or a double foundation. Semantically, the word primarily denotes the physical city, but its profound theological and historical trajectory imbues it with layers of spiritual significance, transcending a mere geographical designation to become a symbol of divine presence, covenant, and eschatological hope.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city known as Jerusalem first appears in the biblical narrative under the name Salem, where Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram in [[Genesis 14:18]]. This early association with "peace" (shalem) and a priest-king foreshadows its later sacred role. Prior to David's conquest, the city was known as Jebus, inhabited by the Jebusites ([[Judges 19:10]]; [[1 Chronicles 11:4]]). King David's capture of Jebus and establishment of it as his capital, "the City of David," transformed it into the political and administrative heart of the united monarchy ([[2 Samuel 5:6-9]]).
Its most significant transformation occurred under King Solomon, who constructed the First Temple there, making Jerusalem the exclusive center of Israelite worship and the dwelling place of Yahweh's presence ([[1 Kings 6:1-38]]; [[1 Kings 8:1-66]]). Throughout the Divided Kingdom period, Jerusalem remained the capital of Judah, often serving as a focal point for prophetic warnings concerning idolatry and injustice, as well as promises of future restoration and glory ([[Isaiah 1:1]]; [[Jeremiah 2:1-37]]; [[Ezekiel 4:1-17]]). Its eventual destruction by Babylon ([[2 Kings 25:1-21]]) and subsequent rebuilding under Ezra and Nehemiah ([[Ezra 1:1-11]]; [[Nehemiah 2:1-20]]) underscore its resilience and God's faithfulness to His covenant. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is central to the life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ ([[Matthew 2:1]]; [[Luke 19:28-48]]; [[John 19:1-42]]; [[Acts 1:8]]). It is the birthplace of the Church at Pentecost ([[Acts 2:1-47]]) and remains a pivotal setting for the unfolding drama of salvation history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of Yᵉrûwshâlaim connect it directly to several significant Hebrew terms:
* **`{{H7225}}` יָרָה (yarah):** This verb, from which the "founded" aspect of Jerusalem's name is derived, can mean "to throw," "to cast," "to lay a foundation," or "to teach." The sense of "laying a foundation" is most relevant here, implying divine establishment.
* **`{{H7999}}` שָׁלַם (shalem):** This root signifies "peace," "completeness," "wholeness," "soundness," or "prosperity." Its inclusion in the city's name points to an inherent aspiration or divine promise of peace.
* **`{{H3216}}` יְבוּס (Yebûs):** The earlier name for Jerusalem before David's conquest, denoting its original inhabitants, the Jebusites.
* **`{{H5892}}` עִיר דָּוִד (ʿIr Dâwid):** "City of David," a common designation for Jerusalem after its capture by King David, emphasizing its new identity as the capital of God's chosen king.
* **`{{H1004}}` בַּיִת (bayith):** "House," often referring specifically to the Temple (בֵּית יְהוָה, "House of Yahweh") located in Jerusalem, highlighting its role as the center of worship.
* **`{{G2419}}` Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma) and `{{G2420}}` Ἱερουσαλήμ (Hierousalēm):** The two primary Greek transliterations of Jerusalem in the New Testament. While often used interchangeably, Hierousalēm is sometimes employed in more theological or eschatological contexts, such as the "heavenly Jerusalem" ([[Galatians 4:26]]; [[Hebrews 12:22]]; [[Revelation 21:2]]).
### Theological Significance
Jerusalem holds profound theological significance as the city chosen by God to be His dwelling place on earth ([[Psalm 132:13-14]]). It became the singular location for the Temple, where the divine presence (Shekinah) resided, where sacrifices were offered, and where the people of Israel gathered for the annual festivals ([[Deuteronomy 12:5-7]]). As such, it became the epicenter of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, symbolizing His faithfulness, protection, and provision.
Prophetically, Jerusalem is a city of both judgment and glorious restoration. Its periods of unfaithfulness led to divine chastisement and destruction, yet the prophets consistently foretold a future in which Jerusalem would be rebuilt, purified, and become a light to the nations, a center from which God's law and peace would emanate ([[Isaiah 2:2-4]]; [[Zechariah 8:3]]).
In the New Testament, Jerusalem's theological weight intensifies. It is the stage for the climactic events of salvation history: Jesus' redemptive suffering, death, and resurrection ([[Luke 24:18-20]]). It is also the place where the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, initiating the global mission of the Church ([[Acts 2:1-4]]). Ultimately, Jerusalem points beyond itself to the "new Jerusalem" that descends from heaven, symbolizing the perfected, eternal dwelling place of God with His redeemed people, a city of ultimate peace and unblemished communion ([[Revelation 21:2-3]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yᵉrûwshâlaim, `{{H3389}}`) is more than a geographical designation; it is a name laden with theological meaning, signifying "Founded Peaceful" or "Foundation of Peace." From its early mention as Salem to its transformation into the "City of David" and the site of the Temple, Jerusalem became the spiritual and political heart of Israel, the chosen dwelling place of God. Its history is marked by both divine favor and human failure, leading to cycles of judgment and restoration. The city served as the central stage for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the birth of the Church. Ultimately, Jerusalem transcends its earthly reality to become a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, His presence among His people, and the eschatological hope of a perfect, eternal city of peace where God dwells fully with humanity.
TRV