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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉrûwshâlaim**, represented by `{{H3389}}`, is the name for **Jerusalem**, the capital city of Palestine. The name means **founded peaceful**. It appears **643 times** across **600 unique verses**, establishing it as a central location in the biblical narrative. Jerusalem is depicted as a physical city and a spiritual symbol, representing the heart of God's relationship with His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3389}}` serves multiple roles. It is the chosen city, the place where God's law and word go forth ([[Isaiah 2:3]], [[Micah 4:2]]) and where His people are to worship the King [[Zechariah 14:16]]. However, it is also a city marked by sin and judgment. The prophets condemn its abominations [[Ezekiel 9:4]] and warn of God's fury against its inhabitants for their evil doings [[Jeremiah 4:4]]. The city endures siege [[Daniel 1:1]] and its desolations are prophesied [[Daniel 9:2]]. Ultimately, Jerusalem is the focus of immense hope and restoration, with promises that the LORD will build it up again [[Psalms 147:2]], make it a praise in the earth [[Isaiah 62:7]], and open a fountain for sin and uncleanness within it [[Zechariah 13:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the identity and significance of Jerusalem:
* `{{H5892}}` **'îyr** (city): This term is fundamentally linked to Jerusalem, which is often called "the holy **city**" [[Isaiah 52:1]], highlighting its consecrated status.
* `{{H6726}}` **Tsîyôwn** (Zion): This name is frequently used in parallel with Jerusalem, signifying its spiritual and physical heart, as seen in the call to "rejoice greatly, O daughter of **Zion**; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem" [[Zechariah 9:9]].
* `{{H2346}}` **chôwmâh** (wall): The restoration of the **wall** of Jerusalem is a significant theme of rebuilding, security, and the reversal of reproach [[Nehemiah 2:17]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): Jerusalem is the location of the **house** of David and the **house** of the LORD, central to its identity as a royal and religious capital ([[Zechariah 12:10]], [[1 Kings 9:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3389}}` is immense, illustrating God's redemptive plan.
* **Center of Divine Worship:** Jerusalem is the place of God's holy **mount** [[Isaiah 27:13]] and will be called the **throne** of the LORD where all nations are gathered [[Jeremiah 3:17]].
* **Symbol of Transgression and Judgment:** The city is held accountable for its sins, becoming a reproach [[Nehemiah 2:17]]. Its inhabitants' wickedness leads to divine judgment, described as drinking from the cup of the LORD's **fury** [[Isaiah 51:17]] and becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah [[Jeremiah 23:14]].
* **Focal Point of Restoration:** God promises to comfort Zion and **choose** Jerusalem again [[Zechariah 1:17]]. Prophecies foretell its rebuilding [[Isaiah 44:26]] and its establishment as a **praise** in the earth [[Isaiah 62:7]].
* **Source of Spiritual Cleansing and Life:** In a future day, living **waters** will flow from Jerusalem [[Zechariah 14:8]], and a **fountain** will be opened for sin and uncleanness [[Zechariah 13:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3389}}` is far more than a geographical capital. It is a central theological concept in Scripture, representing the place of God's chosen dwelling, the heart of the nation of Israel, and the focal point of divine judgment and redemption. The story of Jerusalem encapsulates the broader narrative of humanity's relationship with God: from divine favor and worship to sin, desolation, and the ultimate promise of glorious restoration.
TRV