Σαλήμ (Salēm)
Salēm
Salem
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Salēm refers to Salem, a city associated with Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18. The name derives from the Hebrew root for peace, suggesting that this location was understood as a place of tranquility or wholeness. In the biblical narrative, it serves as the setting where Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meets Abraham after a military victory.
This brief mention carries significant weight in the New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 7:1-2. The author uses Salem to highlight the mysterious and timeless nature of Melchizedek’s priesthood, which predates the Levitical line. By identifying Salem with Jerusalem, early interpreters connected this ancient figure of peace to the heart of Israel’s religious life, emphasizing a continuity between old covenant history and the superior priesthood of Christ.
Although the word appears only twice in Scripture, its theological resonance is strong. It anchors the argument in Hebrews that Jesus belongs to a priestly order not based on ancestry but on an indestructible life. The name itself, meaning peace, reinforces the idea that true mediation between God and humanity brings rest and reconciliation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Salem carries a quiet weight in Scripture, meaning simply "peace." It appears in Hebrews 7 as part of the description of Melchizedek, an ancient king and priest who met Abraham. This brief mention does more than identify a location; it points to a priesthood rooted in righteousness and peace rather than lineage or law.
For your faith, this offers a comforting picture of Jesus. He is not just a king but a priest who brings true wholeness. His ministry establishes a lasting peace with God that does not depend on human effort or ancestry. You can rest in the knowledge that your mediator secures a stable relationship with the Father.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Salem,2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σαλήμ,2×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:1
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
This verse introduces Melchizedek as king of Salem, establishing his dual role as ruler and priest before the Levitical system existed.
-
Hebrews 7:2
to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”,
The author explicitly translates Salem as "king of peace," linking the city's name to the character of Christ's eternal priesthood.