יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם (ye.ru.sha.laim)
ye.ru.sha.laim
Jerusalem
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 543 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew name Yerushalayim refers to the ancient capital city that became the political and spiritual center of Israel. It appears over five hundred times in the Old Testament, featuring prominently in historical accounts like Kings and Chronicles, as well as in prophetic books such as Jeremiah. The text identifies it as a Canaanite royal city before David established it as the metropolis of the united kingdom.
Traditional interpretations often derive the meaning from roots suggesting "foundation of peace" or "teaching of peace." Linguistic evidence points to a dual form, likely alluding to the city’s two main hills. This structural detail hints at how ancient observers perceived its geography, linking its physical shape to its name.
As the location of the Temple, Jerusalem holds unique weight in Scripture. It is not merely a geographic point but the focal point for national identity and divine presence. The frequent references across diverse genres underscore its central role in the biblical narrative, serving as the stage for both Israel’s highest moments of worship and its deepest periods of judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Jerusalem stands as a central stage in the biblical story, representing more than just a geographic location on a map. It was the political capital chosen by King David and the spiritual home where God’s presence dwelt in the Temple. For believers, this city symbolizes unity and divine favor, serving as the focal point for Israel’s worship and national identity. Its history reflects both the highest moments of devotion and the deepest periods of judgment, reminding readers that God is actively involved in human history.
Understanding Jerusalem helps us see how God works through specific places and people to fulfill His promises. The city’s journey from a Jebusite stronghold to the center of worship illustrates God’s power to transform ordinary settings into sacred spaces. This perspective invites us to appreciate the continuity of God’s plan, linking the Old Testament narratives with the broader story of redemption that Christians believe culminates in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 543 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jerusalem293×
- in/ Jerusalem141×
- and/ Jerusalem29×
- from/ Jerusalem27×
- and/ in/ Jerusalem19×
- to/ Jerusalem18×
- O Jerusalem12×
- and/ to/ Jerusalem7×
- [is] in/ Jerusalem6×
- of/ Jerusalem5×
- Jerusalem/ towards4×
- [is] Jerusalem3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם46×
- יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם\׃44×
- יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם42×
- בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם40×
- יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם34×
- בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם\׃33×
- יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם21×
- יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם20×
- יְרוּשָׁלִַ֜ם16×
- יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙16×
- בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם16×
- בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם15×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:8
The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward.
This verse identifies Jerusalem as Jebusite territory, highlighting its strategic position and the initial resistance Israel faced before David’s conquest.
-
II Samuel 5:6
The king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “The blind and the lame will keep you out of here,” thinking, “David can’t come in here.”
Here David captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, marking the city's transition into the political capital of a united Israel.
-
II Samuel 11:1
At the return of the year, at the time when kings go out, David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed at Jerusalem.
The text notes David staying in Jerusalem while Joab leads armies, emphasizing the city as the seat of royal power and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the name Jerusalem?
Why is Jerusalem important in the Old Testament?
Who lived in Jerusalem before the Israelites took it?
Every Occurrence (543 verses across 24 books)
Joshua 8 verses
Now when Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to…
Joshua 10:3Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish,…
Joshua 10:5Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of…
Joshua 10:23They did so, and brought those five kings out of the cave to him: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king…
Joshua 12:10the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;
Joshua 15:8The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward;…
Joshua 15:63As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites…
Joshua 18:28Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is…