Ἱεροσόλυμα

From the study of John 2:13

Range of meaning

The Greek-style form of the Hebrew name Yerushalayim. Greek writers such as Josephus used it, and it is grammatically plural. The other form, Ierousalēm, follows the Hebrew more closely and has a more biblical, sacred feel. Luke and Paul use it often. John uses only Hierosolyma.

Against the English

English has only one word, 'Jerusalem', so the difference between the two forms disappears in translation. That is not a real loss for meaning here.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus, the Greek historians, and Septuagint books written in Greek (e.g. 2 Maccabees). Some ancient writers explained the name through Greek hieros, 'holy' (Josephus, Antiquities 7.67, links it with 'Solyma').

From the study of Matthew 21:1

Range of meaning

Jerusalem. This Greek form of the name, a neuter plural, sounds like Greek hieros, 'holy' or 'sacred'. The other form, Ierousalēm, keeps the Hebrew sound.

Against the English

English has only one form, 'Jerusalem'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus and other Greek writers use Hierosolyma. Matthew uses it about a dozen times and Ierousalēm only once, in Jesus' lament 'Jerusalem, Jerusalem' (23:37), which sounds more Hebrew and more solemn.

From the study of Matthew 5:35

Range of meaning

Jerusalem. This is the Greek-style form, a neuter plural that may have been understood as 'Holy Solyma'. Matthew uses it everywhere except 23:37, where he has the Hebrew-style Ἰερουσαλήμ.

Against the English

English has only 'Jerusalem', so the difference between the two Greek forms is lost. It does not change the meaning here.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Mishnah (Nedarim 1:3) discusses vows using the formula 'like Jerusalem' and treats them as binding. That shows oaths and vows calling on Jerusalem were in use. In Matthew 23:16–22 Jesus criticises the scholars who grade oaths by the temple, its gold, the altar and the offering.