Greek word · G4532

Σαλήμ

salēm

Salem

Greek spelling of Hebrew Shalem, the city ruled by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18). The name is related to the root sh-l-m ('whole, at peace').

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

Σαλήμ, ἡ (Heb. שָׁלֵם Genesis 14:18),

Salem: Hebrews 7:1-2 (LXX).†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 7:2

Range of meaning

Greek spelling of Hebrew Shalem, the city ruled by Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18). The name is related to the root sh-l-m ('whole, at peace').

Against the English

All versions keep 'Salem'. Only the explanation that follows tells the English reader it sounds like 'peace'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Psalm 76:2 (76:3 in Hebrew) puts Salem in parallel with Zion. The Genesis Apocryphon from Qumran (1QapGen 22:13) says 'Salem, that is Jerusalem'. Josephus (Antiquities 1.180) says Salem was later called Jerusalem. A minority ancient tradition, mentioned by Jerome, placed Salem near Shechem or Scythopolis.

Where it appears

Hebrews · 2

  1. Hebrews 7:1 Σαλήμ, of Salem,

    This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,

    Here: The city he ruled. Jewish tradition identified it with Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). In 7:2 the writer reads the name as related to shalom, "peace."

  2. Hebrews 7:2 Σαλήμ, of Salem,

    and Abraham apportioned to him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness.” Then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”

    Here: The name of his city (Hebrew 'Shalem'). Jewish tradition identified it with Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2). The author is interested in what the name sounds like: it is related to 'shalom', peace.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.