Jerusalem
/ˈdʒɛr.ə.səl.əm/noun
The capital city of Israel, significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Did you know?The name Jerusalem is linked to ancient texts and suggests a city of divine peace, yet it has been a focal point of conflict for centuries.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Semitic
ʕršlm
“Possibly meaning 'foundation of peace'.”
Ancient Hebrew
Hebrew
יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushalayim)
“The city associated with peace and divine presence.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἰερουσαλήμ (Ierousalēm)
“Adopted from Hebrew, referring to the sacred city.”
Latin
Latin
Hierosolyma
“Latinized version of the Greek name, used in Christian texts.”
Middle English
Middle English
Jerusalem
“Direct borrowing from Latin, representing the holy city in religious contexts.”
Modern English
English
Jerusalem
“Current use refers to the capital of Israel, steeped in religious significance.”