Σαλήμ G4532
Salem, the city of Melchizedek (likely early Jerusalem), symbolizing peace and righteousness
Σαλήμ represents the Hebrew שָׁלֵם (Shalem), the city where Melchizedek was king and priest (Genesis 14:18). Traditionally identified with early Jerusalem, Salem means 'peace' and became symbolic in biblical theology. Hebrews 7 uses this reference to argue for Christ's superior priesthood—Jesus as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, whose very city-name signifies peace. The dual role of Melchizedek as king of Salem (peace) and king of righteousness makes him a typological precursor to Christ.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Hebrews 7:1-2 unpacks the symbolic meaning of Salem in conjunction with Melchizedek's name, creating a theological argument from the very etymology. The genitive form 'of Salem' emphasizes Melchizedek's royal-priestly identity. All major translations preserve Salem as a proper noun, recognizing its theological weight in Christian typology. 2×
AR["سَاليمَ"]·ben["শালেমের"]·DE["Salem"]·EN["of-Salēm"]·FR["Salem"]·heb["שָׁלֵם"]·HI["शालेम,"]·ID["Salem"]·IT["salēm"]·jav["Salem"]·KO["살렘의"]·PT["de-Salém"]·RU["Салима"]·ES["de-Salḗm"]·SW["wa-Salemu"]·TR["Salem'in"]·urd["سالم-کا"]
Related Senses
H3808 1. simple negation (not) (4839×)G1722 1. locative: in, within (2442×)H1004b 1. house, dwelling, building (2015×)G3756 1. not (negation particle) (1635×)H4480a 1. source or separation (1198×)H5892b 1. city, town (1093×)G1519 1. direction: into, to, toward (1061×)H3427 1. Qal: to dwell, inhabit (937×)G1537 1. from, out of (source/origin) (886×)H8034 1. Name (designation / identifier) (856×)G3361 1. subjective negation (not) (834×)G1909 1. on, upon (spatial surface) (757×)H0369 1. existential negation: there is not (738×)H5869a 1. in the eyes/sight of (evaluative) (734×)H5650 1. Servant, attendant, subject (723×)H0408 1. prohibitive negation do-not (712×)G2443 1. so that, in order that (purpose/result) (665×)G0575 1. from (649×)G1223 1. through, by means of (582×)H3541 1. thus, so, in this manner (569×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
Σαλήμ, ἡ (Heb. שָׁלֵם Gen.14:18), Salem: Heb.7:1-2 (LXX).† (From Abbott-Smith. LSJ has no entry)