Quick Answer: How to Say Jerusalem in Hebrew
Jerusalem in Hebrew is:
Meaning: City of Peace or Foundation of Peace
How to Pronounce Yerushalayim
The Hebrew word יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushalayim) is pronounced yeh-roo-shah-LAH-yim.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- יְרוּשָׁ (yerusha) - Sounds like "yeh-roo-shah" (the "yeh" as in "yes", the "roo" as in "room", the "shah" as in "father")
- לַיִם (layim) - Sounds like "LAH-yim" (the "ah" as in "father", emphasis on this syllable, the "yim" as in "yim" with a soft "y")
Stress: The emphasis is on the third syllable: yeh-roo-shah-LAH-yim
Practice Saying Yerushalayim
Try saying it slowly: yeh-roo-shah (pause) LAH-yim
Then say it faster: yeh-roo-shah-LAH-yim
Tip: The name has five syllables. Break it down: yeh-ROO-shah-LAH-yim.
What Does Yerushalayim Mean?
The name יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushalayim) has a rich and debated meaning. The most common interpretations are:
🕊️ City of Peace
From "ir" (city) + "shalom" (peace) - the city where peace dwells
🏛️ Foundation of Peace
From "yir'eh" (he will see) + "shalom" (peace) - the place where God sees peace
📍 Dual Form
The "-ayim" ending is a dual form, possibly referring to the two hills of Jerusalem
📖 Biblical Usage
Appears over 800 times in the Hebrew Bible, making it one of the most mentioned places
Key Insight: The name Yerushalayim likely combines elements meaning "city" or "foundation" with "shalom" (peace). The "-ayim" ending is a dual form in Hebrew, which may refer to the two hills on which Jerusalem was built (Mount Zion and the Temple Mount) or emphasize the completeness of the city. Despite its name meaning "peace," Jerusalem has seen much conflict throughout history, making it a city that both embodies the hope of peace and the reality of human struggle.
How to Use Yerushalayim
Yerushalayim appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts. Here's how it's used:
1. In Biblical References
Yerushalayim is mentioned over 800 times in the Hebrew Bible:
Psalm 122:6:
שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָיִם
Sha'alu shalom Yerushalayim
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem"
This verse shows the connection between Jerusalem and peace (shalom).
2. Combined with Other Names
Jerusalem is often called by other names in Scripture:
Zion: צִיּוֹן (Tzion) - Another name for Jerusalem, especially the Temple Mount
City of David: עִיר דָּוִד (Ir David) - The original city captured by David
Holy City: עִיר הַקֹּדֶשׁ (Ir Hakodesh) - The holy city
Note: These names emphasize different aspects of Jerusalem's significance.
Biblical Significance of Yerushalayim
Jerusalem is central to the biblical narrative and holds profound significance for Jews and Christians. Here are key biblical concepts involving Jerusalem:
Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
שַׁאֲלוּ שְׁלוֹם יְרוּשָׁלָיִם יִשְׁלָיוּ אֹהֲבָיִךְ
Sha'alu shalom Yerushalayim yishlayu ohavayikh
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!"
This psalm expresses the deep love and concern for Jerusalem's peace and security.
Isaiah 2:3 - The Mountain of the LORD
כִּי מִצִּיּוֹן תֵּצֵא תוֹרָה וּדְבַר יְהוָה מִירוּשָׁלָיִם
Ki miTzion tetze Torah udvar Adonai miYerushalayim
"For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem"
Jerusalem is the place from which God's word and instruction go forth to all nations.
Practical Tips for Understanding Yerushalayim
How to Study
- Practice pronunciation: Say "yeh-roo-shah-LAH-yim" slowly, breaking it into syllables
- Read the Psalms: Study psalms that mention Jerusalem to see its significance
- Understand the meaning: Reflect on the connection between Jerusalem and peace (shalom)
- Study biblical references: Look up verses mentioning Jerusalem to understand its role in Scripture
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