Encyclopedia entry
Salem
Peace, commonly supposed to be another name of Jerusalem (Gen. 14:18; Ps. 76:2; Heb. 7:1, 2).
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(peace).
The place of which Melchizedek was king. (Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1,2) No satisfactory identification of it is perhaps possible. Two main opinions have been current from the earliest ages of interpretation: (1). That of the Jewish commentators, who affirm that Salem is Jerusalem, on the ground that Jerusalem is so called in (Psalms 76:2) Nearly all Jewish commentators hold this opinion. (2). Jerome, however, states that the Salem of Melchizedek was not Jerusalem, but a town eight Roman miles south of Scythopolis, and gives its then name as Salumias, and identifies it with Salem, where John baptized. (Psalms 76:2) it is agreed on all hands that Salem is here employed for Jerusalem.
In the Bible
4
Verses where Salem is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- Genesis 14:18
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High —
- Hebrews 7:1
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,
- Hebrews 7:2
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.”
- Psalms 76:2
His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.
Scripture on Salem
3
Voices on Salem
24
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
![Jerusalem [Official Lyric Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t_GUwI6zQzE/hqdefault.jpg)
Sources · Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869) · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.