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Salem

Biblical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An ancient name for Jerusalem, associated with Melchizedek, king and priest of God Most High.

Detailed Definition
Salem (Genesis 14; Psalm 76) means “peace” and prefigures Jerusalem’s sacred role. In poetry, it symbolizes primordial holiness, the unity of kingship and priesthood, and the eternal city as a place of divine encounter and blessing.
Example
Example in poetry:
Salem—ancient name for Jerusalem (Psalm 76:2)—fuels peace poetry: “Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought bread and wine—type of Christ”; A modern poem: “My Salem is the city where justice and peace kiss”; In a sonnet on typology: “Salem means ‘peace’—and only Christ fulfills her name”; Liturgical verse: “Blessed Salem, foreshadow of the New Jerusalem.”
Additional Notes
Salem (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 76:2) is traditionally identified with Jerusalem and linked to Melchizedek, “king of Salem” and “priest of God Most High,” who blessed Abraham. The name means “peace,” prefiguring Jerusalem’s eschatological role (Isaiah 2:4). In Hebrews 7, Melchizedek becomes a Christological type. In poetry, Salem symbolizes primordial peace, priestly kingship, and the sacred city as a nexus of blessing—ideal for meditations on origins, divine order, and the city as both historical place and theological ideal.
Also Known As
Jerusalem (in poetic context) Shalem Jerusalem
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