Series
Lost Meanings of the Bible
Jerusalem is called a holy city because it stands at the center of major biblical events, Israel's Temple worship and, for Christians, the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus. The Bible itself uses “holy city” language for Jerusalem, and Revelation later transforms the image into the heavenly New Jerusalem.
The Clear Answer
Jerusalem's holiness in Scripture is connected with God's covenant history, David, the Temple and the events of Christ's final days. The origin of the name “Jerusalem” is ancient and debated. It should not simply be translated as “City of Peace,” although the name's older Semitic elements are related to a root also associated with peace and completeness.
Is Jerusalem Called the Holy City in the Bible?
Yes. Biblical texts use “holy city” language in relation to Jerusalem, and Matthew also uses the expression. Revelation speaks of the holy city in its vision of the New Jerusalem.
It is therefore more accurate to say Jerusalem is a city repeatedly called holy in biblical and religious tradition than to claim it is the only city in the world known by that title.
What Does the Name Jerusalem Mean?
The name is much older than biblical Hebrew in its later form and appears in ancient Near Eastern records.
Scholars commonly connect part of the ancient name with Shalem or Shalim, a West Semitic name related to the same root family as Hebrew shalom, meaning peace or wholeness. Ancient etymology is debated, however, and “City of Peace” is better treated as a traditional interpretation than a certain literal translation.
David and Jerusalem
Jerusalem becomes especially important in the biblical narrative when David captures the city and makes it his political center.
David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, strengthening the city's religious importance as well.
His son Solomon later builds the First Temple there.
The Temple and the Holy City
The Temple makes Jerusalem the center of Israel's sacrificial worship and pilgrimage. Psalms celebrate journeys to Zion and the joy of entering Jerusalem.
The city's sacred importance does not mean its people are portrayed as automatically righteous. The prophets repeatedly criticize injustice and unfaithfulness in Jerusalem. Biblical holiness brings responsibility as well as privilege.
Jerusalem and Jesus
Jerusalem is central to the final phase of Jesus' earthly ministry.
The Gospels place His entry into the city, Last Supper, arrest, trial, crucifixion and Resurrection in or around Jerusalem.
Pentecost also takes place in Jerusalem in Acts 2, making the city central to the beginning of the Church's public mission.
Read Palm Sunday: Meaning, History and Traditions.
Golgotha and the Holy Sepulchre
The traditional sites associated with Jesus' Crucifixion and tomb are preserved within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
For the meaning of Golgotha, see Why Is Golgotha Called the Place of the Skull?.
The New Jerusalem
Christian Scripture eventually expands Jerusalem beyond geography. Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem descending from heaven and portrays God's dwelling with humanity.
The image gathers together themes of covenant, worship, holiness and final restoration.
For Christians, earthly Jerusalem therefore carries both historical importance and an eschatological symbolism pointing toward God's final kingdom.
Jerusalem Is Sacred to More Than Christians
Jerusalem is sacred in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Any responsible account of the city's present significance should recognize that its religious history is shared and often contested.
For Christians, the city's importance is inseparable from the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. That does not erase the deep Jewish and Muslim attachments to the same city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jerusalem holy to Christians?
Because of its biblical history and especially the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus, followed by Pentecost.
Does Jerusalem mean City of Peace?
That is a traditional interpretation, but the ancient etymology is more complicated and debated.
Was Jerusalem always Israel's capital in the Bible?
No. David establishes it as his capital after earlier periods centered elsewhere.
What is the New Jerusalem?
Revelation's symbolic vision of the holy city in the renewed creation and God's dwelling with humanity.
Final Thoughts
Jerusalem is called holy because Scripture repeatedly places it at the intersection of covenant, worship, judgment and salvation. For Christians, its significance reaches a climax in the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, then opens toward the biblical hope of the New Jerusalem.
