31 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud
Jerusalem is the city God chose "that my name might be there" (2 Chronicles 6:6). First called Salem, then Jebus, it became David's capital and the place of Solomon's temple. Jesus wept over it, died and rose there, and the gospel went out "beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47). Scripture ends with the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).
The city of the great King, where God set His name. Its fullest meaning is the heavenly city, the Jerusalem above (Hebrews 12:22).
But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Chronicles 6:6
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.
I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Kings 11:36
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.
A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 48:1
Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 5:35
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 125:2
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Zechariah 8:3
At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.
At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Jeremiah 3:17
Jerusalem's early names, David's capital and Solomon's temple.
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine — since he was priest of God Most High —
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Genesis 14:18
In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 76:2
And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:
From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 15:8
6And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. 7Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. 8And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless , David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David. ” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Samuel 5:6-8
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Chronicles 3:1
32Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. 33By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. 34For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city, declares the LORD. I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Kings 19:32-34
David called worshippers to pray for the city of God's house. Christians pray for the Jerusalem above, God's people in Christ (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22).
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 122:6
5If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. 6If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 137:5-6
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Daniel 6:10
Judgment came on the city, and God brought His people back to rebuild it.
How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness resided within her, but now only murderers!
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 1:21
And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.
He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem — every significant building.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Kings 25:9
2That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Nehemiah 1:2-4
Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ezra 1:3
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Nehemiah 2:17
Jesus went up to the holy city, wept over it, foretold its fall (fulfilled when Rome destroyed it in AD 70), and sent the gospel out from it.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 2:42
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 4:5
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 23:37
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 19:41
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 21:20
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Luke 24:47
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Acts 1:8
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Revelation 21:2
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 4:26
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Revelation 21:10
Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.
“In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.”
Psalms 76:2 KJV · 12 words
Listen“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”
Psalms 122:6 KJV · 12 words
Listen“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,”
Luke 19:41 KJV · 14 words
Listen“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”
Galatians 4:26 KJV · 14 words
ListenExact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.
“We have also heard that the Jerusalem above is built with walls of sacred stones. And we agree that the twelve gates of the heavenly city, being made to look like precious stones, point to the surpassing grace of the apostolic message.”
The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.
Yerushalaim Hebrew · Strong’s H3389
founded peaceful; Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel
Hear it & see its versesHierousalem Greek · Strong’s G2419
Jerusalem, the capital of Israel
Hear it & see its versesJerusalem is the city God chose for His name and His temple (2 Chronicles 6:6). David made it his capital, and Solomon built the temple there. Jesus died and rose again there, and He sent His apostles out from Jerusalem to all nations (Acts 1:8).
Listen: 2 Chronicles 6:6 · Acts 1:8
It was first called Salem, where Melchizedek was king (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 76:2). Later it was Jebus, the city of the Jebusites (Joshua 15:8). David took the stronghold of Zion, and it became the city of David (2 Samuel 5:6-8).
Listen: Genesis 14:18 · Joshua 15:8
Strong's gives the Hebrew name Yerushalaim the meaning "founded peaceful" (H3389). Its old name, Salem, sounds like shalom, the Hebrew word for peace. That is why the psalm says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6).
Listen: Psalms 122:6
In Psalm 122 David calls God's people, going up to the house of the LORD, to pray for the city's peace and well-being "because of the house of the LORD our God" (Psalm 122:6-9). Jesus also longed for Jerusalem's peace and wept over it (Luke 19:41-42).
Listen: Psalms 122:6-9 · Luke 19:41-42
The new Jerusalem is the holy city John saw "coming down from God out of heaven" (Revelation 21:2), where God lives with His people forever. Paul calls it "Jerusalem which is above," the mother of us all (Galatians 4:26).
Listen: Revelation 21:2 · Galatians 4:26
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