The Greek word Hierousalem (Ἱερουσαλήμ) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). A variant spelling Hierosolyma (Ἱεροσόλυμα) also appears, often used in secular contexts. Jerusalem appears over 140 times in the NT.
Jerusalem stands at the geographic and theological center of redemptive history. In the Gospels, Jesus' ministry moves inexorably toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51: 'He resolutely set out for Jerusalem'). It is the city of the great King (Matthew 5:35), where prophets are killed and the Messiah must suffer. Jesus wept over it (Luke 19:41). The cross and resurrection happened there. Pentecost inaugurated the church there (Acts 2). The early church spread outward from Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). Paul's theology in Galatians (4:25–26) contrasts earthly Jerusalem (slavery) with the 'Jerusalem that is above' (freedom). Hebrews 12:22 calls believers to 'Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.' Revelation culminates with the New Jerusalem descending from heaven — the ultimate fulfillment of all Jerusalem pointed toward.