### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Σιδών (Sidṓn)**, represented by `{{G4605}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Sidon**, a place in Palestine. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. As a significant coastal city, it is frequently mentioned in the context of Jesus's ministry in the surrounding regions and serves as an important geographical and theological marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4605}}` appears primarily in the Gospels. Jesus traveled into the "coasts" or "borders" of Tyre and **Sidon** ([[Matthew 15:21]], [[Mark 7:24]]). His fame was such that a "great multitude" from the sea coast of Tyre and **Sidon** came to hear him and be healed ([[Luke 6:17]], [[Mark 3:8]]). The city is also used as a point of comparison when Jesus rebukes Chorazin and Bethsaida, stating that if the mighty works performed there had been done in Tyre and **Sidon**, the people would have repented [[Matthew 11:21]]. The prophet Elias was sent to **Sarepta**, a city of **Sidon**, to a widow [[Luke 4:26]]. Additionally, the apostle Paul touched at **Sidon** during his journey to Rome and was permitted to visit friends [[Acts 27:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the significance of `{{G4605}}`:
* `{{G5184}}` **Týros** (Tyrus (i.e. Tsor), a place in Palestine:--Tyre): This city is almost always mentioned alongside Sidon, establishing them as a pair of significant Gentile coastal cities. They are often treated as a single region, as in "the coasts of Tyre and Sidon" [[Matthew 15:21]].
* `{{G4558}}` **Sárepta** (Sarepta (i.e. Tsarephath), a place in Palestine:--Sarepta): This location is explicitly identified as "a city of Sidon," directly linking it to the region of `{{G4605}}` and highlighting it as a place of God's provision for a non-Israelite widow [[Luke 4:26]].
* `{{G5503}}` **chḗra** (a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively:--widow): The account of Elias being sent to Sarepta centers on his encounter with a **widow**, illustrating God's care extending into the territory of Sidon [[Luke 4:26]].
* `{{G3340}}` **metanoéō** (to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent): This action is what Jesus declared the people of Tyre and Sidon would have done if they had witnessed his mighty works, using them as a standard of potential belief against which unrepentant Israelite towns were judged [[Matthew 11:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and geographical weight of `{{G4605}}` is significant in the New Testament.
* **A Benchmark for Unbelief:** Jesus uses Sidon as a rhetorical example to condemn the hardened hearts of Chorazin and Bethsaida. The implication that this Gentile city would have **repented** in **sackcloth** `{{G4526}}` and **ashes** `{{G4700}}` serves as a sharp rebuke to the cities in Israel that witnessed His miracles and did not believe ([[Matthew 11:21]], [[Luke 10:13]]).
* **Principle of Judgment:** As a consequence of this comparison, Jesus states that it will be "more tolerable" for Tyre and **Sidon** in the day of **judgment** `{{G2920}}` than for the unrepentant Israelite cities ([[Matthew 11:22]], [[Luke 10:14]]). This illustrates that accountability is tied to the level of revelation received.
* **Scope of Christ's Ministry:** The fact that Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and **Sidon**, and that crowds from there sought him out, demonstrates that His mission and fame were not confined to Jewish lands ([[Mark 3:8]], [[Mark 7:31]]).
* **Divine Providence for Gentiles:** The story of Elias being sent to a widow in a city of **Sidon** is used by Jesus to show a historical precedent for God's work extending beyond the people of Israel [[Luke 4:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4605}}` **Sidon** functions as far more than a geographical location in scripture. It is a key Gentile city used to provide a stark contrast with the unbelief of some in Israel. It represents the broader world to which Christ's influence extended and serves as a benchmark for repentance and a symbol for God's judgment and provision. The use of **Sidon** underscores the universal nature of the gospel's call and consequences.
TRV