### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Tsîydôwn**, represented by `{{H6721}}`, refers to a "fishery," the name of a son of Canaan, and a prominent place in Palestine. It appears **22 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible. The term originates from a root word meaning "catching fish," which reflects the city's significant coastal location and maritime identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6721}}` is established first as a person, with Canaan begetting **Sidon** as his firstborn [[Genesis 10:15]]. More frequently, it is a geographical landmark and a powerful city-state. It defines the border of the Canaanites [[Genesis 10:19]] and the territory of Zebulun [[Genesis 49:13]]. Often paired with its neighbor Tyrus, Zidon is depicted as a center of royal authority and a target of divine judgment, as prophets foretell a day when the LORD will spoil the Philistines and cut off every helper from Tyrus and **Zidon** [[Jeremiah 47:4]]. The Israelites also turned to serve the "gods of **Zidon**," marking it as a source of foreign worship [[Judges 10:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context surrounding **Tsîydôwn**:
* `{{H6865}}` **Tsôr** (Tyre, Tyrus): Defined as "a rock; Tsor, a place in Palestine," this city is almost always mentioned alongside Zidon. They are treated as allied powers, sharing kings and facing similar prophetic judgments [[Jeremiah 25:22]].
* `{{H3669}}` **Kᵉnaʻanîy** (Canaanite): As the firstborn of Canaan, Sidon is the progenitor of a key Canaanite lineage [[Genesis 10:15]]. The term **Kenaanîy** refers to an inhabitant of Kenaan, and Sidon itself marked the northern border of their territory [[Genesis 10:19]].
* `{{H5503}}` **çâchar** (merchant): This word means to "go about, merchant(-man), occupy with, pant, trade, traffick." It highlights Zidon's economic role, as the **merchants** of Zidon are described as those who "pass over the sea" and have replenished other isles [[Isaiah 23:2]].
* `{{H2259}}` **chôbêl** (pilot, shipmaster): Meaning "a sailor," this term directly connects to Zidon's maritime culture. The inhabitants of Zidon served as mariners and wise men who acted as **pilots** for Tyre [[Ezekiel 27:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6721}}` is multifaceted, representing key themes in the biblical account:
* **Ancestral and Geographic Identity:** Zidon serves as a primary genealogical anchor as Canaan's firstborn [[1 Chronicles 1:13]]. It is also a crucial geographical marker for tribal borders [[Joshua 19:28]] and a place the Israelites failed to conquer [[Judges 1:31]].
* **Maritime Power and Commerce:** Rooted in its name "fishery," Zidon is portrayed as a major maritime center. Its inhabitants were known as skilled **mariners** [[Ezekiel 27:8]] and its **merchants** were active in sea trade [[Isaiah 23:2]], underscoring its economic influence in the ancient world.
* **Object of Prophetic Judgment:** Zidon is frequently the subject of divine prophecy. The Lord declares He is against Zidon and will be glorified by executing judgments within it [[Ezekiel 28:22]]. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Joel all proclaim its coming humiliation and destruction ([[Isaiah 23:4]], [[Joel 3:4]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6721}}` carries weight far beyond a simple place name. It functions as a linchpin in Old Testament geography and genealogy, identifying both the firstborn son of Canaan and the powerful coastal city he founded. From its role as a hub of maritime trade to its status as a center of idolatry and a target of divine judgment, **Tsîydôwn** illustrates the complex relationship between Israel, its pagan neighbors, and the sovereignty of God over all nations.
TRV