patrial from צִידוֹן; a Tsidonian or inhabitant of Tsidon; Sidonian, of Sidon, Zidonian.
Transliteration:Tsîydônîy
Pronunciation:tsee-do-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy) `{{H6722}}` is a gentilic noun derived from צִידוֹן (Tsîydôn) `{{H6721}}`, the name of the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon. As a gentilic, its core meaning is "Sidonian" or "an inhabitant of Sidon." Semantically, it denotes a person's origin or affiliation with this prominent city, which was known for its maritime trade, commercial prowess, and, significantly, its polytheistic religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal and Asherah. Therefore, beyond mere geographical identification, the term often carries cultural and religious connotations associated with the Sidonian people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy) `{{H6722}}` appears in various Old Testament books, providing insights into the Sidonians' relationship with Israel.
* **Geographical and Ethnic Identification:** The Sidonians are identified as one of the indigenous peoples of Canaan that Israel did not fully dispossess. They are mentioned in the delineation of Israel's promised land and its unconquered territories: "all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians" [[Joshua 13:6]]. Similarly, [[Judges 3:3]] lists them among the nations left to test Israel's obedience: "the Hivites who lived in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon as far as Lebo-hamath, and the Sidonians."
* **Religious Influence and Apostasy:** Perhaps the most significant context for the term is its association with idolatry. King Solomon's foreign wives included "Sidonian women" [[1 Kings 11:1]], who led him astray to worship their gods. Specifically, Solomon is said to have followed "Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians" [[1 Kings 11:5]], building a high place for her. This highlights the direct threat Sidonian religious practices posed to Israel's covenant fidelity.
* **Divine Interaction and Grace:** Despite their pagan associations, the narrative of Elijah's encounter with the widow of Zarephath, a town belonging to Sidon, offers a unique perspective. The Lord sends Elijah to "Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, that you may dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you" [[1 Kings 17:9]]. This account demonstrates God's sovereign care extending even to individuals within a land synonymous with idolatry, showcasing an instance of faith found beyond Israel's borders.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy) `{{H6722}}` is enhanced by examining related terms:
* **צִידוֹן (Tsîydôn) `{{H6721}}`**: The city itself, the geographical and cultural center from which the people originate.
* **כְּנַעֲנִי (Kena'anîy) `{{H3669}}`**: Canaanite. The Sidonians were a prominent and influential group within the broader Canaanite peoples, sharing many cultural and religious characteristics.
* **צֹרִי (Tsôrîy) `{{H6866}}`**: Tyrian. Tyre and Sidon were often mentioned together as the leading Phoenician city-states, frequently allied and sharing similar cultural and commercial interests.
* **אֲשֵׁרָה (ʾĂshērâh) `{{H842}}`**: Asherah. This goddess is explicitly identified as "the goddess of the Sidonians" [[1 Kings 11:5]], linking the term directly to specific idolatrous practices.
* **בַּעַל (Baʿal) `{{H1168}}`**: Baal. Another major deity worshipped by the Sidonians and other Canaanite peoples, often associated with fertility and storms.
* **אֱלִיל (ʾĔlîyl) `{{H457}}`**: Idol or "worthless god." This term encapsulates the biblical writers' view of the Sidonian deities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Sidonian" in the Old Testament is multifaceted:
* **Warning Against Idolatry and Syncretism:** The most prominent theological theme is the danger of idolatry and syncretism. The Sidonians, particularly through their religious practices and intermarriage with Israelites, represent a potent source of spiritual corruption. Solomon's deviation from Yahweh worship due to his Sidonian wives serves as a stark biblical warning against compromising covenant fidelity through foreign alliances and influences [[1 Kings 11:4-8]].
* **Testing of Israel's Obedience:** The continued presence of the Sidonians among Israel's borders was part of God's plan to test their obedience to the command to drive out the inhabitants of the land and avoid their detestable practices [[Judges 3:3-4]]. Their failure in this regard led to spiritual decline and judgment.
* **God's Universal Sovereignty and Grace:** While often depicted as a source of temptation, the story of the Sidonian widow of Zarephath demonstrates God's sovereignty extending beyond Israel's borders. It highlights that God's grace and provision are not limited to the covenant people, and faith can be found even among those from pagan backgrounds [[1 Kings 17:8-16]]. This narrative provides a foreshadowing of the broader reach of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Hebrew term צִידֹנִי (Tsîydônîy) `{{H6722}}` designates an inhabitant of the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon. Biblically, its significance extends beyond mere geographical identification to encompass the cultural and, especially, religious characteristics of this people. The Sidonians are consistently portrayed as practitioners of polytheistic worship, most notably of Ashtoreth, and their influence, particularly through intermarriage, is presented as a significant catalyst for Israel's apostasy, epitomized by King Solomon's spiritual decline [[1 Kings 11:1-8]]. Thus, "Sidonian" serves as a potent symbol of the dangers of idolatry and the temptation to compromise exclusive devotion to Yahweh. However, the narrative of the Sidonian widow of Zarephath also subtly testifies to God's universal sovereignty and the possibility of faith arising even from unexpected places [[1 Kings 17:8-16]], underscoring the breadth of divine grace.
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