lemma צִיוּן missing dagesh, corrected to צִיּוּן; from the same as צִיָּה in the sense of conspicuousness (compare נָצַח); a monumental or guiding pillar; sign, title, waymark.
Transliteration:tsîyûwn
Pronunciation:tsee-yoon'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צִיּוּן (tsîyûwn, `{{H6725}}`) denotes a prominent marker or signpost, derived from a root conveying the sense of conspicuousness or standing out. Its semantic range encompasses various forms of visible indicators: a monumental pillar, a guiding waymark, a sign, or a title. The underlying concept is something erected or placed to be seen and recognized, serving either as a memorial, a directional aid, or an identifier. It implies a deliberate act of marking for a specific purpose, ensuring that a location, event, or instruction is not overlooked. The connection to צִיָּה (tsîyâ, `{{H6723}}`, `{{H6724}}`) in the sense of "conspicuousness" suggests an object that breaks the monotony of its surroundings, drawing attention to itself. Similarly, the comparison to נָצַח (nâtsach, `{{H5331}}`), meaning "to be preeminent" or "enduring," reinforces the idea of something prominent and lasting.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term צִיּוּן (tsîyûwn, `{{H6725}}`) appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[2 Kings 23:17]]**: In the account of King Josiah's reforms, he inquires about a grave marker in Bethel: "What monument (צִיּוּן) is that which I see?" Here, צִיּוּן refers to a memorial pillar or tombstone, marking the burial place of the prophet who had prophesied against the altar. It serves as a permanent, visible reminder of a past event and a prophetic word, even centuries later. The conspicuousness of the marker is central to its function, allowing Josiah to identify and honor the prophet's resting place.
* **[[Ezekiel 39:15]]**: This passage describes the elaborate process of burying the vast numbers of Gog's army after their defeat. "And when anyone sees a man's bone, then he shall set up a sign (צִיּוּן) by it, till the buriers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-Gog." In this context, צִיּוּן functions as a temporary marker. Its purpose is to conspicuously indicate the presence of uncleanness (a bone), signaling to those responsible for burial that a corpse needs to be interred. This highlights the practical, guiding aspect of the word, facilitating a necessary ritual action.
* **[[Jeremiah 31:21]]**: As part of a prophetic message of restoration and return for Israel, the Lord instructs the exiles: "Set up road signs (צִיּוּנִים) for yourself, make yourself guideposts; set your heart toward the highway, the way by which you went." Here, צִיּוּנִים (the plural form) refers to literal waymarks or signposts. These are erected to guide the returning exiles, ensuring they remember the path back to Zion. This usage emphasizes the directional and instructive quality of the word, portraying God's provision of clear guidance for His people's journey of return.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of צִיּוּן (tsîyûwn, `{{H6725}}`) intersects with several other Hebrew terms related to signs, marks, and memorials:
* **אוֹת ('oth, `{{H226}}`)**: A broad term for a "sign" or "token," often indicating a divine promise, a miraculous event, or a covenantal marker (e.g., the rainbow as a sign of the covenant, [[Genesis 9:12]]). While צִיּוּן is a specific type of physical marker, אוֹת can be more abstract.
* **מַצֵּבָה (matstsebâh, `{{H4676}}`)**: A "standing pillar" or "memorial stone." This term often refers to pillars set up for various purposes, including memorials (e.g., Jacob's pillar at Bethel, [[Genesis 28:18]]), boundary markers, or cultic objects. It shares the physical, erected quality with צִיּוּן but can carry additional religious or cultic connotations.
* **יָד (yad, `{{H3027}}`)**: While primarily meaning "hand," this word can also denote a "monument" or "memorial," particularly in the phrase "a monument/memorial" (יָד וָשֵׁם, yad va-shem, lit. "a hand and a name"), as seen in [[2 Samuel 18:18]] where Absalom erects a monument for himself. This usage emphasizes the lasting remembrance associated with a physical marker.
* **נֵס (nes, `{{H5251}}`)**: A "standard," "banner," or "sign." Often used for a rallying point in battle or a miraculous sign. Like צִיּוּן, it is something visibly raised, but its primary function is often to gather or to display power.
These related terms collectively highlight the biblical emphasis on visible markers for remembrance, guidance, and divine communication, with צִיּוּן specifically focusing on the practical and enduring nature of such markers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of צִיּוּן (tsîyûwn, `{{H6725}}`) is multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine remembrance, human responsibility, and God's providential guidance.
Firstly, as a grave marker (as in [[2 Kings 23:17]]), צִיּוּן underscores the importance of remembrance, even for those long departed. Josiah's respect for the prophet's tomb highlights a reverence for God's word and His messengers, whose legacy is visibly preserved through such a marker. It implicitly points to the enduring impact of prophetic utterances across generations.
Secondly, the use of צִיּוּן as a temporary marker for uncleanness (in [[Ezekiel 39:15]]) reveals God's meticulous concern for ritual purity and order within His people. It speaks to the divine expectation of human diligence in maintaining holiness and the practical steps required to address defilement. This reflects a God who provides clear, albeit temporary, signals for His people to fulfill their responsibilities.
Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, the "road signs" in [[Jeremiah 31:21]] serve as a powerful metaphor for God's faithful guidance and His promise of restoration. The command to "set up צִיּוּנִים" implies that the path back from exile, though long and arduous, will be clearly marked by divine providence. These waymarks symbolize God's active involvement in the journey of His people, ensuring they do not lose their way. They represent hope, direction, and the certainty of return to a covenant relationship. Theologically, this resonates with the concept of God as the ultimate guide, providing clear instructions and markers for His people's spiritual and physical journeys.
### Summary
The Hebrew term צִיּוּן (tsîyûwn, `{{H6725}}`) signifies a prominent, conspicuous marker or signpost, encompassing notions of a monumental pillar, a guiding waymark, or an identifying sign. Its etymology links it to visibility and permanence. Biblical occurrences reveal its use as a grave marker preserving remembrance ([[2 Kings 23:17]]), a temporary sign indicating ritual necessity ([[Ezekiel 39:15]]), and most notably, as a divinely provided waymark for the exiles' return ([[Jeremiah 31:21]]). Theologically, צִיּוּן underscores themes of enduring remembrance, meticulous adherence to divine commands, and God's faithful provision of clear guidance for His people's journey of restoration and hope. It is a testament to the visible and tangible ways God communicates direction and purpose within salvation history.
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