the same (regularly) as צִיּוּןlemma צִיוּן missing dagesh, corrected to צִיּוּן; Tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of Jerusalem; Zion.
Transliteration:Tsîyôwn
Pronunciation:tsee-yone'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma צִיּוֹן (Tsîyôwn), transliterated as Tsîyôwn, refers primarily to a specific geographical location in ancient Jerusalem. Its base definition points to it as "a mountain of Jerusalem" and "a permanent capital," linking it to צִיּוּן (tsiyyun), which can mean a "sign" or "landmark." This suggests a prominent, marked, or designated place.
Semantically, Tsîyôwn encompasses several layers of meaning:
1. **Geographical:** Initially, it designated the Jebusite stronghold captured by David, which became known as the "City of David" ([[2 Samuel 5:7]]). This was a specific hill in Jerusalem. Over time, its usage expanded to refer to the Temple Mount, even if geographically distinct, and often to Jerusalem as a whole.
2. **Metonymical:** It frequently serves as a poetic or prophetic metonym for the entire city of Jerusalem, its inhabitants, or the land of Judah.
3. **Theological/Symbolic:** This is its most profound application. Zion becomes the chosen dwelling place of Yahweh, the center of His divine presence, the source of salvation, and the symbolic representation of God's people and His eschatological kingdom. It embodies the spiritual heart of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Tsîyôwn appears over 150 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the prophetic books and Psalms.
Its earliest significant appearance is in [[2 Samuel 5:7]], where David conquers the Jebusite stronghold and renames it "the City of David." This act transforms a pagan fortress into the political and religious capital of Israel.
In the Psalms, Zion is frequently celebrated as God's chosen dwelling place and the source of His blessing and salvation. [[Psalm 9:11]] calls for praise to the Lord who dwells in Zion. [[Psalm 48:2]] describes it as "beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth." [[Psalm 132:13-14]] explicitly states, "For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: 'This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'" It is from Zion that God's salvation goes forth ([[Psalm 14:7]], [[Psalm 53:6]]).
The prophets often use Zion to represent various aspects of God's people and His future plans. Isaiah frequently refers to "the daughter of Zion" ([[Isaiah 1:8]]), personifying the city and its inhabitants, often in distress but also with a promise of future glory and restoration ([[Isaiah 60:14]]). [[Isaiah 2:3]] prophesies that "the law will go out from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem," highlighting its role as a spiritual center for all nations. Jeremiah and Lamentations lament the destruction of Zion ([[Lamentations 1:4]], [[Lamentations 2:10]]), while Zechariah envisions its glorious restoration and God's return to dwell within it ([[Zechariah 8:3]]).
In the New Testament, Zion is referenced spiritually. [[Hebrews 12:22]] speaks of believers having come "to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem," transcending its earthly location to represent the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the church. [[Revelation 14:1]] depicts the Lamb standing on Mount Zion with the 144,000, symbolizing the redeemed people of God in the heavenly realm.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, `{{H3389}}`):** Zion is often used interchangeably with or as a specific part of Jerusalem. While Zion was originally a specific hill, poetic and prophetic usage often blurs the distinction, using Zion as a synonym for the entire city, particularly its spiritual essence.
* **City of David (עִיר דָּוִיד):** This is the direct designation for the captured fortress of Zion after David made it his capital ([[2 Samuel 5:7]]).
* **Mount Moriah (מוֹרִיָּה, `{{H4179}}`):** The location where the Temple was built ([[2 Chronicles 3:1]]). Although geographically distinct from the original City of David, the religious significance of both led to a conceptual conflation, with "Zion" often encompassing the Temple Mount in later poetic and prophetic literature.
* **Holy Mountain (הַר קֹדֶשׁ):** Zion is frequently referred to as God's holy mountain, emphasizing its consecrated status as the place of His presence ([[Psalm 2:6]], [[Psalm 48:1]]).
* **Daughter of Zion (בַּת צִיּוֹן):** A common poetic personification of the inhabitants of Jerusalem or Judah, often conveying their suffering, hope, or joy ([[Isaiah 1:8]], [[Zechariah 9:9]]).
* **New Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם הַחֲדָשָׁה, `{{G2419}}`):** In the New Testament, this concept represents the ultimate eschatological fulfillment of Zion's promises, a heavenly city where God dwells eternally with His redeemed people ([[Revelation 21:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tsîyôwn is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Election and Presence:** Zion is uniquely chosen by God as His dwelling place ([[Psalm 132:13-14]]). This election elevates it beyond a mere geographical location to a sacred space where the divine and human realms intersect. God's presence in Zion signifies His covenant faithfulness and His immanence among His people.
2. **Source of Salvation and Deliverance:** From Zion, God's salvation goes forth ([[Psalm 14:7]]). It is depicted as a secure refuge and a place from which God acts decisively to deliver His people and execute judgment on His enemies ([[Joel 3:16]]). This establishes Zion as a beacon of hope and a symbol of divine intervention.
3. **Center of God's Universal Kingdom:** Prophets envision Zion as the ultimate spiritual capital from which God's law and word will go forth to all nations ([[Isaiah 2:3]]). It represents the future eschatological kingdom of God, where all peoples will stream to worship the Lord.
4. **Symbol of Hope and Restoration:** Despite periods of judgment and exile, Zion remains a potent symbol of future restoration and glory. Prophecies of Zion's rebuilding and repopulation signify God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and the ultimate triumph of His redemptive plan ([[Isaiah 60:14]], [[Zechariah 8:3]]).
5. **Spiritualized and Heavenly Reality:** In the New Testament, the concept of Zion transcends its earthly, physical boundaries. It becomes a metaphor for the spiritual community of believers (the church) and, ultimately, the heavenly city of God ([[Hebrews 12:22]]). This shift underscores that God's true dwelling is not confined to a physical location but is found in His redeemed people and His eternal kingdom.
### Summary
Tsîyôwn (Zion) evolves from a specific geographical stronghold in Jerusalem, the "City of David," into one of the most potent and multifaceted theological symbols in the Bible. It initially signifies a physical location, the chosen political and religious capital of Israel. However, its meaning quickly expands to represent the very dwelling place of Yahweh, the source of His salvation, and the center of His universal kingdom. It embodies God's presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and the hope of future restoration. In the New Testament, Zion culminates as a spiritual reality, representing the heavenly Jerusalem and the ultimate gathering of God's redeemed people. Thus, Zion stands as an enduring emblem of divine election, redemption, and the eternal reign of God.
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