Zion — Meaning in the Bible
Originally the stronghold David captured in Jerusalem; then a name for the temple mount, for Jerusalem and for God's people.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
"David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is David's city." Later the name is used for the hill of the temple and for the whole city. 2 Samuel 5:7Psalm 2:6Psalm 48:1–2
The prophets use Zion for God's people and future hope. Hebrews says believers have come to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3Isaiah 52:7–8Hebrews 12:22
Key passages
- 2 Samuel 5:6–7 — The stronghold of Zion.
- Psalm 48:1–3 — The joy of the whole earth.
- Psalm 137:1 — By the rivers of Babylon we wept, remembering Zion.
- Isaiah 2:2–4 — The law goes out from Zion.
- Hebrews 12:22 — You have come to Mount Zion.
Original language
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
Study further
- Psalm 48 Celebrating Zion.
- Isaiah 2:1–5 All nations stream to it.