1. the hill on which the higher and more ancient part of Jerusalem was built (דָּוִד עִיר, city of David, because David captured it); it was the southwesternmost and highest of the hills on which the city stood; (many now would identify it with the eastern hill, some with the northern; cf. Furrer in Schenkel iii. 216ff; Mühlau in Riehm, under the word; per contra Wolcott in B. D. American edition, under the word; Schultz in Herzog edition 2 vi., p. 543f).

2. used very often for the entire city of Jerusalem itself: Romans 9:33 and 1 Peter 2:6 (after Isaiah 28:16); Romans 11:26 (from Isaiah 59:20); ἡ θυγάτηρ Σιών (see θυγάτηρ, b.β'.), Matthew 21:5; John 12:15.

3. Since Jerusalem, because the temple stood there, was called the dwelling-place of God (cf. Matthew 5:35; κύριος τήν Σιών ᾑρετίσατο εἰς κατοικίαν ἑαυτῷ, Psalm 131:13 ()), the expression τό Σιών ὄρος is transferred to heaven, as the true dwelling-place of God and heavenly beings, the antitype of the earthly Zion: Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 14:1.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • צִיּוֹן (Tsiyyon) • Strong's Hebrew 6726

Zion remains a central theme in biblical theology, representing both the historical city of Jerusalem and the eschatological hope of God's eternal kingdom. Its usage in the New Testament reflects the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New, culminating in the ultimate realization of His promises in Christ.

Usage: The term Σιών is used in the New Testament to denote the city of Jerusalem, particularly in its role as the spiritual center of God's people. It is often employed in a symbolic or eschatological context, representing the heavenly Jerusalem or the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Context: Σιών (Siōn), translated as "Zion" in English, is a significant term in biblical literature, carrying both historical and theological connotations. In the New Testament, Zion is frequently mentioned in connection with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Historically, Zion refers to a specific hill in Jerusalem, the site of the ancient Jebusite fortress captured by King David, which became the City of David (2 Samuel 5:7). Over time, the term expanded to encompass the entire city of Jerusalem and, by extension, the people of Israel.

Theologically, Zion holds a profound place in biblical prophecy and eschatology. It is depicted as the dwelling place of God, the center of divine worship, and the ultimate destination for the redeemed. In the New Testament, Zion is often used to symbolize the heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal city where God's presence dwells with His people.

For example, in Hebrews 12:22, believers are described as having come "to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." This passage highlights the spiritual reality of Zion as the gathering place of the faithful, transcending its earthly counterpart.

In Revelation 14:1, Zion is the setting for the vision of the Lamb standing with the 144,000, symbolizing the triumph of Christ and His followers. This imagery underscores Zion's role as a place of victory and divine fulfillment.

Zion's significance is further emphasized in its association with the Messianic hope. In Romans 9:33, Paul quotes Isaiah, referring to Zion as the place where God lays a "stone of stumbling," pointing to Christ as the cornerstone of salvation.