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What is Zion in the Bible?

The city of David in Jerusalem, described as the place where the LORD dwells and a name for Jerusalem and its people.

Zion is the hill and stronghold in Jerusalem that David captured from the Jebusites, and the name is also used in Scripture for Jerusalem and its people. Second Samuel says David took the strong hold of Zion, which is the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Chronicles 11:5).

Zion in the Bible

Solomon later brought the ark of the covenant up out of the city of David, which is Zion (1 Kings 8:1). The Psalms call it God's holy hill, where he sets his king (Psalms 2:6), and describe the LORD as dwelling in Zion (Psalms 9:11). Psalms 78:68 says God chose mount Zion, which he loved.

The prophets often speak of the daughter of Zion as a figure for the city and its people, whether in judgment (Lamentations 2:1) or in hope (Zechariah 9:9). Isaiah foresees many peoples going up to the mountain of the LORD, for out of Zion shall go forth the law (Isaiah 2:3). The exiles in Babylon weep when they remember Zion (Psalms 137:1), and Isaiah promises that the redeemed of the LORD shall return with singing to Zion (Isaiah 51:11).

Name origin
Hebrew
Role
Stronghold and hill of Jerusalem
First mention
2 Samuel 5:7
Appearances in the Bible
153 mentions

Questions about Zion

What is Zion in the Bible?

Zion is the hill and stronghold in Jerusalem that David captured from the Jebusites, and the name is also used in Scripture for Jerusalem and its people. Second Samuel says David took the strong hold of Zion, which is the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7; 1 Chronicles 11:5). Solomon later brought the ark of the covenant up out of the city of David, which is Zion (1 Kings 8:1). The Psalms call it God's holy hill, where he sets his king (Psalms 2:6), and describe the LORD as dwelling in Zion (Psalms 9:11). Psalms 78:68 says God chose mount Zion, which he loved. The prophets often speak of the daughter of Zion as a figure for the city and its people, whether in judgment (Lamentations 2:1) or in hope (Zechariah 9:9). Isaiah foresees many peoples going up to the mountain of the LORD, for out of Zion shall go forth the law (Isaiah 2:3). The exiles in Babylon weep when they remember Zion (Psalms 137:1), and Isaiah promises that the redeemed of the LORD shall return with singing to Zion (Isaiah 51:11).

Where is Zion first mentioned in the Bible?

Zion is first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:7.

How many times is Zion mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 153.