Zion
/ˈzaɪ.ən/noun
A biblical name for Jerusalem or the hill where the city’s sacred center was located, later used symbolically for a holy place or community.
Did you know?The name comes from a Semitic root tied to a fortified hill or stronghold, and over centuries it became one of the most loaded sacred symbols in Jewish, Christian, and later Rastafarian tradition.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Biblical / Ancient Near East
Semitic
ṣywn / ṣiyyôn
“A name for a fortified hill or stronghold, likely referring to the original Jebusite citadel.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
צִיּוֹן (Ṣiyyôn)
“Zion, the hill and later the sacred center associated with Jerusalem.”
Septuagint Era
Greek
Σιών (Siōn)
“The Hebrew name rendered into Greek scripture and liturgical tradition.”
Latin / Medieval Christianity
Latin
Sion
“A biblical sacred place, often used for Jerusalem and the heavenly city.”
Old English / Middle English
English
Sion / Zion
“The biblical holy hill or city of God, later a symbol of spiritual home or redemption.”
Modern English
English
Zion
“A name for Jerusalem’s sacred center; by extension, a symbol of holiness, liberation, or promised belonging.”