Σιών (Siōn)
Siōn
Zion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word Siōn refers to Zion, the ancient hill in Jerusalem that became synonymous with the city itself and God’s dwelling place among His people. Derived from a Hebrew term meaning “a parched place,” it originally denoted the specific fortified ridge where the Jebusite citadel stood before David captured it. In the New Testament, this proper name appears only seven times, carrying significant weight in both historical and prophetic contexts.
Its usage shifts between literal geography and profound theological symbolism. Jesus quotes Isaiah when entering Jerusalem on a donkey, identifying Himself as the humble King arriving at Zion (Matthew 21:5; John 12:15). Paul later expands the concept, contrasting earthly Jerusalem with the heavenly city, describing believers as having come to “Mount Zion” and the assembly of the firstborn in heaven (Hebrews 12:22). Revelation similarly places the Lamb on Mount Zion, surrounded by the redeemed (Revelation 14:1).
Translators consistently render Siōn as “Zion,” preserving its distinct identity rather than merging it with general terms for Jerusalem. The word serves as a bridge between Israel’s physical history and the spiritual hope of the Church. It reminds readers that God’s presence is not confined to a single location but extends to a heavenly reality where believers are gathered together in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zion began as a specific fortress in Jerusalem, yet Scripture quickly expands its meaning to represent God’s chosen dwelling place among His people. When Jesus entered the city riding a donkey, He fulfilled prophecy by identifying Himself as the humble King arriving at this holy site. This act connected the physical history of Israel with a deeper spiritual reality: God is present not just in stone buildings, but in the person of Christ.
For believers today, the concept of Zion points beyond earthly geography to a heavenly hope. The New Testament describes Christians as having come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God. This means our true home is secure in heaven, where we are gathered with countless others in Christ. It offers comfort that our faith connects us to a timeless, spiritual kingdom that cannot be shaken.
This promise invites you to rest in the assurance that your citizenship is heavenly. No matter where you stand on earth, you belong to this eternal community. The hope of Zion reminds us that God’s presence is with us now and will be fully revealed when we join the redeemed in glory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zion5×
- of Zion;2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σιὼν5×
- Σιών·2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:5
“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This verse identifies Jesus as the humble King fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy, linking His earthly ministry directly to the identity of Zion.
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Hebrews 12:22
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels,
Here the term shifts from physical location to a spiritual reality, describing believers' access to the heavenly Jerusalem and God's presence.
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Revelation of John 14:1
I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.
The Lamb stands on Mount Zion here, symbolizing the ultimate victory and security of the redeemed who bear God's name.