צִידוֹן (tsi.don)
tsi.don
Sidon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun Tsidon refers to both a person and a place, linked by a shared name that the sources associate with the idea of hunting. In Genesis 10:15, it names the firstborn son of Canaan, establishing him as a patriarchal figure among the early inhabitants of the land. This individual is listed alongside brothers such as Heth and the Jebusite, marking his role in the genealogies that trace the origins of various Canaanite groups.
The name also identifies the ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast, just north of Tyre. This urban center appears frequently in the prophets, particularly in Jeremiah and Isaiah, where it serves as a symbol of wealth and maritime power. The biblical text often pairs Sidon with Tyre to represent the broader coastal region’s influence and its occasional opposition to Israel.
Translators consistently render this word as "Sidon," preserving the proper noun across both its human and geographical uses. The connection between the ancestor and the city suggests a common origin for the people who settled there. By appearing in both historical lists and prophetic judgments, the name anchors the narrative of Israel’s neighbors within the broader scope of ancient Near Eastern history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Sidon appears in Scripture as both a person and a place, anchoring the history of Israel’s neighbors in the ancient Near East. In Genesis, Sidon is named as the firstborn son of Canaan, marking him as a patriarchal figure among early inhabitants. This genealogical record reminds us that all peoples trace their origins to God’s creative order, even when their paths diverge from His people later on.
As a city, Sidon stood on the Mediterranean coast north of Tyre, known for its wealth and maritime power. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah used it as a symbol of worldly influence that often opposed Israel. Yet even in judgment, these passages show God’s sovereignty over all nations. The story of Elijah being sent to a widow in Zarephath, which belonged to Sidon, reveals that God’s care extends beyond borders to those who seek Him.
When we read about Sidon, we see a reminder that God’s plan includes all peoples. His mercy is not limited by geography or lineage. This invites us to trust in His broader purpose for the world and to recognize His hand in every nation’s story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sidon12×
- from/ Sidon2×
- and/ to/ Sidon1×
- and/ Sidon1×
- [belongs] to/ Sidon1×
- O Sidon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִיד֑וֹן3×
- צִיד֥וֹן2×
- צִידֽוֹן\׃1×
- צִידֹֽן\׃\ \ס1×
- צִידֹ֥ן1×
- צִיד֣וֹן1×
- צִיד֜וֹן1×
- צִיד֛וֹן1×
- צִיד֗וֹן1×
- צִיד֔וֹן1×
- מִ/צִּידֹ֔ן1×
- מִ/צִּיד֗וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:15
Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth,
This verse identifies Sidon as the firstborn son of Canaan, establishing his role as a patriarchal figure in the genealogies of early inhabitants.
-
I Kings 17:9
“Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.”
Here God directs Elijah to Zarephath in Sidon, showing His provision extends to a foreign widow outside Israel.
-
Isaiah 23:2
Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon that pass over the sea have replenished.
The prophet addresses the merchants of Sidon, highlighting the city’s wealth and maritime influence as part of God’s judgment on worldly powers.
-
Judges 10:6
The children of Israel again did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and served the Baals, the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines. They abandoned Yahweh, and didn’t serve him.
Sidon is listed among the gods Israel served, illustrating how easily people turn to foreign influences when they abandon Yahweh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sidon mean in the Bible?
Why is Sidon mentioned with Tyre?
How does Sidon relate to Elijah?
What role does Sidon play in the prophets?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 9 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth,
Genesis 10:19The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and…
Genesis 49:13“Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea. He will be for a haven of ships. His border will be on Sidon.