Places in the Bible · Settlement

Zion

Zion is a settlement mentioned in 148 verses. Its most likely location is another name for Jerusalem. The name means “monument; raised up; sepulcher.”

Where is Zion?

Approx. 31.7767, 35.2342 · OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

Possible modern locations

IdentificationTypeConfidence
another name for JerusalemsettlementHigh

Zion in the Bible dictionary

Sunny; height, one of the eminences on which Jerusalem was built. It was surrounded on all sides, except the north, by deep valleys, that of the Tyropoeon (q.v.) separating it from Moriah (q.v.), which it surpasses in height by 105 feet. It was the south-eastern hill of Jerusalem.

When David took it from the Jebusites (Josh. 15:63; 2 Sam. 5:7) he built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became “the city of David” (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 19:21, 31; 1 Chr. 11:5). In the later books of the Old Testament this name was sometimes used (Ps. 87:2; 149:2; Isa. 33:14; Joel 2:1) to denote Jerusalem in general, and sometimes God’s chosen Israel (Ps. 51:18; 87:5).

In the New Testament it is used sometimes to denote the Church of God (Heb. 12:22), and sometimes the heavenly city (Rev. 14:1).

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain. Full dictionary entry →

Verses that mention Zion

  • 2 Samuel 5:7

    Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

  • 1 Kings 8:1

    Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.

  • 2 Kings 19:21

    This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:5

    And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:2

    Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.

  • Psalms 2:6

    Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

  • Psalms 9:11

    Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

  • Psalms 9:14

    That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

  • Psalms 14:7

    Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the Lord bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

  • Psalms 20:2

    Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

All 148 references