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Zion (2)

Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament

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• Zion (2)
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• Zion (2)

(Gr. Σιών)

Zion was one of the hills or ridges (probably the east) on which Jerusalem was built. On this mount the Temple was built, and hence Zion was spoken of as the dwelling-place of Jahweh. Latterly it was synonymous with ‘Jerusalem,’ and ‘daughter of Zion’ became a prophetic designation for the whole nation. In the NT the expression ‘Mount Zion’ is spiritualized. Hebrews (Hebrews 12:18 ff.) contrasts it with Mount Sinai, comparing the fear of the Old Covenant with the freedom of the New. Revelation (Revelation 14:1) names the city of God which is above, ‘Mount Zion,’ recalling the phrase in Hebrews ‘the heavenly Jerusalem.’