CategoryDoctrine / Symbolic Place Term
Modern EquivalentJerusalem; God’s people; heavenly city.
KJV Word TypeTheological place / symbolic term
DefinitionZion can refer to a hill in Jerusalem, Jerusalem itself, God’s covenant people, God’s dwelling presence, or the heavenly Jerusalem depending on context.
Key Verses"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." (Psalm 48:1–2); "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," (Hebrews 12:22)
KJV Usage NoteThe KJV may use both “Zion” and “Sion.” Depending on context, the term can refer to a physical hill, Jerusalem, God’s covenant people, or the heavenly Jerusalem.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not always mean only a geographic hill; in Scripture it can also symbolize Jerusalem, God’s people, God’s dwelling presence, or the heavenly city.
EtymologyFrom Hebrew Ṣiyyon, often understood as “fortress” or a place-name associated with Jerusalem.