I. Etymology, Topography, and Historical Significance

The toponym “Zion” (Heb. צִיּוֹן/ṣiyyôn, a cognate of צִיָּה/ṣiyyāh, “dry”) signifies “dry place” and, in derivation therefrom, “mountain ridge.” In this meaning, Zion entered into the designation of a “fortress of Zion” (Heb. מְצֻדַת צִיּוֹן/m^eṣudat ṣiyyôn) on the southeastern hill of Jerusalem overlooking the Gihon, which David renamed “City of David” (Heb. עִיר דָּוִד/ʿîr dāwid; 2 Sam 5:7, 9).…