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Σιδών

Sidṓn

G4605 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Sidon—a prominent ancient coastal city located on the eastern Mediterranean in the region north of Galilee, serving as a major Phoenician port and commercial center. The term designates the city itself, its territory, and, by extension, its inhabitants. In scriptural contexts, it regularly marks a geographic, political, and cultural identity distinct from Israelite areas.

Semantic Range

coastal city of Sidon, Sidonian territory, urban area, region of Sidon, in some contexts, the inhabitants or society of Sidon

Root / Etymology

Borrowed into Greek from Hebrew צִידוֹן (ṣīdôn), a proper place name. The origin of the Hebrew word is uncertain, though connections to roots meaning 'to hunt, to fish' (related to fishing activities) have been proposed.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek literature, Σιδών is attested as early as Homer as a notable city famed for craftsmanship and trade. In Hellenistic and Roman periods, it remained a major Phoenician city, independent from Israelite or Judean territories. In the Septuagint and New Testament, Σιδών refers both to the city and its region, often appearing alongside Tyre (Τύρος) to characterize non-Israelite, specifically Phoenician, coastal inhabitants. English translations traditionally transliterate as 'Sidon' but sometimes obscure its non-Israelite, specifically Phoenician, character. Unlike abstract demonyms such as Σιδώνιος (Sidonian), the form Σιδών identifies specifically the city or the wider locality, not the ethnic or personal designation. The term does not carry religious or ethnic implications beyond geographic and civic identity; care should be taken not to retroactively interpret as Israelite or Judean territory. In scriptural narratives, Sidon is occasionally associated with interactions with Israelite or Judean figures (e.g., Elijah, Jesus) and marks Gentile or non-Israelite spheres of influence within biblical geography.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (צִידוֹן); Sidon (i.e. Tsidon), a place in Palestine:--Sidon.

Root Family

Σιδών (Sidōn) — Sidon (city), Sidon (region), Sidonian territory

Root Σιδών Sidon (city), Sidon (region), Sidonian territory

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4605-03 Σιδῶνος sidonos N GEN F SG Sidon of Sidon Sidon 4
G4605-02 Σιδῶνι sidoni N DAT F SG Sidon in Sidon Sidon 4
G4605-01 Σιδῶνα sidona N ACC F SG Sidon Sidon Sidon 2

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4605-02 Matthew 11:21 Σιδῶνι sidoni N DAT F SG Sidon in Sidon Sidon
G4605-02 Matthew 11:22 Σιδῶνι sidoni N DAT F SG Sidon in Sidon Sidon
G4605-03 Matthew 15:21 Σιδῶνος sidonos N GEN F SG Sidon of Sidon Sidon
G4605-01 Mark 3:8 Σιδῶνα sidona N ACC F SG Sidon Sidon Sidon
G4605-03 Mark 7:24 Σιδῶνος sidonos N GEN F SG Sidon of Sidon Sidon
G4605-03 Mark 7:31 Σιδῶνος sidonos N GEN F SG Sidon of Sidon Sidon
G4605-03 Luke 6:17 Σιδῶνος sidonos N GEN F SG Sidon of Sidon Sidon
G4605-02 Luke 10:13 Σιδῶνι sidoni N DAT F SG Sidon in Sidon Sidon
G4605-02 Luke 10:14 Σιδῶνι sidoni N DAT F SG Sidon in Sidon Sidon
G4605-01 Acts 27:3 Σιδῶνα sidona N ACC F SG Sidon Sidon Sidon
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