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Zior

Locations
Modern Location Si'air, West Bank
Coordinates 31.5333, 35.0500

Geographical Setting

An ancient settlement in the hill country of Judah identified with the biblical town of Zi-or.

What is the meaning of Zior in the Bible?

Zi-or is a town in the hill country of Judah mentioned in Joshua 15:54, identified with the modern site of Si'air, located approximately 4.5 miles north-northeast of Hebron. The site is characterized by cultivated land, a spring, and rock-cut tombs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Zi-or with Si'air helps readers visualize the specific territorial boundaries assigned to the tribe of Judah and understand the geographical context of the settlement patterns described in the Book of Joshua.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Zior (located near modern Si'air, West Bank) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Zior in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Zior clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Joshua 15:54

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Zior." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zior/
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