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Zion

The word Zion has various meanings in the scriptures. The most general definition of the word is "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21). Zion is often used in this way to refer to the Lord's people or to the Church and its stakes (see D&C 82:14). It has also been used to refer to specific geographical locations.

Additional Information

The word Zion appears repeatedly in all the books of scripture of the Church. In latter-day revelation, Zion is defined as "the pure in heart" (D&C 97:21).

In the early days of this dispensation, Church leaders counseled members to build up Zion by emigrating to a central location. Today our leaders counsel us to build up Zion wherever we live. Members of the Church are asked to remain in their native lands and help establish the Church there. Many temples are being built so Latter-day Saints throughout the world can receive temple blessings.

The word Zion can also refer to specific geographic locations, as follows:

The city of Enoch (see Moses 7:18–21).

The ancient city of Jerusalem (see 2 Samuel 5:6–7; 1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 9:28).

The New Jerusalem, which will be built in Jackson County, Missouri (see D&C 45:66–67; 57:1–3; Articles of Faith 1:10).

—See True to the Faith (2004), 189–90

Scripture References

Isaiah 2:2–3; 1 Nephi 13:37; D&C 35:24; 39:13; 45:68–71; 59:3–4; 64:41–43; 90:36–37; 97:18–28; 101:16–18; 105:5; 115:5–6; 136:31

Church Magazine Articles

  • "Come to Zion! Come to Zion!"

    Keith B. McMullin, Liahona, Nov. 2002, 94–96; or Ensign, Nov. 2002, 94–96
    The establishment of Zion should be the aim of every member of this Church.

  • "Strengthen Thy Stakes"

    Ezra Taft Benson, Tambuli, Aug. 1991, 2–7; or Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2–5
    Stakes in Zion are strengthened and Zion's borders enlarged as members reflect the standard of holiness that the Lord expects of His chosen people.

  • "Becoming the Pure in Heart"

    Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Mar. 1985, 2–5
    One important end result of our labors, hopes, and aspirations is the building of a latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony, and peace.

  • "Come: Let Israel Build Zion"

    Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign, May 1977, 115–18
    Israel shall be gathered one by one, family by family, unto the stakes of Zion established in all parts of the earth so that the whole earth shall be blessed with the fruits of the gospel.

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Additional Online Materials

  • "Zion"

    Guide to the Scriptures

  • "Zion"

    Encyclopedia of Mormonism
    (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

  • "The Gathering of the House of Israel"

    Gospel Principles, Chapter 42

  • "Zion—The Pure in Heart"

    Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 46

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