Home › Glossary › Letter S

Sidon

Historical Location
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A major Phoenician port city, associated with trade, idolatry, and Jesus’ ministry

Detailed Definition
Sidon, along with Tyre, was a center of Canaanite culture and Baal worship. Jesus visited its region, healing a Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7). In poetry, Sidon symbolizes maritime commerce, cultural exchange, and the extension of grace beyond Israel—often used to explore the boundaries of inclusion and faith.
Example
Example in poetry:
In the Book of Joshua and Judges, Sidon is a Phoenician city of maritime power; The prophet Isaiah (23) laments Sidon’s fall in poetic oracle; Modern Lebanese poets celebrate Sidon’s ancient port and resilience; In Romantic verse, Sidon symbolizes exotic trade and purple dye; Contemporary poetry uses Sidon to explore Mediterranean identity and colonial layers.
Additional Notes
Sidon, a Phoenician port north of Tyre, symbolizes maritime trade and idolatry (Judges 18; Isaiah 23). In poetry, it evokes purple dye, cedar ships, and prophetic lament. Modern Lebanese poets celebrate its ancient heritage. Students should note its rivalry with Tyre and its Canaanite goddess (Baalat).
Also Known As
Zidon Ancient Phoenicia Harbor of Elishah Cedar Port
Skip to main content