The Meanings Of "daughter Of Zion"

[nosmelone]

So I was reading the most recent issue of BAR (Biblical Archaeology Review) and came across an article in regards to a new book entitled, Rejoice, Dear Zion! by Norwegian scholar Magnar Kartveit where he explores the idea of different meanings for the phrase "Daughter of Zion".  He states that the traditional translation (Hebrew) does not capture the emotions originally intended by the Hebrew phrase.  He notes that "Zion" does have many meanings one of which is a symbol of longing and belonging and suggests that it should not be translated as "Daughters of Zion" but as "dear Zion" or "poor Zion" which more accurately evoke compassionate aspect of the phrase. 

 

(as a side note the articles author wonders if the same would apply to the male form of the phrase such as "ben David"  which usually means Son of David, could it instead mean "dear David"?)

 

So in applying this idea to the phrase as found in the Book of Mormon through a quick search revealed the Daughter of Zion phase or similar can be found 6 times most of which (4) are in chapters quoting Isaiah.  These seem to be able to go with either translation but (although the Daughter of Zion translation applies best to 2 Nephi 13:16 Compare to Isaiah 3). 

 

In looking at the verses outside of the Isaiah comparisons we have 3 Nephi 20:37 which states,

 

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

 

This translation may be better suited with the phrase "poor Zion" in that setting. 

 

The other verse in question is Moroni 10: 31 which states,

 

And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem,; yea, and put on they beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen they stakes and enlarge they borders forever, that thou mayest no more be confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.

 

This verse seems to best be understood using the current "daughter of Zion" phrase due to the "beautiful garments" phrase but I suppose it could go both ways. 

 

Anyway it seems as this change in translation or understanding of the phrase "daughter of Zion" is both hit and miss on the Isaiah statements and on the statements used by other BOM prophets in the New World.  I find it interesting that the New World prophets seems to be using it in an interchangeable way as well. Does it seem logical that the prophets of old both in the Old World and New World knowingly used the phrase knowing that it could be interchangeably used or does it just go to show that its just a matter of interpretation per case?

[theplains]

Anyway it seems as this change in translation or understanding of the phrase "daughter of Zion" is both hit and miss on the Isaiah statements and on the statements used by other BOM prophets in the New World.  I find it interesting that the New World prophets seems to be using it in an interchangeable way as well. Does it seem logical that the prophets of old both in the Old World and New World knowingly used the phrase knowing that it could be interchangeably used or does it just go to show that its just a matter of interpretation per case?

 

Gotquestions has a good analysis of this. Isaiah 3:16 mentions "daughters" of Zion too.

See some commentary.

 

Regards,

Jim