In the Book of Mormon we encounter what the world would consider to be an unusual form and meaning for the word Zion. In an Old Testament setting, Zion usually has reference to the holy mount or, by extension, to the city of Jerusalem. Here and in numerous other places (e.g., 2 Nephi 26:29-31; 2 Nephi 28:20-21, 24; 3 Nephi 16:16-18)
Zion seems to represent the gathering place of the believers, the society of the pure in heart, the setting for the Saints. This concept from the Book of Mormon was enforced through the early revelations given to the Prophet oracles now found in the Doctrine and Covenants.
In fact, this particular expression occurs again and again in the Doctrine and Covenants, a plea with the early laborers in this last vineyard to labor for the cause of the Lord. (See D&C 6:6; D&C 11:6; D&C 12:6; D&C 14:6) The Prophet’s revelatory experience with Enoch and his ancient “city of holiness” in his inspired translation of the King James Version of the Bible (Moses 6-7) was an even more powerful preparation for understanding how and why Zion would be established by the Latter-day Saints.