Σίμων

Simon

Definition

Σίμων is a common masculine personal name in the New Testament, referring to several distinct individuals. Most prominently, it denotes Simon Peter, the leading apostle of Jesus, who is also called Cephas (John 1:42) and is frequently highlighted in the Gospels and Acts (e.g., Matthew 4:18, Acts 10:5). The name also refers to Simon the Zealot, another of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15), Simon the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55), Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6), Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus's cross (Matthew 27:32), and Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:9. The meaning of the name itself does not change, but its referent is critical for identifying the specific person in each biblical passage.

Biblical Usage

The name Σίμων appears approximately 70 times across the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage is almost exclusively as a personal identifier. In the Gospels, it most frequently refers to Simon Peter, especially in narratives of his calling (Matthew 4:18), his confession of Christ (Matthew 16:16), and his interactions with Jesus. In Acts, it continues to refer to Peter (Acts 10:5) but also introduces Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9). The Gospel of John sometimes uses 'Simon Peter' to avoid confusion with other Simons (John 6:68).

Etymology

The name Σίμων (Simon) is of Hebrew origin, derived from the name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim‘on), meaning 'he has heard' or 'hearing.' It was a very common Jewish name in the Second Temple period, reflecting the patriarch Simeon, son of Jacob. The Greek form was adopted into common usage, and several notable New Testament figures bear this name, connecting them to this traditional Hebrew heritage.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is a common identifier, its association with Simon Peter is theologically significant. Peter's renaming by Jesus to 'Cephas' (Peter, meaning 'rock') in John 1:42 signifies his foundational role in the church (Matthew 16:18). The transformation of Simon the fisherman into Peter the apostle illustrates God's grace in calling and reshaping individuals for His purposes. Understanding that 'Simon' and 'Peter' refer to the same person in different contexts helps track his spiritual journey and leadership.

In first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman culture, Σίμων was an extremely common name, much like 'John' or 'James.' This sometimes leads to ambiguity in the biblical text, requiring additional descriptors (like 'Peter,' 'the Zealot,' or 'of Cyrene') to specify which Simon is intended. The name's Hebrew roots maintained a connection to Jewish identity and the covenant community, even as it was used in the Greek-speaking world.

Πέτρος (Petros, G4074) — The name Jesus gave to Simon, meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' Κηφᾶς (Kēphas, G2786) — The Aramaic equivalent of Peter, also meaning 'rock.'

Word Details

Scripture References