Συμεών

Simeon or Simon

Definition

Συμεών is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim‘on), meaning 'hearing' or 'he has heard.' In the New Testament, it refers to several distinct individuals. The most prominent is the righteous man in Jerusalem who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah (Luke 2:25-34). It also refers to Simon Peter, the apostle, as seen in Acts 15:14 and 2 Peter 1:1, where the Hebrew form is used for emphasis. Additionally, it identifies other figures like a prophet in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1) and an ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:30).

Biblical Usage

The name Συμεών appears seven times across the Gospels, Acts, and the epistles. In Luke's Gospel, it is used exclusively for the devout man in the temple (Luke 2:25, 34). In Acts, it identifies a prophet (Acts 13:1) and is used by James to refer to Simon Peter (Acts 15:14). The apostle Peter himself uses the Hebrew form in the opening of his second letter (2 Peter 1:1), possibly to underscore his Jewish heritage and apostolic authority. It also appears in the list of the tribes in Revelation 7:7.

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shim‘on), from the verb שָׁמַע (shama‘), meaning 'to hear.' The Greek form Συμεών is a direct transliteration, preserving the original Semitic meaning of 'hearing' or 'one who hears.' It is etymologically related to the more common Greek form Σίμων (Simon, G4613), which is used interchangeably in some contexts.

Semantic Range

The use of Συμεών is theologically significant as it connects key figures to God's covenant faithfulness. Simeon in the temple represents the faithful remnant of Israel awaiting the consolation and revelation of the Messiah (Luke 2:25-32). When Peter is called Συμεών (2 Peter 1:1; Acts 15:14), it highlights his Jewish identity within the early church and God's fulfillment of prophecy in gathering a people for his name from among the Gentiles. The name itself, meaning 'hearing,' subtly points to the importance of hearing and responding to God's word.

In first-century Jewish culture, using the Hebrew form Συμεών instead of the more Hellenized Σίμων could convey a sense of traditional piety, ethnic identity, or scriptural resonance. For a figure like the temple Simeon, the name reinforces his portrayal as a devout, expectant Jew. When applied to Simon Peter, it may emphasize his role within the Jewish Christian community and his foundational place in the apostolic mission to both Jews and Gentiles.

Σίμων (Simōn, G4613) — The more common Greek form of the same name, used frequently for Simon Peter and others.

Word Details

Scripture References