Bible Dictionary
Simeon
Simeon may refer to Jacob’s son, an aged worshiper who saw the infant Jesus, an ancestor of Joseph, or other New Testament men bearing the name. The name means hearing.
Definition
Simeon is a name meaning hearing. It may refer to Jacob’s second son, the aged worshiper who saw the infant Jesus, an ancestor of Joseph, Simeon Niger of Antioch, or the apostle Peter as designated by James.
Biblical Usage
Jacob’s son Simeon was associated with Levi in the attack on Shechem and was later held as a hostage in Egypt. Simeon in the temple gave thanks and prophesied concerning Jesus. Simeon Niger was a teacher at Antioch, and James used Simeon for Peter.
Historical Background
The name is applied to several people in Scripture, including an ancestor of Joseph and Simeon Niger, a teacher of distinction in the church at Antioch.
Scripture References
Genesis 29:33
Luke 2:29-35
Luke 3:30
Acts 13:1-3
Acts 15:14
Genesis 34:25
Genesis 42:19
Genesis 42:24
Genesis 42:36
Genesis 43:23
Genesis 46:10
Numbers 1:23
Joshua 19:1-8
1 Chronicles 4:28-33
Judges 1:3
Judges 1:17
1 Chronicles 4:31
2 Chronicles 15:9
2 Chronicles 34:6
1 Chronicles 4:41-43
Luke 2:25-35
Acts 22:3
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Hearing. (1.) The second son of Jacob by Leah (Gen. 29:33). He was associated with Levi in the terrible act of vengeance against Hamor and the Shechemites (34:25, 26). He was detained by Joseph in Egypt as a hostage (42:24). His father, when dying, pronounced a malediction against him (49:5-7). The words in the Authorized Version (49:6), “they digged down a wall,” ought to be, as correctly rendered in the Revised Version, “they houghed an ox.” (2.) An aged saint who visited the temple when Jesus was being presented before the Lord, and uttered lofty words of thankgiving and of prophecy (Luke 2:29-35). (3.) One of the ancestors of Joseph (Luke 3:30). (4.) Surnamed Niger, i.e., “black,” perhaps from his dark complexion, a teacher of some distinction in the church of Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). It has been supposed that this was the Simon of Cyrene who bore Christ’s cross. Note the number of nationalities represented in the church at Antioch. (5.) James (Acts 15:14) thus designates the apostle Peter (q.v.).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(heard).