Bible Dictionary
Simon
Simon is a shortened form of Simeon and the name of several New Testament people, including Simon the Zealot, Simon Peter, Simon of Cyrene, Simon the sorcerer, and others.
Definition
Simon is the abbreviated form of Simeon and the name of several New Testament persons. These include Simon the Zealot, Simon Peter, Simon of Cyrene, Simon the sorcerer, and others associated with Jesus and the early church.
Biblical Usage
Simon the Zealot was one of the twelve apostles. Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross; Simon the sorcerer professed faith but was rebuked by Peter; Simon the tanner lodged Peter at Joppa. The name also identifies Peter and several other men in the Gospel narratives.
Historical Background
Simon of Cyrene was a Jew from North Africa, where many Jews had been settled. Simon the sorcerer was a Samaritan noted for magical arts before his hollow profession of faith.
Scripture References
Matthew 10:4
Mark 3:18
Luke 6:15
Acts 1:13
John 6:71
John 13:2
John 13:26
Matthew 13:55
Mark 6:3
Luke 7:36-38
Matthew 26:6-13
Mark 14:3-9
Matthew 27:32
Acts 11:20
Acts 8:9-11
Acts 9:43
Matthew 4:18
2Macc 3:4
Acts 2:10
Acts 6:9
Mark 15:21
Luke 23:26
John 19:17
Romans 16:13
Matthew 26:6
Mark 14:3
John 12:1
Acts 8:9
Acts 8:5
John 4:5
Acts 8:10
Acts 8:9-24
Luke 7:40
Acts 10:6
Acts 10:32
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The abbreviated form of Simeon. (1.) One of the twelve apostles, called the Canaanite (Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18). This word “Canaanite” does not mean a native of Canaan, but is derived from the Syriac word Kanean or Kaneniah, which was the name of a Jewish sect. The Revised Version has “Cananaean;” marg., “or Zealot” He is also called “Zelotes” (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13; R.V., “the Zealot”), because previous to his call to the apostleship he had been a member of the fanatical sect of the Zealots. There is no record regarding him. (2.) The father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71; 13:2, 26). (3.) One of the brothers of our Lord (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). (4.) A Pharisee in whose house “a woman of the city which was a sinner” anointed our Lord’s feet with ointment (Luke 7:36-38). (5.) A leper of Bethany, in whose house Mary anointed our Lord’s head with ointment “as he sat at meat” (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). (6.) A Jew of Cyrene, in North Africa, then a province of Libya. A hundred thousand Jews from Palestine had been settled in this province by Ptolemy Soter (B.C. 323-285), where by this time they had greatly increased in number. They had a synagogue in Jerusalem for such of their number as went thither to the annual feasts. Simon was seized by the soldiers as the procession wended its way to the place of crucifixion as he was passing by, and the heavy cross which Christ from failing strength could no longer bear was laid on his shoulders. Perhaps they seized him because he showed sympathy with Jesus. He was the “father of Alexander and Rufus” (Matt. 27:32). Possibly this Simon may have been one of the “men of Cyrene” who preached the word to the Greeks (Acts 11:20). (7.) A sorcerer of great repute for his magical arts among the Samaritans (Acts 8:9-11). He afterwards became a professed convert to the faith under the preaching of Philip the deacon and evangelist (12, 13). His profession was, however, soon found to be hollow. His conduct called forth from Peter a stern rebuke (8:18-23). From this moment he disappears from the Church’s history. The term “Simony,” as denoting the purchase for money of spiritual offices, is derived from him. (8.) A Christian at Joppa, a tanner by trade, with whom Peter on one occasion lodged (Acts 9:43). (9.) Simon Peter (Matt. 4:18). See PETER.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(contracted form of Simeon, a hearing).