Simeon is a figure mentioned several times in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Here is an overview of the key things the Bible tells us about who Simeon was:
Simeon, Son of Jacob
The first Simeon we meet in the Bible is Simeon, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Genesis 29:33). Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel, was the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. Simeon’s mother was Leah, one of Jacob’s wives.
Genesis 29:33 tells us that Leah named her second son Simeon, saying “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” This suggests she felt unloved compared to Rachel, Jacob’s other wife, and saw Simeon as a sign of God’s favor.
Together with his brothers, Simeon shared in the covenant God made with Abraham to make their descendants into a great nation (Genesis 15:18-21). However, Simeon stands out among the brothers for his ruthlessness and anger.
In Genesis 34, Simeon and his brother Levi took violent revenge against Shechem, a local prince who had assaulted their sister Dinah. They betrayed Shechem and his people and indiscriminately killed all the men. Jacob later rebuked Simeon and Levi for this brutal act (Genesis 49:5-7).
So among Jacob’s sons, the Bible paints Simeon as ruthless and cruel in his anger. The scattered references to Simeon throughout the rest of Genesis and Exodus do not add much detail to his character.
The Tribe of Simeon
In addition to being the name of one of Jacob’s twelve sons, Simeon also became the name of one of the tribes of Israel. As the descendants of the original Simeon multiplied in the exodus from Egypt, they formed the Tribe of Simeon.
When Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan, the land was divided among the twelve tribes. The tribe of Simeon received cities within the territory allotted to Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This may reflect that Simeon was seen as a weaker tribe that needed protection.
The Bible does not record Simeon as playing a major role in Israel’s history over the next centuries. They are listed among the tribes who stayed loyal to the Davidic dynasty when the kingdom divided (1 Kings 12:23). But they seem to have been a small tribe without much influence.
By the time of the exile to Babylon, the Tribe of Simeon was essentially assimilated into Judah and did not maintain a distinct identity (1 Chronicles 4:24-43). The fierce Simeonite character lived on mostly in the name alone.
Simeon the Prophet in Jerusalem
We next meet a Simeon in the short account in Luke 2:25-35. Here Luke describes “Simeon” as a righteous and devout Jewish man living in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Led by the Spirit, Simeon came to the temple courts just as Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus to complete the ritual purification rites.
Simeon immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah and praised God, praying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Simeon then blessed Joseph and Mary but also warned Mary that Jesus would cause the falling and rising of many and that a sword would pierce her own soul as well (Luke 2:34-35). The righteous Simeon thus confirmed Jesus’ identity as Messiah and foretold the redemptive but painful mission He was born for.
Simeon Called Niger
The book of Acts mentions another Simeon. In Acts 13:1-3, Luke lists certain prophets and teachers active in the church at Antioch:
“Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” (Acts 13:1)
This Simeon clearly played a leadership role in the early Antioch church. His nickname “Niger” indicates he likely had black skin, showing the ethnic diversity of the church.
But Acts gives no further biographical information about this Simeon beyond his inclusion among the prophets and teachers at Antioch.
Simeon Peter
In some translations, the apostle Peter is referred to as “Simeon Peter” or “Simon Peter.” This reflects the Greek form of his name used in the Gospel accounts. The original Hebrew/Aramaic form of Peter’s name was likely “Simeon.”
John 1:42 in the ESV, for example, records Jesus naming him: “He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).” The underlying Greek text actually has “You are Simeon…”
So references to “Simon Peter” or “Simeon Peter” refer to the lead apostle, not different individuals named Simeon and Simon. The gospel writers used both the Hebrew “Simeon” and Greek “Simon” forms interchangeably when speaking of Peter.
Key Lessons
In summary, the Bible contains references to four main characters named Simeon:
- Simeon, Son of Jacob: The original Simeon, known for his fierce anger
- The Tribe of Simeon: The Israelite tribe descending from Jacob’s son that diminished over time
- Simeon the Jerusalem Prophet: The righteous man who proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah
- Simeon Niger: A leader in the church at Antioch mentioned in Acts
Additionally, “Simeon Peter” refers to the Apostle Peter. When we see the name Simeon in the Bible, it refers to one of these individuals.
Certain key lessons emerge from the lives of these men:
- Righteousness before God is not hereditary. Despite having Abraham as their ancestor, some like the original Simeon were far from righteous.
- God can use anyone for His redemptive purposes. Even those like Peter with many flaws.
- Faith in God can thrive in any culture. As evidenced by Simeon Niger, a black church leader.
- Wait patiently for God’s promises. As Simeon the prophet did for the Messiah.
So in summary, the Simeons of the Bible demonstrate how God works through all kinds of people and cultures. With both the good and the bad parts of their stories, they point us to God’s faithfulness.