Simeon
Simeon in the Bible — second-born son of Jacob (GEN 29:33), son of Leah. Simeon belonged to the tribe of Simeon. Referenced in 39 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “that hears or obeys; that is heard”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Simeon
- Scripture References
- 39 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 38 connections
Biography
Simeon is a male figure in Scripture, known as the second-born son of Jacob and Leah and the eponymous ancestor of the tribe of Simeon. His identity is closely tied to his tribal affiliation and his birth order among Jacob's sons.
Names & Titles
The name Simeon means 'he has heard' in Hebrew, as recorded in Genesis 29:33. This proper name was not given directly by God but reflects the circumstances of his birth.
Family
Simeon is the son of Jacob and Leah, making him a full brother to Reuben, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. He also had several half-brothers, including Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, and Joseph. Notably, he was involved in a violent family conflict resulting in the deaths of Shechem and Hamor.
Significance
Simeon's role in the biblical narrative is marked by his participation with Levi in avenging their sister Dinah, an act that brought familial and divine condemnation. Later in the story, Simeon was detained in Egypt by his brother Joseph, serving as a guarantee for the family's return with Benjamin. His tribe was eventually integrated into Judah's territory, and his descendants became known for their zeal in defending Israel.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- שִׁמְעֽוֹן
- Transliteration
- shiməon
- Meaning
- he has heard
- Greek
- Συμεων
- Reference
- GEN 29:33
- Strong's
- H8095
Family & Relationships (38)
brother
half-brother
father
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Simeon in the Bible?
Simeon is a male figure in Scripture, known as the second-born son of Jacob and Leah and the eponymous ancestor of the tribe of Simeon. His identity is closely tied to his tribal affiliation and his birth order among Jacob's sons.
What does the name Simeon mean?
The name Simeon means “that hears or obeys; that is heard” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.