Meaning of the Name Simeon
The name Simeon is usually connected to the Hebrew root "to hear" and is often explained along the lines of "he heard" or "God has heard." The name appears in shorter and longer forms in different settings. The basic etymology is widely accepted.
Origin
The name Simeon is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Simeon in the Bible?
The figure intended here is Simeon the elder, the righteous and devout man in Luke 2 who receives the infant Jesus in the temple. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he sees the Messiah and speaks prophetic words about Jesus. Scripture also uses the same name for others, including Simeon son of Jacob and Simon Peter.
The story of Simeon in the Bible
Simeon appears in Luke's Gospel as a righteous and devout man living in Jerusalem, waiting for the consolation of Israel; the Holy Spirit rested on him and had revealed that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah. When Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple to fulfill what the Law required, Simeon, guided by the Spirit, arrived there, took the child in his arms and praised God: he could now depart in peace, for his eyes had seen God's salvation, a light of revelation for the nations and the glory of Israel. He then blessed the parents and spoke striking words to Mary: the child was appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and would be a sign spoken against, while a sword would pierce her own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed. Simeon does not appear again, yet this encounter makes him one of the first witnesses to recognize the Messiah; the name is also borne by Simeon son of Jacob and Simon Peter.
Is Simeon mentioned in the Quran?
The name Simeon does not appear in the Quran; in the Gospel of Luke he is remembered as the righteous, devout elderly man who took the infant Jesus in his arms at the temple and praised God.
Verses where Simeon appears
- Luke 2:25 —
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
- Luke 2:28 —
then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
- Luke 2:34 —
and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.