Bible Dictionaries
Simeon

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ssihm' ih uhn) Personal name meaning, “hearing” or possibly, “little hyena beast.” 1. One of Jacob's twelve sons, the second by Leah (Genesis 29:33 ). He joined Levi in avenging Dinah's rape by Shechem (Genesis 34:25-31 ). Joseph kept Simeon bound in Egypt to ensure that he would see Benjamin (Genesis 42:24 ). See Jacob; Tribes of Israel.

2. A devout Jew who lived in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus' birth. He was seeking the fulfillment of messianic prophecy when Israel would be restored (Luke 2:25 ). God promised Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Christ. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple for the purification rites, Simeon announced to them God's plan for the boy (Luke 2:34 ).

3. Ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:30 ). 4 . Prophet and teacher in church at Antioch (Acts 13:1 ). 5 . Alternate form in Greek for Simon, original Greek name of Peter. See Peter; Simon .