2581. Kananaios
Lexical Summary
Kananaios: Cananaean, Zealot

Original Word: Κανανίτης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Kananaios
Pronunciation: kah-nah-NAH-yos
Phonetic Spelling: (kan-an-ee'-tace)
KJV: Canaanite (by mistake for a derivative from G5477)
NASB: Zealot
Word Origin: [of Chaldee origin]

1. zealous
2. Cananites, an epithet

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Canaanite.

Of Chaldee origin (compare qanna'); zealous; Cananites, an epithet -- Canaanite (by mistake for a derivative from Chanaan).

see GREEK Chanaan

see HEBREW qanna'

HELPS Word-studies

2581 Kananítēs – properly, a Canaanite (a Canaanean); used of one of the twelve apostles because he was an adherent of the Zealots – "Simon the Canaanite (Mt 10: 4; Mk 3:18).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Aramaic origin
Definition
Cananaean, Aramaic for Zealot, surname of one of the twelve apostles
NASB Translation
Zealot (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2581: Κανανίτης

Κανανίτης, Κανανιτου, (from Chaldean קַנְאָן, Hebrew קָנָא), equivalent to ζηλωτής (according to the interpr. of Luke in , Acts 1:13), which see, the Zealot, a surname of the apostle Simon R G (the latter with a small kappa κ') in Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18.

Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Context

The designation 2581 appears twice in the canonical Gospels, each time naming one member of the Twelve: “Simon the Cananaean” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18). Luke parallels these lists with the title “Simon who was called the Zealot” (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). The textual harmony indicates that both expressions describe the same apostle, highlighting a particular characteristic or affiliation that set him apart from the other Simon (Peter).

Identity of Simon the Cananaean

Simon was born in Galilee, a region noted for fervent nationalistic expectation under Roman rule. His by-name distinguishes him from Simon Peter (“Rock”) and marks either his hometown roots or, more probably, his passionate temperament. Luke’s use of “Zealot” supports the latter, pointing to a man known for intense devotion—first, perhaps, to Israel’s liberation, and then redirected to Christ’s kingdom.

Historical Background

By the time of Jesus’ public ministry, the term “zealot” could refer generally to ardent nationalists or specifically to the later organized Zealot party. While formal Zealot insurgency flourished closer to the Jewish revolt (A.D. 66–70), pockets of resistance already existed. Simon’s label suggests he once sympathized with such causes. That Jesus welcomed a former nationalist alongside a tax collector (Matthew) and fishermen illustrates His sovereign ability to reconcile social and political opposites within one apostolic band.

Theological Significance

1. Unity in Christ: The lists of apostles purposely place Simon near Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:4) and Matthew (Mark 3:18), underscoring the unifying power of the gospel. Where earthly allegiances divide, Christ summons diverse believers into one body (Ephesians 2:14).
2. Redirected Zeal: New covenant discipleship does not quench fervor; it reorients it. Simon’s former zeal, purified by grace, served evangelistic mission rather than armed revolt, reflecting Paul’s later testimony that “it is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14).
3. Kingdom Priorities: Simon demonstrates the shift from temporal liberation to eternal redemption. Jesus assured Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), a truth Simon surely learned firsthand.

Role in the Apostolic Mission

Though Scripture records no individual speech or deed from Simon after Pentecost, his inclusion in Acts 1:13 shows he persevered in prayer and anticipation of the Spirit. Church tradition places his subsequent ministry variously in Egypt, North Africa, Britain, or Persia, often pairing him with Jude (Thaddaeus). Regardless of locale, his life illustrates faithful obscurity—an apostle known primarily by a single epithet, yet integral to the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

Lessons for Ministry Today

• God redeems backgrounds that once seemed least compatible with His purposes.
• Zeal, when surrendered to Christ, becomes a potent instrument for gospel advance.
• Diversity within Christian leadership mirrors the breadth of redemption and strengthens collective witness (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
• Quiet, steadfast service—more than public acclaim—marks true apostolic succession.

Conclusion

Strong’s 2581 traces only a slender thread through the New Testament, yet that thread is woven into the larger tapestry of God’s saving purposes. Simon the Cananaean, once identified by national fervor, now forever bears witness to the transforming power of the Messiah who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

Forms and Transliterations
Καναναιον Καναναῖον Καναναιος Καναναῖος Kananaion Kananaîon Kananaios Kananaîos
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 10:4 N-NMS
GRK: Σίμων ὁ Καναναῖος καὶ Ἰούδας
NAS: Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot,
KJV: Simon the Canaanite, and Judas
INT: Simon the Zealot and Judas

Mark 3:18 N-AMS
GRK: Σίμωνα τὸν Καναναῖον
NAS: and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot;
KJV: and Simon the Canaanite,
INT: Simon the Zealot

Strong's Greek 2581
2 Occurrences


Καναναῖον — 1 Occ.
Καναναῖος — 1 Occ.

2580
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