Lexical Summary Kananaios: Cananaean, Zealot Original Word: Κανανίτης 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 Originof 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: ΚανανίτηςΚανανίτης, Κανανιτου, ὁ (from Chaldean קַנְאָן, Hebrew קָנָא), equivalent to ὁ ζηλωτής (according to the interpr. of Luke in 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). 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. 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 KananaîosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 10:4 N-NMSGRK: 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 Strong's Greek 2581 |
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