4613. Simón

Lexical Summary

Simón: Simon

Original Word: Σίμων
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Simón
Pronunciation: see-mone'
Phonetic Spelling: (see'-mone)
KJV: Simon
NASB: Simon, Simon's
Word Origin: [of Hebrew origin (H8095 (שִׁמעוֹן - Simeon))]

1. Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Simon.

Of Hebrew origin (Shim'own); Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites -- Simon. Compare Sumeon.

see GREEK Sumeon

see HEBREW Shim'own

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
Simon, the name of several Isr.
NASB Translation
Simon (71), Simon Simon (1), Simon's (5).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4613: Σίμων

Σίμων, Σίμωνος (Buttmann, 16 (14)), ὁ (שִׁמְעון, 'a hearing', from שָׁמַע , 'to hear'; (there was also a Greek name Σίμων (allied with Σῖμος, i. e. 'flat-nosed'; Fick, Gr. Personennamen, p. 210), but cf. B. D., under the word at the beginning; Lightfoot on Galatians, p. 266f)), Simon;

1. Peter, the apostle: Matthew 17:25; Mark 1:29f, 36; Luke 4:38; Luke 5:4f 10, etc.; see Πέτρος.

2. the brother of Judas Lebbaeus (cf. under the word Ἰούδας, 8), an apostle, who is called Κανανίτης (so R G, but L T Tr WH Κανιναιος, which see), Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18, and ζηλωτής, Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13.

3. a brother of Jesus (cf. under the word ἀδελφός, 1): Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.

4. a certain Cyrenian, who carried the cross of Jesus: Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26.

5. the father of Judas Iscariot land himself surnamed Ἰσκαριώτης (see Ἰούδας, 6)): John 6:71; John 12:4; John 13:2, 26.

6. a certain Pharisee, Luke 7:40, 43f, who appears to (some, e. g. Grotius, Schleiermacher, Holtzmann, Schenkel, Ewald, Keim, Hug, Bleek (see his Synoptative Erklär. on Luke, the passage cited) to) be the same as Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3; (but the occurrence recorded by Luke, the passage cited is now commonly thought to be distinct from that narrated by Matt. and Mark the passages cited; cf. Godet or Keil on Luke).

7. a certain tanner, living at Joppa: Acts 9:43; Acts 10:6, 17, 32.

8. Simon (`Magus'), the Samaritan sorcerer: Acts 8:9, 13, 18, 24. The various ecclesiastical stories about him, as well as the opinions and conjectures of modern theologians, are reviewed at length by Lipsius in Schenkel v., pp. 301-321; (cf. W. Möller in Herzog edition 2, vol. xiv., pp. 246ff; Schaff, Hist. of the Chris. Church, vol. ii (1883) § 121).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

The personal name Σίμων (Simon) appears seventy-five times across the Greek New Testament, referring to at least nine distinct individuals. Its prevalence testifies to the popularity of the Hebraic name in first-century Judaism and provides a window into diverse responses to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the work of the early church.

1. Simon Peter, Son of Jonah (or John)

• First encounter: Andrew brings his brother to Jesus, who declares, “You are Simon son of Jonah. You will be called Cephas (which means Peter)” (John 1:42).
• Key moments: confession at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:16-17); walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31); denial and restoration (Luke 22:31-32; John 21:15-17).
• Post-resurrection leadership: primary preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2); healer of the lame beggar (Acts 3); opening of the gospel to Gentiles through Cornelius (Acts 10).
• Significance: exemplifies transformation from impetuous fisherman to foundational apostle, illustrating Christ’s power to shape and commission flawed disciples.

2. Simon the Zealot (or the Cananaean)

• Listed among the Twelve (Matthew 10:4; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13).
• “Zealot” likely denotes former affiliation with the anti-Roman resistance. His inclusion demonstrates the unifying call of the gospel, bringing together political opposites such as Matthew the tax collector.
• Tradition ascribes missionary work in Persia or Syria, though Scripture does not record his later ministry.

3. Simon, Brother of Jesus

• Named with James, Joses, and Judas among Jesus’ half-brothers (Mark 6:3).
• While skeptical during Christ’s earthly ministry (John 7:5), the family’s later presence with the disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:14) suggests eventual belief, highlighting the persuasive force of the resurrection.

4. Simon the Leper of Bethany

• Host of the dinner where a woman anointed Jesus (Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3).
• The act is interpreted by Jesus as preparation for His burial, linking Simon’s household to the passion narrative and foreshadowing the gospel’s proclamation of Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Simon the Pharisee

• Invites Jesus to dine (Luke 7:36-50).
• The contrast between Simon’s reserved hospitality and the sinful woman’s lavish devotion underscores themes of forgiveness and faith: “He who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47).
• Provides a didactic setting for Jesus’ parable of the two debtors, illustrating grace versus self-righteousness.

6. Simon of Cyrene

• Compelled to carry the cross for Jesus (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26).
• Mark names his sons Alexander and Rufus, suggesting later Christian recognition (Mark 15:21; cf. Romans 16:13).
• Symbolic participation in Christ’s sufferings and an early example of discipleship: “Whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27).

7. Simon the Sorcerer (Magus)

• Practiced magic in Samaria and “astounded the people” before professing belief under Philip’s preaching (Acts 8:9-13).
• Attempted to purchase the gift of the Holy Spirit, leading Peter to rebuke: “Your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21).
• Serves as a cautionary account against commercializing spiritual power and the necessity of genuine repentance.

8. Simon the Tanner

• Provided hospitality to Peter in Joppa (Acts 9:43; 10:6).
• His occupation, viewed as ceremonially unclean by many Jews, foreshadows the breaking of purity barriers immediately preceding Peter’s vision of clean and unclean animals and the Gentile mission to Cornelius.
• Demonstrates the gospel’s reach into ordinary trades and its challenge to traditional boundaries.

9. Simon Iscariot (Father of Judas Iscariot)

• Identified indirectly through the designation “Judas son of Simon Iscariot” (John 6:71; 13:2, 26).
• Although little is said of him personally, his name anchors the historical reality of Judas and situates betrayal within a real family, emphasizing the tragic misuse of proximity to Christ.

Patterns of Usage

1. Geographic Spread: occurrences span Galilee (Capernaum, Bethany, Cana), Samaria, Judea, Joppa, and Jerusalem, mirroring the expanding witness “from Jerusalem…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
2. Social Spectrum: fishermen, political activists, religious elites, craftsmen, foreigners, and even a sorcerer—underscoring the gospel’s universal call.
3. Thematic Threads: hospitality (Simons of Bethany, Pharisee, Tanner), discipleship and service (Simon of Cyrene, Simon Peter), conflict between true and false faith (Simon the Sorcerer, Simon the Pharisee), family relationships (Simon brother of Jesus, Simon Iscariot).

Theological Observations

• The recurrence of the name within diverse contexts highlights divine sovereignty in appointing ordinary individuals to pivotal roles.
• Simon Peter’s transformation and leadership showcase sanctification and bold witness, providing a model for pastoral ministry and missionary endeavor.
• The juxtaposition of Simons who honor Christ (Peter, Cyrene) with those who misunderstand or oppose Him (Pharisee, Sorcerer) illustrates the decisive nature of one’s response to Jesus.
• Simon the Tanner’s house becomes the birthplace of the Gentile mission, affirming that vocational settings can become strategic ministry platforms.

Practical Applications for the Church

• Discipleship: Peter’s life encourages perseverance despite failure and reliance on Christ’s grace.
• Humility in Service: Simon of Cyrene reminds believers that unexpected burdens can lead to profound participation in Christ’s work.
• Guarding the Gospel: Peter’s rebuke of Simon Magus calls for vigilance against corruption of spiritual gifts.
• Boundless Fellowship: The diversity of Simons endorses a church that transcends social, occupational, and ethnic divisions.

Summary

The multiple Simons of the New Testament embody a spectrum of belief, doubt, service, and opposition. Together they demonstrate the breadth of the gospel’s reach, the depth of Christ’s transforming power, and the abiding call for genuine faith expressed in obedient love.

Forms and Transliterations

ΣΙΜΩΝ Σίμων Σιμωνα Σίμωνα Σίμωνά Σιμωνι Σίμωνι Σιμωνος Σίμωνος Συμεὼν Simon Simōn Símon Símōn Simona Simōna Símona Símoná Símōna Símōná Simoni Simōni Símoni Símōni Simonos Simōnos Símonos Símōnos sumeon sumeōn Symeon Symeōn Symeṑn

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 4:18 N-AMS
GRK: δύο ἀδελφούς Σίμωνα τὸν λεγόμενον
NAS: brothers, Simon who was called
KJV: two brethren, Simon called Peter,
INT: two brothers Simon who is called

Matthew 10:2 N-NMS
GRK: ταῦτα πρῶτος Σίμων ὁ λεγόμενος
NAS: The first, Simon, who is called
KJV: these; The first, Simon, who is called
INT: these first Simon who is called

Matthew 10:4 N-NMS
GRK: Σίμων ὁ Καναναῖος
NAS: Simon the Zealot, and Judas
KJV: Simon the Canaanite, and
INT: Simon the Zealot

Matthew 13:55 N-NMS
GRK: Ἰωσὴφ καὶ Σίμων καὶ Ἰούδας
NAS: James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?
KJV: Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
INT: Joseph and Simon and Judas

Matthew 16:16 N-NMS
GRK: ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ Σίμων Πέτρος εἶπεν
NAS: Simon Peter answered,
KJV: And Simon Peter answered
INT: having answered moreover Simon Peter said

Matthew 16:17 N-VMS
GRK: Μακάριος εἶ Σίμων Βαριωνᾶ ὅτι
NAS: to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona,
KJV: Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for
INT: Blessed are you Simon Barjona For

Matthew 17:25 N-VMS
GRK: σοι δοκεῖ Σίμων οἱ βασιλεῖς
NAS: do you think, Simon? From whom
KJV: thinkest thou, Simon? of whom
INT: you think Simon The kings

Matthew 26:6 N-GMS
GRK: ἐν οἰκίᾳ Σίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ
NAS: at the home of Simon the leper,
KJV: in the house of Simon the leper,
INT: in [the] house of Simon the leper

Matthew 27:32 N-AMS
GRK: Κυρηναῖον ὀνόματι Σίμωνα τοῦτον ἠγγάρευσαν
NAS: named Simon, whom
KJV: a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him
INT: of Cyrene by name Simon him they compelled

Mark 1:16 N-AMS
GRK: Γαλιλαίας εἶδεν Σίμωνα καὶ Ἀνδρέαν
NAS: He saw Simon and Andrew,
KJV: of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew
INT: of Galilee he saw Simon and Andrew

Mark 1:16 N-GMS
GRK: τὸν ἀδελφὸν Σίμωνος ἀμφιβάλλοντας ἐν
NAS: the brother of Simon, casting a net
INT: the brother of Simon casting a net into

Mark 1:29 N-GMS
GRK: τὴν οἰκίαν Σίμωνος καὶ Ἀνδρέου
NAS: into the house of Simon and Andrew,
KJV: into the house of Simon and Andrew,
INT: the house of Simon and Andrew

Mark 1:30 N-GMS
GRK: δὲ πενθερὰ Σίμωνος κατέκειτο πυρέσσουσα
NAS: Now Simon's mother-in-law
KJV: But Simon's wife's mother lay
INT: and [the] mother-in-law of Simon was laying sick in a fever

Mark 1:36 N-NMS
GRK: κατεδίωξεν αὐτὸν Σίμων καὶ οἱ
NAS: Simon and his companions searched
KJV: And Simon and they that were with
INT: went after him Simon and those

Mark 3:16 N-DMS
GRK: ὄνομα τῷ Σίμωνι Πέτρον
NAS: the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave
KJV: And Simon he surnamed Peter;
INT: [the] name to Simon Peter

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

Mark 6:3 N-GMS
GRK: Ἰούδα καὶ Σίμωνος καὶ οὐκ
NAS: and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters
KJV: of Juda, and Simon? and are
INT: Judas and Simon And not

Mark 14:3 N-GMS
GRK: τῇ οἰκίᾳ Σίμωνος τοῦ λεπροῦ
NAS: at the home of Simon the leper,
KJV: in the house of Simon the leper, as he
INT: the house of Simon the leper

Mark 14:37 N-VMS
GRK: τῷ Πέτρῳ Σίμων καθεύδεις οὐκ
NAS: to Peter, Simon, are you asleep?
KJV: unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou?
INT: to Peter Simon sleep you not

Mark 15:21 N-AMS
GRK: παράγοντά τινα Σίμωνα Κυρηναῖον ἐρχόμενον
NAS: from the country, Simon of Cyrene
KJV: one Simon a Cyrenian,
INT: passing by one Simon of Cyrene coming

Luke 4:38 N-GMS
GRK: τὴν οἰκίαν Σίμωνος πενθερὰ δὲ
NAS: and entered Simon's home.
KJV: and entered into Simon's house. And
INT: the house of Simon [the] mother-in-law moreover

Luke 4:38 N-GMS
GRK: δὲ τοῦ Σίμωνος ἦν συνεχομένη
NAS: Now Simon's mother-in-law
KJV: house. And Simon's wife's mother was
INT: moreover of Simon was oppressed with

Luke 5:3 N-GMS
GRK: ὃ ἦν Σίμωνος ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν
NAS: which was Simon's, and asked
KJV: which was Simon's, and prayed him
INT: which was Simon's he asked him

Luke 5:4 N-AMS
GRK: πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα Ἐπανάγαγε εἰς
NAS: He said to Simon, Put
KJV: he said unto Simon, Launch out into
INT: to Simon Put off into

Luke 5:5 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς Σίμων εἶπεν Ἐπιστάτα
NAS: Simon answered and said,
KJV: And Simon answering said
INT: And having answered Simon said Master

Strong's Greek 4613
75 Occurrences

Σίμων — 36 Occ.
Σίμωνα — 16 Occ.
Σίμωνι — 7 Occ.
Σίμωνος — 16 Occ.