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Simeon
that hears or obeys; that is heard
Συμεών Sumeōn
Simeon (Hebrew: שִׁמְעוֹן, shim.on) means “that hears or obeys; that is heard”, by traditional interpretation. Four men in scripture bear the name; the best attested belongs to the Patriarchal period. In 2025 it was given to 197 children in the United States. Around 9,487 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as Anna.
Which Simeon?
Four men in scripture bear this name. Here is each of them.
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Simeon
son of Jacob; related to Seraiah; related to Jehu
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Simeon
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Simeon
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Simeon
father of Levi; son of Judah
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 47 across 12 books
- Bearers
- 4 distinct people in scripture
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- Patriarchal
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 197 | Steady |
| All-time total | 9,487 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 222 in 2019 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Genesis 29:33 |
| Last appears | Revelation 7:7 |
| Cross-references | 660 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Benjamin attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Levi attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Issachar attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Asher attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Dan attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Reuben attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Gad attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
- Joseph attested sibling Attested sibling — both named as children of Jacob.
Origin & meaning
Συμεών, ὁ indecl., (Heb. שִׁמְעוֹן),
Simeon (so always AV; RV in Luk.2:25, 34 only), Symeon, a Heb. name for which the Gk. Σίμων, which see, was also used;
__1. the son of Jacob (Gen.29:33): Rev.7:7.
__2. An ancestor of our Lord: Luk.3:30
__3. An aged worshipper in the Temple: Luk.2:25, 34.
__4. One surnamed Niger: Act.13:1.
__5. The apostle Peter: Act.15:14, 2Pe.1:1 (R, txt., WH, txt., Σίμων).†
(AS)
Simeon, also called Niger, was a prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch who was involved in sending Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
The biblical story
Simeon, also known as Niger, is mentioned in Act.13.1 as one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. He is listed alongside Barnabas, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul (later known as Paul). The fact that Simeon was called Niger suggests that he may have had a dark complexion or come from a region in Africa. As a prophet and teacher, Simeon would have been involved in proclaiming God's word and instructing the believers in Antioch. It was during a time of worship and fasting that the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for the work of spreading the gospel to the Gentiles. Simeon, along with the other leaders, laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them off on their first missionary journey, which marked a significant expansion of the early Christian church.
Key verses
Simeon appears in 1 verse. Here are some of the most notable:
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Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Acts 13:1
Show all 1 reference
Acts (1)
- Acts 13:1