Brief Overview of Συμεών (Strong’s G4826: Simeon)

Strong’s G4826: A personal name of Hebrew origin meaning “hearing with acceptance.” Derived from the Hebrew שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimon), Συμεών represents a significant figure in biblical narrative, particularly known for his prophetic recognition of the infant Messiah in the Temple.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συμεών carries deep theological significance as both a personal name and a symbol of divine revelation and recognition. This Greek rendering of the Hebrew name שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimon) means “hearing with acceptance” or “one who hears and obeys.” In the New Testament, it most notably refers to the righteous and devout man who, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized and blessed the infant Jesus in the Temple. The name embodies the spiritual concept of receptiveness to God’s voice and obedient response to His leading. In early church usage, Συμεών became associated with spiritual discernment and faithful waiting on God’s promises, themes that remain deeply relevant for believers today who seek to hear and respond to God’s voice in their lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Συμεών, Symeōn, /soom-eh-ohn/
• Detailed pronunciation: SOOM (stressed) – eh – ohn
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Derived from Hebrew שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimon)
• Root meaning: “to hear” (שָׁמַע, shama)
• Suffix: וֹן (on) – diminutive or personal name formation
• Greek adaptation maintains similar phonetic structure while conforming to Greek morphological patterns

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “hearing with acceptance”
• Secondary meaning: “one who hears and obeys”
• Tertiary meaning: “God has heard”

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a transliteration of a Hebrew name

Translation Options:

1. Simeon – Most direct transliteration, preserving historical connection
2. Simon – Common variant in English, though less precise
3. Symeon – Alternative transliteration maintaining Greek character

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Σίμων (Simon) /see-mohn/ – A later Greek variant of the same name – See G4613
• Πέτρος (Petros) /pet-ros/ – Given name to Simon Peter – See G4074
• Συμεωνίτης (Symeonites) /soom-eh-oh-nee-tace/ – Descendants of Simeon – See G4827

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

The name Συμεών is indeclinable in Greek, meaning it maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function in the sentence. This reflects its status as a transliterated Hebrew name.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies Συμεών as primarily referring to the devout man who blessed the infant Jesus, while also noting its use for Simon Peter and others in the New Testament. Thayer’s emphasizes its Hebrew origins and connection to divine hearing. LSJ provides limited coverage due to its focus on classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to the concept of hearing with acceptance, while Strong’s emphasizes its Hebrew etymology. Moulton and Milligan note its continued use in early Christian documents beyond the New Testament period.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was [Συμεών] Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25

Additional References:
Luke 2:34, Acts 13:1, Acts 15:14, 2 Peter 1:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συμεών embodies the beautiful convergence of hearing and obedience in our walk with God. Like Simeon who recognized the infant Messiah through spiritual discernment, we too are called to listen attentively to God’s voice and respond in faithful obedience. This name reminds us that the good news of King Jesus is not merely to be heard but to be embraced and acted upon with joy and conviction.

D – Did You Know?

1. Συμεών is one of the few biblical names whose meaning directly relates to spiritual perception and response.
2. The name appears in both its Hebrew and Greek forms throughout Scripture, showing its importance across both covenants.
3. In ancient Jewish tradition, Simeon was considered one of the few individuals who were specifically waiting for the Messiah’s appearance.

Strong’s G4826: A personal name of Hebrew origin meaning “hearing with acceptance.” Derived from the Hebrew שִׁמְעוֹן (Shimon), Συμεών represents a significant figure in biblical narrative, particularly known for his prophetic recognition of the infant Messiah in the Temple.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: names, hebrew-names, temple, prophecy, spiritual-discernment, hearing, obedience, waiting, holy-spirit, recognition, messiah, promise​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​