Simeon: Son of Jacob
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Topical Encyclopedia
Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His name, derived from the Hebrew "Shimon," means "hearing," reflecting Leah's belief that God had heard her prayers for a son (Genesis 29:33). Simeon is one of the twelve patriarchs of the tribes of Israel, and his descendants formed the tribe of Simeon.

Biblical Narrative

Simeon's life is intertwined with the lives of his brothers, especially Levi. Together, Simeon and Levi are known for their violent response to the defilement of their sister Dinah by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. In Genesis 34, they deceitfully convince the men of Shechem to be circumcised and then attack the city while the men are incapacitated, killing all the males and plundering the city. This act of vengeance is later condemned by their father Jacob, who on his deathbed prophesies that Simeon and Levi will be scattered in Israel due to their fierce anger and cruel wrath (Genesis 49:5-7).

Simeon also plays a role in the account of Joseph. When Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt, tests his brothers during their visit to buy grain, he detains Simeon as a hostage to ensure that the brothers return with their youngest brother, Benjamin (Genesis 42:24). This act underscores the tension and unresolved guilt among the brothers for their earlier betrayal of Joseph.

Tribe of Simeon

The tribe of Simeon is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, though it is often noted for its lack of prominence compared to other tribes. In the wilderness, during the census recorded in the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Simeon experiences a significant decrease in numbers, from 59,300 men able to go to war in the first census (Numbers 1:23) to 22,200 in the second (Numbers 26:14). This decline is often attributed to the judgment that fell upon the Israelites due to the sin at Peor (Numbers 25).

In the division of the Promised Land, the tribe of Simeon receives its inheritance within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This allocation reflects Jacob's prophecy of dispersion, as Simeon's territory is absorbed into that of Judah, leading to a diminished identity over time.

Legacy and Significance

Simeon's legacy is complex, marked by both his zealous actions and the subsequent consequences for his descendants. His account serves as a reminder of the impact of unchecked anger and the importance of righteous conduct. Despite the challenges faced by the tribe of Simeon, they remain an integral part of the history and heritage of the people of Israel.

Throughout the biblical narrative, Simeon's life and actions illustrate themes of justice, repentance, and the enduring consequences of sin, offering valuable lessons for faith and conduct.
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Genesis 29:33
And she conceived again, and bore a son; and said, Because the LORD has heard I was hated, he has therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
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Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
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Exodus 1:1,2
Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.
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1 Chronicles 2:1
These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,
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Strong's Hebrew
8095. Shimon -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe, also an Israelite ...
... with a foreign wife. Transliteration: Shimon Phonetic Spelling: (shim-one') Short
Definition: Simeon. Word Origin from shama Definition a son of Jacob, also his ...
/hebrew/8095.htm - 6k
Library

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... Wherein Christ is shown to be the Son of God, Who created the world Chapter XVIII.
"Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob Against Simeon and Levi ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... the name means "Hearing." Some think that it was Rabbi Simeon, the son of the ... come
was a thoroughly good man], looking for [Waiting like Jacob (Genesis 49 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

The Testament of Simeon Concerning Envy.
... heart. I was born of Jacob my father, his second son; and my mother Leah
called me Simeon, because the Lord heard her prayer. [49 ...
/.../ii the testament of simeon concerning.htm

Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity.
... But Simeon and Levi, the brethren of the damsel by the ... males [38] as also the king,
and his son, with them ... 2. Now while Jacob was astonished at the greatness of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 21 concerning the violation.htm

The Season of Epiphany.
... He was brought to the temple, and Simeon took Him in His arms, and returned thanks
for Him. ... Joseph, the much-loved son of Jacob, who in an earlier age of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon vi the season of.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... mercy upon her, in giving her a son, for that is ... some time she bare three more sons;
Simeon, which name ... herself enjoy a lesser share of Jacob's affections, put ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Samaria. Sychem.
... under it: for it is written'; 'and Jacob hid the ... Part followed Simeon the Just, and
Antigonus his scholar, and ... the prophets: part, Sanballat, and his son-in-law ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 56 samaria sychem.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... and lo, we have learnt that thou art the son of a mighty man in ... in strength and in
beauty, because I was like in all things to Jacob. ... Simeon 8, and Jubilees 46 ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

The Israelites
... of Hebrews who traced their origin alike to Judah, to Simeon, and to ... the inhabitant
of Beth-On." It is even questionable whether the son of Jacob from whom ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Testing of Joseph's Brothers
... have robbed me of my children: Joseph is no longer living and Simeon is no ... my charge
and I will bring him back to you." Then Jacob said, "My son shall not ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the testing of josephs brothers.htm

Resources
Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Levi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Simeon

Simeon Niger

Simeon: A Devout Man in Jerusalem: Blesses Jesus (When an Infant) in the Temple

Simeon: A Disciple: Also Called Niger

Simeon: An Ancestor of Jesus

Simeon: Name Given to Peter

Simeon: Son of Jacob

Simeon: Son of Jacob with Levi Avenges Upon the Shechemites the Seduction of Dinah

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Descendants of

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Goes Down Into Egypt to Buy Corn ; is Imprisoned by Joseph, and is Detained

Simeon: Son of Jacob: His Sons

Simeon: Son of Jacob: Jacob's Denunciation of

the Tribe of Simeon: Bounds of Their Inheritance With Cities and Villages

the Tribe of Simeon: Descended from Jacob's Second Son by Leah

the Tribe of Simeon: Encamped Under the Standard of Reuben South of the Tabernacle

the Tribe of Simeon: Families of

the Tribe of Simeon: Formed Part of the Second Division of Israel in Their

the Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance of, Within Judah

the Tribe of Simeon: Josiah Purged Their Land of Idols

the Tribe of Simeon: Many of, at the Coronation of David

the Tribe of Simeon: Offering of, at the Dedication

the Tribe of Simeon: Officer Appointed Over, by David

the Tribe of Simeon: On Mount Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessings

the Tribe of Simeon: Part of, Destroyed the Remnant of the Amalekites, and Dwelt

the Tribe of Simeon: Part of, United With Judah Under Asa

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Number the People

the Tribe of Simeon: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land

the Tribe of Simeon: Plagued for Following the Idolatry, of Midian, Which Accounts

the Tribe of Simeon: Predictions Respecting

the Tribe of Simeon: Strength of, on Entering Canaan

the Tribe of Simeon: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt

the Tribe of Simeon: United With Judah in Expelling the Canaanites from Their

Tribe of Simeon: Idolatry of

Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance Allotted To

Tribe of Simeon: Joined With the People of Judah and Benjamin in the Renewal of the Passover

Tribe of Simeon: Military Enrollment of, at Sinai

Tribe of Simeon: On the Plains of Moab

Tribe of Simeon: Place of, in Camping and Marching

Tribe of Simeon: Stood on Mount Gerizim to Bless at the Time of the Recounting of the Law of Moses

Related Terms

Simeonites (10 Occurrences)

Zurishaddai (5 Occurrences)

Jachin (8 Occurrences)

Jamin (6 Occurrences)

Shelumiel (5 Occurrences)

Zurishad'dai (5 Occurrences)

Zohar (5 Occurrences)

Ohad (2 Occurrences)

Shelu'mi-el (5 Occurrences)

Shaul (10 Occurrences)

Nemuel (3 Occurrences)

Jakin (8 Occurrences)

Jemuel (2 Occurrences)

Is'sachar (40 Occurrences)

Niger (1 Occurrence)

Levi (79 Occurrences)

Jarib (3 Occurrences)

Jemu'el (2 Occurrences)

Dinah (7 Occurrences)

Canaanitess (4 Occurrences)

Canaanitish (4 Occurrences)

Anna (1 Occurrence)

Allotted (54 Occurrences)

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)

Clans (120 Occurrences)

Issachar (40 Occurrences)

Clan (96 Occurrences)

Leader (183 Occurrences)

Canaanite (74 Occurrences)

Nem'uel (3 Occurrences)

Neariah (3 Occurrences)

Judah's (18 Occurrences)

Juda (11 Occurrences)

Inherited (23 Occurrences)

Tochen (1 Occurrence)

Ramath (10 Occurrences)

Rephaiah (5 Occurrences)

Rimmon (22 Occurrences)

Replaced (4 Occurrences)

Etam (5 Occurrences)

Encamping (24 Occurrences)

Devout (13 Occurrences)

Moladah (4 Occurrences)

Mentioned (30 Occurrences)

Pelatiah (5 Occurrences)

Balah (1 Occurrence)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Baalathbeer (1 Occurrence)

Baalath-beer (2 Occurrences)

Ammihud (10 Occurrences)

Allotment (24 Occurrences)

Adonibezek (2 Occurrences)

Adjoining (16 Occurrences)

Adiel (3 Occurrences)

Shemuel (3 Occurrences)

Shallum (27 Occurrences)

Shaaraim (3 Occurrences)

Swords (50 Occurrences)

Shaphat (8 Occurrences)

Hamor (13 Occurrences)

Hormah (9 Occurrences)

Encamp (108 Occurrences)

Negeb (37 Occurrences)

Listed (48 Occurrences)

Negev (39 Occurrences)

Pitch (25 Occurrences)

Tribe (250 Occurrences)

Reuben (73 Occurrences)

Formed (91 Occurrences)

Needed (59 Occurrences)

Families (272 Occurrences)

Ramah (38 Occurrences)

Numbered (209 Occurrences)

Attacked (93 Occurrences)

Period (43 Occurrences)

Leah (30 Occurrences)

Obtained (61 Occurrences)

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

Simeon: Name Given to Peter
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