### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Symeṓn**, represented by `{{G4826}}`, is a proper name used for five distinct Israelites in scripture. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**. The name is significant as it identifies key figures in the New Testament, including a devout prophet, an apostle, a leader in the early church, an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus, and the patriarch of an Israelite tribe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4826}}` identifies several individuals. It is the name of a **just** `{{G1342}}` and **devout** `{{G2126}}` man in **Jerusalem** `{{G2419}}` who waited for the **consolation** `{{G3874}}` of Israel and prophesied over the infant **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` ([[Luke 2:25]], [[Luke 2:34]]). The name is also used for **Simon** `{{G4826}}` **Peter** `{{G4074}}`, identifying him as a **servant** `{{G1401}}` and **apostle** `{{G652}}` [[2 Peter 1:1]] who **declared** `{{G1834}}` God's plan to **visit** `{{G1980}}` the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}` [[Acts 15:14]]. Another **Simeon** `{{G4826}}`, called **Niger** `{{G3526}}`, was a **prophet** `{{G4396}}` and **teacher** `{{G1320}}` in the **church** `{{G1577}}` at **Antioch** `{{G490}}` [[Acts 13:1]]. The name also appears in the ancestry of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` [[Luke 3:30]] and designates the Israelite **tribe** `{{G5443}}` from which **twelve** `{{G1427}}` **thousand** `{{G5505}}` were **sealed** `{{G4972}}` [[Revelation 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the roles of the individuals named **Symeṓn**:
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (just): This term, meaning equitable or righteous, describes the character of the **Simeon** who met the infant Jesus in the temple [[Luke 2:25]]. It is used elsewhere to distinguish those who are right before God, as when Jesus stated he came not to call the **righteous** [[Matthew 9:13]].
* `{{G4396}}` **prophḗtēs** (prophet): This title, meaning a foreteller or inspired speaker, is given to the **Simeon** at Antioch [[Acts 13:1]]. The fulfillment of what was written by the **prophets** `{{G4396}}` is a central theme of the gospels [[Luke 24:44]].
* `{{G652}}` **apóstolos** (apostle): A title for Simon Peter, also called **Symeon** [[2 Peter 1:1]], an **apostle** is a delegate or commissioner of Christ. This office is listed as a foundational gift to the church [[Ephesians 4:11]].
* `{{G5443}}` **phylḗ** (tribe): This word for a race or clan is used to identify the **tribe** `{{G5443}}` of **Simeon** in Revelation. It is also used to refer to the **twelve** `{{G1427}}` **tribes** `{{G5443}}` scattered abroad [[James 1:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4826}}` is demonstrated through the diverse roles of those who bear the name.
* **Prophetic Witness:** The name is associated with the prophetic announcement of Christ's purpose. **Simeon** of Jerusalem, a **just** `{{G1342}}` and **devout** `{{G2126}}` man, identifies **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` as a **sign** `{{G4592}}` that will be spoken against, set for the **fall** `{{G4431}}` and **rising again** `{{G386}}` of many in Israel [[Luke 2:34]].
* **Apostolic Foundation:** The name is explicitly linked to the leadership of the early church through **Simon** `{{G4826}}` **Peter** `{{G4074}}`, an **apostle** `{{G652}}` of **Jesus Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[2 Peter 1:1]]. His declaration, as **Simeon** `{{G4826}}`, about God's inclusion of the **Gentiles** `{{G1484}}` was a pivotal moment for the church [[Acts 15:14]].
* **Covenant Heritage:** **Symeon** `{{G4826}}` connects the New Testament back to the Old Covenant people of God. This is seen in the lineage of **Christ** `{{G5547}}` [[Luke 3:30]] and in the inclusion of the **tribe** `{{G5443}}` of **Simeon** `{{G4826}}` among those **sealed** `{{G4972}}` in the end times [[Revelation 7:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4826}}` **Symeṓn** is more than just a name; it is a marker of significant figures who bridge Old Covenant expectation with New Covenant fulfillment. From the faithful Israelite awaiting the **consolation** `{{G3874}}` of his **people** `{{G2992}}` to the foundational **apostle** `{{G652}}` of the **church** `{{G1577}}`, the name **Symeon** is tied to moments of prophetic insight, apostolic authority, and the enduring heritage of God's redemptive plan.
TRV