### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shimʻôwn**, represented by `{{H8095}}`, means **hearing**. It appears 44 times across 39 unique verses. The name is given to one of Jacob's sons and also refers to the tribe descended from him. Its origin is explained when Leah states, "Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also," and she called his name **Simeon** [[Genesis 29:33]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Simeon** is identified as the second son of Jacob and Leah [[Genesis 35:23]]. He is often mentioned alongside his brother Levi, most notably for their violent retaliation in Shechem, where they "slew all the males" [[Genesis 34:25]]. This act prompted a rebuke from their father, Jacob [[Genesis 34:30]], and a later prophetic declaration that they are "brethren; instruments of cruelty" [[Genesis 49:5]]. During the events in Egypt, Joseph detains **Simeon** as leverage to ensure his brothers' return with Benjamin [[Genesis 42:24]]. The tribe of **Simeon** is later counted in the census [[Numbers 1:23]] and receives its inheritance within the territory of the children of Judah [[Joshua 19:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of **Shimʻôwn** as both an individual and a tribe:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is fundamental to Simeon's identity as a **son** of Jacob. Genealogies list the **sons** of Simeon, such as Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul [[Genesis 46:10]].
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (a tribe): This term is used to describe the collective descendants of Simeon. The military strength of the **tribe** of Simeon was recorded as fifty-nine thousand and three hundred men [[Numbers 1:23]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (a family): The lineages are traced through family units. The sons of Simeon are recorded as the heads of "the **families** of Simeon" [[Exodus 6:15]].
* `{{H5387}}` **nâsîyʼ** (captain, chief, prince): Leadership within the tribe is designated by this term. Shelumiel, the son of Zurishaddai, is named the **captain** of the children of Simeon [[Numbers 2:12]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H8095}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning divine action and human consequence.
* **Divine Hearing:** The name's origin, meaning "hearing," establishes a theme of God's attentiveness to the plight of the afflicted, as Leah felt heard by the Lord [[Genesis 29:33]].
* **Consequences of Violence:** The fierce actions of Simeon and Levi led to a prophetic declaration from Jacob that had lasting implications for their descendants' future and inheritance [[Genesis 49:5]].
* **Tribal Identity and Inheritance:** The tribe of Simeon’s inheritance was not contiguous but was located "within the inheritance of the children of Judah" [[Joshua 19:1]], a unique status that reflects its historical and prophetic trajectory.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8095}}` **Shimʻôwn** is a name rooted in the concept of "hearing." It identifies a key patriarchal figure and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The narrative arc of Simeon and his descendants illustrates the lasting consequences of human actions, the formation of tribal identity, and the foundational belief in a God who hears the cries of His people.
TRV