Simeon

The name Simeon originates from the Hebrew word Šīmʿōn (שִׁמְעוֹן), which means '(God) hears' or 'God is listening.' This etymology reflects the biblical narrative where Leah, Jacob's wife, names her second son Simeon, expressing gratitude that God had heard her plight of being unloved (Genesis 29:33). The linguistic roots of the name are tied to the Hebrew verb šāma, meaning 'to hear,' and ʾōnī, meaning 'my suffering,' symbolizing divine attentiveness to human struggles. Over time, Simeon became a name of spiritual resonance across cultures, signifying a connection to divine communication and compassion.

, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "The name Simeon holds profound significance in biblical tradition, being associated with five distinct individuals and one tribe. Its Divine Proximity Index of 87.9/100 highlights its strong association with God, particularly through characters like the devout Simeon who blessed the infant Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:25-34). This Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, earning him a Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 due to his unique role in affirming Christ's identity. Additionally, Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah, whose descendants formed one of Israel's twelve tribes. This tribe, though eventually absorbed into Judah, played a pivotal role in the formation of Israelite identity. The name has also been linked to key figures in the early Christian church, including Simeon Niger, a prophet and teacher in Antioch, and Simeon in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "In scripture, Simeon appears prominently in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting a multifaceted legacy. As the second son of Jacob and Leah, Simeon is central to the narrative of Genesis, particularly during the violent episode in Shechem where he and his brother Levi avenge their sister Dinah (Genesis 34). This act later results in Jacob's condemnation of their actions during his final blessings (Genesis 49:5-7). Simeon's role in the story of Joseph is also significant, as he is taken hostage by Joseph in Egypt to ensure the brothers return with Benjamin (Genesis 42:24). In the New Testament, Simeon emerges as a devout man in Jerusalem who recognizes Jesus as the Messiah during His presentation at the temple, offering the prophetic prayer known as the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:25-35). Furthermore, Simeon Niger is mentioned in Acts 13:1 as a leader in the early Christian church, underscoring the name's enduring spiritual importance.