Σίμων (Simōn)
Simōn
Simon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 70 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Simōn is a Greek form of the Hebrew Shimon, appearing seventy times in the New Testament. It identifies several distinct figures across the Gospels and Acts, ranging from the apostle Peter to Simon Magus, the Samaritan sorcerer who attempted to buy spiritual power (Acts 8:9-24). The text also records Simon of Cyrene, compelled to carry Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21), and Simon the tanner in Joppa, whose home hosted Peter’s vision (Acts 9:43).
Its prevalence reflects a common Jewish name of the era, yet each bearer carries a unique narrative weight. While Simon the Zealot represents political zeal and Simon the Pharisee offers hospitality to a sinner (Luke 7:40), the name is most enduringly linked to Peter, whose own name change to Cephas ("rock") marks a pivotal shift in identity (Matthew 16:17-18). The variety of Simons illustrates how ordinary names can anchor extraordinary biblical stories.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Simon appears seventy times in the New Testament, anchoring some of the most human and vulnerable moments in Scripture. It is not just a label but a reminder that God calls ordinary people into extraordinary stories. From fishermen casting nets to men carrying crosses, these individuals show us that faith often begins in the midst of daily life.
Consider Simon Peter, who confessed Jesus as the Christ yet later denied Him out of fear. His story reveals that our failures do not disqualify us from God’s grace. Similarly, Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry the cross, becoming an unexpected participant in salvation history. These accounts invite us to see ourselves in their footsteps—imperfect, called, and held by love.
When we encounter the name Simon, we are reminded that God uses common names and ordinary lives to reveal deep truths. Whether in moments of bold confession or quiet obedience, these figures point to a faith that is lived out in real time, with all its struggles and triumphs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 70 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Simon47×
- of Simon11×
- to Simon3×
- [son] of Simon3×
- Simon,3×
- Simon;2×
- with Simon.1×
- to Simon.1×
- of Simon?1×
- of Simon.1×
- of Simon,1×
- Simon’s,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σίμων32×
- Σίμωνος13×
- Σίμωνα12×
- Σίμωνι5×
- Σίμων,3×
- Σίμωνά2×
- Σίμωνος,2×
- Σίμωνι.2×
- Σίμωνα·2×
- Σίμωνος;1×
- Σίμωνος.1×
- Σίμων;1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 16:17
Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus blesses Simon Bar Jonah specifically for receiving divine revelation, highlighting that spiritual understanding comes from God rather than human reasoning.
-
Luke 5:8
But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.”
Simon Peter’s confession of being a 'sinful man' demonstrates the raw humility required when encountering the holiness of Christ.
-
Mark 15:21
They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them that he might bear his cross.
Simon of Cyrene was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross, showing how even unwilling participation can become part of God’s redemptive plan.
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Matthew 4:18
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
The calling of Simon and Andrew by the sea establishes the pattern of discipleship as a response to Jesus’ invitation to leave ordinary work for spiritual purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Simon mean in the Bible?
How is Simon different from Peter?
Who is Simon of Cyrene?
Why does the name Simon appear so often?
Every Occurrence (70 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 9 verses
Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net…
Matthew 10:2Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the…
Matthew 10:4Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 13:55Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 16:16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:17Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…
Matthew 17:25He said, “Yes.” When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the…
Matthew 26:6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
Matthew 27:32As they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might…