Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning The name Shim'e-on (Hebrew: שִׁמְעוֹן) is derived from the Hebrew root "shama," meaning "to hear" or "to be heard." It is often translated as "heard" or "hearing." This name is significant in the biblical narrative, as it reflects the idea of God hearing the prayers or cries of His people. Biblical References and Significance Shim'e-on is a name that appears multiple times in the Bible, associated with different individuals and contexts. The most prominent references include: 1. Shim'e-on, Son of Jacob Shim'e-on is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel, and the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. He is the second son of Jacob and Leah. In Genesis 29:33 , Leah names him Shim'e-on, saying, "Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son also." Shim'e-on, along with his brother Levi, is known for his violent reaction against Shechem and the Hivites in Genesis 34, following the defilement of their sister Dinah. This act of vengeance is later condemned by Jacob in Genesis 49:5-7 , where he prophesies that Shim'e-on and Levi will be scattered in Israel. 2. Tribe of Simeon The tribe of Simeon, descended from Shim'e-on, is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Initially, the tribe received its inheritance within the territory of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9), as their portion was too small to stand alone. This geographical integration led to the eventual absorption of the Simeonites into the tribe of Judah. Despite this, the tribe played a role in various biblical events, including the census in the wilderness (Numbers 1:22-23) and the blessing of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:6), although Simeon is notably absent from the latter. 3. Shim'e-on in the New Testament In the New Testament, Shim'e-on is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Luke 3:30 lists Shim'e-on as an ancestor of Jesus, highlighting the continuity of God's promise through the generations. 4. Other Individuals Named Shim'e-on Several other individuals named Shim'e-on appear in the Bible, including a member of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:20) and a leader who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:34). These references indicate the commonality of the name and its enduring legacy within the Israelite community. Theological Themes The narrative of Shim'e-on and his descendants underscores themes of divine justice, repentance, and the consequences of sin. The actions of Shim'e-on and Levi in Shechem serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked anger and violence. Furthermore, the scattering of the tribe of Simeon illustrates the fulfillment of prophetic words and the intricate workings of God's plan for His people. Cultural and Historical Context The tribe of Simeon's integration into Judah reflects the fluidity of tribal boundaries and identities in ancient Israel. This historical reality is significant for understanding the socio-political landscape of the biblical period and the development of the Israelite nation. Conclusion While the name Shim'e-on is associated with both positive and negative connotations, it ultimately serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in hearing and responding to His people throughout biblical history. Concordance Shim'e-on (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:31 Thesaurus Shim'e-on (1 Occurrence)Shim'e-on. Shimeon, Shim'e-on. Shimhi . Multi-Version Concordance Shim'e-on (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:31 And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer ... /s/shim'e-on.htm - 6k Shimeon (1 Occurrence) Shimhi (1 Occurrence) Resources What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Sermon on the Plain? | GotQuestions.org How can I stay focused on Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |