Simeon
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Heard”
The second son of Jacob and Leah who, with Levi, avenged their sister Dinah by destroying the men of Shechem, and was held hostage in Egypt by Joseph.
Biography
Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:33), remembered chiefly for his fierce role in avenging his sister and for being the brother Joseph held back in Egypt.
Vengeance at Shechem
After Shechem violated Dinah, Simeon and Levi deceived the men of the city, then slew them while they were recovering from circumcision (Genesis 34:25). Jacob condemned their cruelty, prophesying that their descendants would be "divided… and scattered in Israel" (Genesis 49:5–7) — fulfilled as Simeon's tribe was later absorbed within Judah.
Held in Egypt
When the brothers came to Egypt for grain, Joseph bound Simeon and kept him as a hostage to ensure they would return with Benjamin (Genesis 42:24), a turning point that tested the family's repentance.
Life Timeline
With Levi, avenges Dinah by destroying Shechem
Held hostage in Egypt by Joseph
On the Bible timeline
Simeon belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
Drag to pan · use + / − to zoom · tap the + on a relative to expand a generation · click anyone to open their page
Themes & lessons from Simeon
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Simeon appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
10 verses in 1 bookGenesis10 verses
Genesis 29:33
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. Simeon: that is, Hearing
Genesis 34:25
And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Genesis 34:30
And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:
Genesis 42:24
And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.
Genesis 42:36
And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them. I had: Heb. your money came to me
Genesis 46:10
And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman. Jemuel: or, Nemuel Jachin: or, Jarib Zohar: or, Zerah
Genesis 48:5
And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Genesis 49:5
Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. instruments: or, their swords are weapons of violence
Frequently asked about Simeon
Who was Simeon in the Bible?
The second son of Jacob and Leah who, with Levi, avenged their sister Dinah by destroying the men of Shechem, and was held hostage in Egypt by Joseph.
What does the name Simeon mean?
The name Simeon means “Heard”.
What did Simeon do in the Bible?
Simeon served as patriarch.
Who were Simeon's parents?
Simeon was the child of Jacob, Leah.
Where does Simeon appear in the Bible?
Simeon is mentioned 10 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Simeon?
The story of Simeon touches on themes of jacob, tribes of israel, the, children, simeon, the tribe of — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Simeon's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Simeon?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →