Simeon (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Simeon (1) in the Bible?
Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah, making him a full brother to Reuben, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Biblical narratives describe him being held as a hostage in Egypt by Joseph during the family's famine relief efforts. He appears in key textual moments, including Jacob's prophetic blessing and the subsequent allocation of territory within Canaan.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Simeon clarifies the narrative dynamics of the Joseph story and explains the historical context of the Tribe of Simeon, whose territory was eventually absorbed into Judah, reflecting the shifting political and demographic landscape of early Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Simeon (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Simeon (1) clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.