Simeon

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: From Hebrew Shim‘on (“he has heard”), a name linked to hearing or being heard.
Period/Era: Second Temple Period
Main References: Luke 2:25–35
Key Connections: Mary and Joseph; Jesus; the Holy Spirit; the Jerusalem temple setting

Who was Simeon?

Simeon was a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem during the Second Temple Period.
He was described as waiting for “the consolation of Israel,” and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
He was promised that he would not see death before seeing the Lord’s Christ.

Key Events & Achievements

Event 1: Recognized the infant Jesus at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought him for the Law’s requirements.
Event 2: Blessed God and identified Jesus as God’s salvation prepared for all peoples, including Gentiles and Israel.
Event 3: Spoke to Mary about future opposition to Jesus and foretold that sorrow would reach her as well.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Simeon models patient faithfulness shaped by the Spirit while awaiting God’s promised redemption.

Key Verse

"for my eyes have seen your salvation" — Luke 2:30, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What had Simeon been promised before he saw the infant Jesus?

2. When Simeon recognized Jesus at the temple, who had brought the infant there for the Law’s requirements?