OliveGrove
Pressing the Word of God for Deeper Understanding.

Simon Σίμων

Male G4613I 3 books

A man in Bethany who hosted Jesus for a meal.

Who is Simon in the Bible?

Simon in the Bible most commonly refers to Simon the Leper, a resident of Bethany who hosted Jesus for a meal recorded in Matthew 26:6 and Mark 14:3. During this dinner, a woman (identified as Mary of Bethany in John 12:1-8) anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, an act the disciples criticized as wasteful until Jesus defended her, saying she had prepared his body for burial. The Gospel of Luke also describes a similar meal hosted by Simon the Pharisee in Luke 7:40-44, though scholars debate whether this refers to the same event or a different occasion. Simon's significance lies in his role as a host who, despite his affliction with leprosy (a highly stigmatized condition in Jewish culture), provided the setting for one of the most tender acts of devotion recorded in the Gospels.

Biography

Simon the leper is mentioned in Mat.26.6 and Mrk.14.3 as a man living in Bethany who hosted a meal for Jesus. The Gospel of Luke also mentions a similar event, but the host is called Simon the Pharisee (Luk.7.40,43,44).

During the meal at Simon's house, a woman (identified as Mary of Bethany in Jhn.12.1-8) brought an alabaster jar of expensive perfume and anointed Jesus' head and feet. The disciples, particularly Judas Iscariot, criticized this act as wasteful, but Jesus defended the woman, saying that she had done a beautiful thing in preparing his body for burial.

The title "the leper" suggests that Simon had been afflicted with leprosy at some point, but it is not clear whether he was still suffering from the disease at the time of this event. Leprosy was a highly stigmatized condition in ancient times, and people with leprosy were often isolated from society. Simon's hosting of Jesus and the other guests in his home may indicate that he had been healed of his leprosy, possibly by Jesus himself.

In Scripture

3 biblical books ; 3 with study content
Matthew 1 verse
Mark 1 verse
  • Mark 14:3

    "While Jesus was in Bethany reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke open the jar and poured it on Jesus’ head."

    Study Mark →
Luke 3 verses
  • Luke 7:40

    "But Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, Teacher,” he said."

    Study Luke →
  • Luke 7:43

    "“I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said."

    Study Luke →
  • Luke 7:44

    "And turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair."

    Study Luke →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Greek Σίμων Símōn Simon (i.e. Shimon), the name of nine Israelites