Bible Dictionary
Canaanite
Canaanite here translates a Syriac term identifying Simon as a member of the Jewish Zealot party, also called Simon Zelotes.
Definition
Canaanite, when applied to Simon, is not a reference to descent from Canaan. It is a translation or near-transliteration of a Syriac term identifying a member of the Jewish Zealot sect.
Biblical Usage
Simon is called “the Canaanite” in the lists of apostles and is called Simon Zelotes elsewhere. The two designations identify the same apostle.
Historical Background
The term reflects the name of a Jewish faction known as the Zealots.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A name given to the apostle Simon (Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18). The word here does not, however, mean a descendant of Canaan, but is a translation, or rather almost a transliteration, of the Syriac word Kanenyeh (R.V. rendered “Cananaen”), which designates the Jewish sect of the Zealots. Hence he is called elsewhere (Luke 6:15) “Simon Zelotes;” i.e., Simon of the sect of the Zealots. (See SIMON.)