Bible Figure
Simon the Leper
Simon the Leper was a man at whose house in Bethany Jesus attended a meal shortly before the crucifixion. Matthew and Mark identify the setting as Simon's house when a woman anointed Jesus with costly perfume. Scripture gives no further biographical information about Simon.
Biography
Matthew 26 and Mark 14 locate an important meal in Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper. During the meal a woman poured very expensive perfume on Jesus, provoking criticism from some present because the perfume could have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus defended her action and interpreted it as preparation for His burial. The designation 'the Leper' may refer to a former condition, since an actively leprous person would have faced serious social and ritual restrictions, but Scripture does not say that Jesus healed Simon or explain the title. Simon should not automatically be identified with Simon the Pharisee of Luke 7; the settings and narrative details differ.
Biblical Significance
Simon the Leper is significant primarily because his home provides the setting for the Bethany anointing, an event Jesus directly connects with His approaching burial. His brief appearance belongs to the final movement toward the Passion.