Bible Figure
Simeon
Biblical character; second son of Jacob and Leah
Simeon was Jacob and Leah's second son and ancestor of the tribe of Simeon.
Biography
Genesis 29 records Simeon's birth to Leah. After Dinah was violated at Shechem, Simeon and Levi deceitfully arranged the circumcision of the city's men and killed them while they were incapacitated, an act Jacob strongly condemned. During Joseph's testing of his brothers in Egypt, Joseph detained Simeon until the others returned with Benjamin. In Jacob's final blessing, Simeon and Levi were condemned for their violence and told that their descendants would be scattered in Israel.
Biblical Significance
Simeon's story combines patriarchal ancestry with a serious warning about uncontrolled violence. His descendants became one of Israel's twelve tribes, receiving towns within Judah's territory.