Simeon
Simeon is Jacob's second son who, together with Levi, avenges the defilement of their sister Dinah by massacring the men of Shechem - an act of violence that earns Jacob's rebuke but also demonstrates fierce loyalty to family honor. Jasher 34 provides the most detailed account of the Shechem massacre, while Jubilees 30 reinterprets the event as righteous zeal that leads to Levi's priestly election. Simeon later plays a key role in the Joseph narrative when he is held hostage in Egypt as surety for Benjamin's return. Within the broader narrative preserved across these three ancient texts, Simeon occupies a distinctive position in the Patriarchs that connects to figures such as others in the tradition. The pseudepigraphal accounts provide details and perspectives absent from other ancient sources, offering readers a more complete portrait of this figure's significance within the cosmic drama of covenant, rebellion, and restoration that defines the Enochian worldview. These expanded narratives invite deeper reflection on the moral and spiritual dimensions of Simeon's story as it relates to the overarching themes of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the consequences of choices made in the presence of heavenly realities.
Biography
- Father
- Jacob
- Mother
- Leah
- Era
- Patriarchs
Family
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Avenges Dinah
The Book of Jasher 34:1-30
And the number of all the males that were circumcised, were six hundred and forty-five men, and two hundred and forty-si...
1nd the number of all the males that were circumcised, were six hundred and forty-five men, and two hundred and forty-six children.
Held in Egypt
The Book of Jasher 51:10-20
And all the officers of Joseph did so at that time, and they closed all the stores and left only one open....
10nd all the officers of Joseph did so at that time, and they closed all the stores and left only one open.
Did You Know?
He and Levi killed every male in Shechem with just the two of them according to Jasher.
He is specifically chosen as hostage in Egypt - possibly because Joseph remembered his cruelty.
Jacob's deathbed words curse his anger rather than blessing his future.
Jubilees 30 reinterprets Simeon and Levi's massacre at Shechem as righteous zeal that leads to Levi's priestly election.
Simeon and Levi's violent avenging of Dinah's defilement earned Jacob's rebuke while proving their fierce loyalty to family honor.