Simon Peter was one of Jesus’ first disciples. His given name was Simon, sometimes spelled Symeon. Simon is the English rendering of the Hebrew name Shimon. Shimon comes from the Hebrew word shema.

Shema (also shama) technically means “to hear” but, like many ancient Hebrew words, it suggests much more than that. It means to listen, to understand, and to respond…and more.

You may be familiar with Deuteronomy 6:4-7, which are very significant words for observant Jews:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

The first word is “hear,” which is shema. It instructs the hearer to not only listen and understand, but to respond appropriately. Below is a great video explanation of Shema from The Bible Project…it’s worth watching again and again.

When you hear the name Simon, remember to hear what God says, and to understand it, and to do it.

Thanks to Drew for this question.

Related Articles:

• Biography of Simon Peter, Jesus’ Disciple
• Was Peter’s Wife Martyred?
• Name Changes in the Bible
• People in the Bible

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Does the Bible refer to Peter’s wife being martyred?

Anonymous GodWords Reader

The Bible doesn’t mention that Peter’s wife was martyred. After doing a bit of looking, it appears that Clement of Alexandria wrote the following:

They say, accordingly, that the blessed Peter, on seeing his wife led to death, rejoiced on account of her call and conveyance home, and called very encouragingly and comfortingly, addressing her by name, “Remember thou the Lord.” Such was the marriage of the blessed and their perfect disposition towards those dearest to them.

This comes from Clement’s The Stromata, or Miscellanies: Book VII. Tradition, then, rather than Scripture give us this story. If you’d like to read Clement’s words, you can. I wouldn’t bother, to be honest…if you’re curious, it’s interesting. If you’re not that curious, it’s very tedious. =)

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One of Jesus’ inner circle of 12 men, Simon Peter is both a prominent character in the Bible and the author of two of its books.

Some facts about Simon Peter:

Born in Bethsaida, in Galilee

His given name: Simon Bar-Jona (son of Jona)

His name was changed to Peter by Jesus

Brother of another disciple: Andrew

Philip was also from Bethsaida

Occupation: Fisherman

He was married (Matthew 8:14 ).

According to Clement of Alexandria, Peter had children

Jesus gave him the name Cephas (John 1:42 )

Jesus healed his mother-in-law’s fever (Matthew 8:14-15 )

After Jesus’ death, Peter was one of three primary leaders in the Christian church in Jerusalem. (Galatians 2:9 )

Manner of death: traditionally, crucified upside-down in Rome

Tradition holds that Peter’s wife was also martyred

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