📖 Biblical Definition
Simeon was the aged just and devout man of Jerusalem (Lk 2:25-35) to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed he would not see death before seeing the Christ. When Mary and Joseph brought the eight-day-old Jesus to the temple for purification, the Spirit moved Simeon to be there. He took the child in his arms and sang the Nunc Dimittis (Lk 2:29-32), then prophesied to Mary the sword that would pierce her own soul.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Aged just man at the temple; held the infant Christ; sang the Nunc Dimittis (Lk 2:25-35).
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Luke 2:25-35 records his entire scene. Three elements: the song (Nunc Dimittis), the prophecy of Christ's mission (set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, a sign which shall be spoken against), the prophecy to Mary (a sword shall pierce through thy own soul).
Tradition (post-biblical) suggests he was extremely aged (some say 113); the Bible says only that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel and had received the Spirit's promise.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 2:25 — "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."
Luke 2:29 — "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word."
Luke 2:30 — "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation."
Luke 2:35 — "(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often skips Simeon; his readiness to depart, his prophetic insight, and his sober warning to Mary all reward attention.
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Simeon's readiness to depart (Lk 2:29) is the model of mature faith. He had waited; he had seen; he could now go in peace. The Nunc Dimittis is the Christian household's evening prayer because it captures this readiness.
His prophecy to Mary (Lk 2:35) is sober: a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. Christ's coming would bring her joy and grief in the same gift. The prophecy was fulfilled at the cross.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Shimon; heard.
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Hebrew Shimon — from shama, to hear.
Note: the Just is a traditional epithet, not biblical title; many Simeons in the New Testament.
Usage
"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."
"Mature faith is ready to depart."
"A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also."