Definition

Proper noun: * Simon the Zealot: One of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. He is traditionally distinguished from Simon Peter by the epithet "the Zealot," which likely refers either to his zealous religious character or possibly to a former affiliation with a Jewish political movement known as the Zealots.

Usage and Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The list of the twelve disciples includes Simon the Zealot.
  • According to tradition, Simon the Zealot preached the gospel in places like Egypt and Persia.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term "Zealot" (capitalized) can refer specifically to a member of a first-century Jewish political movement that fiercely opposed Roman rule. However, scholars debate whether Simon was a member of this group or if the title simply denotes his fervent devotion.
• He is also sometimes called Simon the Canaanite (from the Aramaic word , meaning "zealous one"), which is equivalent to "the Zealot."
• In art and iconography, he is often depicted with a saw, the instrument traditionally associated with his martyrdom.

Variants and Related Words

• Simon the Canaanite: An alternative name for the same apostle.
• Apostle: A title for each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ.
• Zealot (noun): A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. (When capitalized: a member of the ancient Jewish sect).

Synonyms

• Simon the Apostle
• Simon Zelotes (an older English form)

Noun

1. one of the twelve Apostles (first century)