The Bible recounts numerous transformative moments, and one of the most significant is the renaming of Simon to Peter by Jesus. While on the surface it appears to be a simple name change signifying Peter’s role as a foundational figure in the Church, delving into the original languages reveals a deeper, symbolic meaning embedded within both names. Understanding the significance of “Simon Peter” offers profound insights into the apostle’s identity and mission.
The Significance of “Simon”: The Listener
Simon, his original Hebrew name, carries the meaning of “Listen” or “Hearing.” In the context of discipleship, this name is profoundly relevant. The primary role of a disciple is to listen and learn from their teacher, and in this case, to listen to the word of God as embodied by Jesus Christ. This emphasis on listening is a fundamental principle echoed throughout scripture, highlighting the importance of attentiveness to divine guidance. As Deuteronomy 8:3 reminds us, “For man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Simon’s initial name, therefore, immediately establishes his core identity as one who is meant to hear and heed God’s word.
The Transformation to “Peter”: The Rock
Jesus bestowed upon Simon a new name, Cephas in Aramaic, which translates to Petros or Peter in Greek, both signifying “Rock.” This renaming was not arbitrary but laden with symbolism. The image of a rock is frequently used in the Bible to represent steadfastness, strength, and a solid foundation. Jesus himself is referred to as the Rock, and God’s unwavering nature is also likened to a rock.
Consider the powerful imagery in Numbers 20:8 during the Exodus. When the Israelites thirsted in the desert, God instructed Moses, the anointed leader, to draw water from a rock:
“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”
This event underscores the rock as a source of sustenance and life-giving water, a powerful metaphor that resonates with Peter’s future role.
Alt text: Moses striking the rock at Horeb, a biblical illustration depicting the miraculous provision of water.
“Listening Rock”: Unveiling the Combined Meaning
The true depth of the name change emerges when we consider the combined meaning of “Simon Peter” or “Simon Cephas” – “Listening Rock” or “Hearing Rock.” This juxtaposition is not merely a combination of two names but a profound statement about transformation through faith and obedience. The progression from “Simon” (Listener) to “Peter” (Rock) suggests a spiritual journey where actively listening to God’s word leads to becoming a firm and unshakeable foundation.
This concept is further illuminated in the book of Joshua. After leading the Israelites across the Jordan River, Joshua, whose Hebrew name Yehoshua is the same as Jesus, set up twelve stones as a memorial. More significantly, at Shechem, Joshua renewed the covenant with the people and erected a large stone, referred to as “Cephas,” which “heard” (Simeon) the words of the Lord and served as a witness.
And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the Lord.
27 “See!” he said to all the people. “This stone (cephas) will be a witness against us. It has heard (Simeon) all the words the Lord has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.” (Joshua 24:26-27)
Alt text: Joshua reading the Law to the people, a Gustave Doré engraving highlighting the theme of covenant and witness.
In this typology, Joshua, a figure foreshadowing Jesus, sets up a “listening rock” to witness the covenant. Similarly, Jesus, the ultimate Rock, designates Peter as a foundational rock for His Church. This symbolic transfer of mantle is further emphasized by Jesus’ instruction to Peter to “feed my sheep” three times. Peter, the “Listening Rock,” becomes the primary source of spiritual nourishment, spreading the word of God (the water from the rock) to sustain the flock of Christ after Jesus’ ascension.
Conclusion
Therefore, the renaming of Simon to Peter in the Bible is far more than a simple change of nomenclature. It is a profound symbolic representation of transformation through listening to and embodying the word of God. Simon, the “Listener,” becomes Peter, “The Rock,” signifying his role as a steadfast leader and a foundation for the early Church. This powerful name change encapsulates the essence of discipleship: hearing God’s word and becoming a living testament to its transformative power.
