CategoryBiblical Title / Greek Term
Modern Equivalentzealot; zealous one.
KJV Word TypeProper Title / Noun
DefinitionA title meaning zealous or zealot, used of Simon to distinguish him from other disciples named Simon.
Key Verses"Simon called Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James." (Luke 6:15)
KJV Usage NoteThe title identifies Simon as zealous or associated with zeal, and helps distinguish him from Simon Peter.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not a surname in the modern family-name sense; it is a descriptive title.
EtymologyFrom Greek zelotes, meaning "one burning with zeal" or "zealous one."