Book of Matthew - Chapter 10 - Verse 4

The verse "Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him" comes from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Bible. In this verse, the mention of the two disciples, Simon and Judas, highlights the diverse group of individuals who followed Jesus during his ministry. Simon is referred to as the Canaanite, which could indicate that he was from the region of Canaan, or it could also mean that he was known for his zeal and passion much like the Canaanites were known for their fierce reputation. On the other hand, Judas Iscariot is famously known as the disciple who betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. The juxtaposition of these two disciples in this verse serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of human relationships and allegiances. Despite the betrayal of Judas, Jesus continued to show love and forgiveness towards him, demonstrating the ultimate example of grace and mercy.

Simon the Canaanite is also referred to as Simon the Zealot in other translations of the Bible. The word "Canaanite" can be understood in two ways; one interpretation is that Simon was from Cana, a town in Galilee, while another interpretation suggests that he was a member of the Zealots, a political group known for their fervent nationalism and anti-Roman sentiments. This could indicate Simon's strong commitment to political and religious causes. The name Judas Iscariot has been the subject of much theological discussion, with "Iscariot" potentially indicating that Judas was from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Some scholars believe that this could have set him apart from the other disciples and contributed to his ultimate betrayal of Jesus. Judas' actions and ultimate betrayal have led to his name becoming synonymous with treachery and deceit.