canaanite Summary and Overview

a name given to the apostle Simon (Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18). The word here does not, however, mean a descendant of Canaan, but is a translation, or rather almost a transliteration, of the Syriac word Kanenyeh (R.V. rendered "Cananaen"), which designates the Jewish sect of the Zealots. Hence he is called elsewhere (Luke 6:15) "Simon Zelotes;" i.e., Simon of the sect of the Zealots. (See SIMON T0003439.)

the designation of the apostle Simon, otherwise known as "Simon Zelotes." It occurs in #Mt 10:4; Mr 3:18| and is derived from a Chaldee or Syriac word by which the Jewish sect or faction of the "Zealots" was designated --a turbulent and seditious sect, especially conspicuous at the siege of Jerusalem. They taught that all foreign rule over Jews was unscriptural, and opposed that rule in every way.