Why did Jesus name Simon Cephas?
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on March 15, 2026
Likewise, why was Simon called Cephas?
Jesus nicknamed Simon the “rock,” in Greek “Petros.” Cephas is a transliteration of the word Kepa, which means rock in Aramaic. Therefore, Peter=Cephas=Rock=Simon. Jesus also had a brother named Simon.
Secondly, what does the name Simon mean in the Bible? ???????? Šimʻôn, meaning "listen" or "hearing". This practice carried over into English: in the King James Version, the name Simeon Niger is spelt Simeon (Acts 13:1) as is Simeon (Gospel of Luke) (Luke 2:25), while Peter is called Simon (John 1:44).
Similarly one may ask, why did Jesus rename the disciples?
The Bible doesn't give us His reasons, but perhaps it was to let them know they were destined for a new mission in life. The new name was a way to reveal the divine plan and also to assure them that God's plan would be fulfilled in them.
What was Simon Peter's real name?
Shimon