Metaphysical meaning of Niger (mbd)
Niger, ni-ger (Lat)--black; dark; purplish; ill-omened; false; wicked.
"Symeon that was called Niger" was one of the "prophets and teachers" at Antioch (Acts 13:1).
Meta. The five prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, mentioned in Acts 13:1, represent the interpreters of Spirit to the outer consciousness. Symeon, or Simeon, means hearing, and signifies a receptive, attentive attitude of mind. He was called Niger, meaning black, dark, purplish, false. This indicates that he lacked light, understanding, though possessed of an inherent power (purplish, purple being the color that stands for power) to cast out this darkness of ignorance and to come into the light. This casting out of darkness is accomplished, or at least is begun, by receptivity and attentiveness to the things of Spirit. The necessity of receptivity to spiritual Truth, that seeming darkness or lack of understanding may be overcome, is the burden of the work of the interpreter of Spirit (Symeon, who is called Niger) to the outer consciousness.
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Preceding Entry: Nicopolis
Following Entry: Nile
