Original Word: λέων
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: león
Pronunciation: leh-own
Phonetic Spelling: (leh-ohn')
KJV: lion
NASB: lion, lions, lion's
Word Origin: [a primary word]

1. a "lion"

lion.

A primary word; a "lion" -- lion.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a lion
NASB Translation
lion (5), lion's (1), lions (3).

STRONGS NT 3023: λέων

λέων, λέοντος, ὁ (from Homer down), the Sept. for אֲרִי, אַריֵה, כְּפִיר (a young lion), etc.; a lion;

a. properly: Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; Revelation 9:8, 17; Revelation 10:3; Revelation 13:2.

b. metaphorically ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος, I was rescued out of the most imminent peril of death, 2 Timothy 4:17 (the figure does not lie in the word lion alone, but in the whole phrase); equivalent to a brave and mighty hero: Revelation 5:5, where there is allusion to Genesis 49:9; cf. Nahum 2:13.

Overview of the Lion Motif in Scripture

The lion functions throughout Scripture as the pre-eminent image of intense power, regal authority, deadly threat, and ultimate triumph. In the New Testament the noun λέων (Strong’s Greek 3023) appears nine times and gathers up Old Testament expectations (for example Genesis 49:9; Numbers 24:9; Psalm 22:13) into a rich Christological and pastoral tapestry.

Physical and Cultural Background

Lions roamed the Levant until the early Common Era, haunting wooded hills (1 Samuel 17:34) and river thickets (Jeremiah 49:19). Their roar—clearly audible up to eight kilometers—became a ready metaphor for both terror and majesty. Kings of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and Persia hunted lions to display sovereignty, so the animal naturally illustrated rulership and judgment for Israel and her neighbors.

The Lion as a Symbol of Royal Authority

Revelation 5:5 brings centuries of expectation to a climax: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” The victorious Messiah embodies all the regal might hinted at in Jacob’s blessing over Judah (Genesis 49:9-10) and in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16). New-covenant worship centers on the enthroned Lamb who is simultaneously the conquering Lion—meekness and majesty in perfect union.

Satan, the Roaring Lion

A striking pastoral contrast appears in 1 Peter 5:8: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Whereas Christ’s leonine strength protects and delivers, the counterfeit lion seeks destruction. Peter’s exhortation enjoins sobriety, vigilance, humble dependence on God’s mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6-10), and resistance “firm in the faith,” turning the predator’s threat into a proving ground for steadfastness.

Apocalyptic and Prophetic Visions

1. Revelation 4:7—one of the four living creatures “was like a lion,” reflecting untamed vigor assigned to guard the throne of God.
2. Revelation 10:3—the mighty angel’s shout “like the roar of a lion” signals unassailable authority as he plants his feet on sea and land.
3. Revelation 9:8, 9:17—the demonic locusts and cavalry possess “teeth like lions,” underscoring ferocity in God’s judicial plagues.
4. Revelation 13:2—the end-time beast bears a mouth “like that of a lion,” parodying true kingship while receiving limited, delegated power.

These visions show that lion-like imagery can serve righteous worship, divine announcement, or eschatological judgment, depending on who wields the power.

Faith That Shuts Lions’ Mouths

Hebrews 11:33 recalls saints “who through faith… shut the mouths of lions,” evoking Daniel 6 and prefiguring Christ’s own victory over death. The same theme surfaces in 2 Timothy 4:17: “The Lord stood by me… and I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” Paul interprets his rescue from either literal execution in the arena or the metaphorical danger of imperial wrath as evidence of the Lord’s faithfulness—encouraging believers who face persecution.

Ministry Implications

• Christ-centered proclamation exalts the Lion-Lamb who alone can open the scroll of history.
• Pastoral care equips saints to discern between the protective Lion (Christ) and the predatory lion (Satan).
• Spiritual warfare remains vigilant yet hopeful, knowing that faith can still silence lions and rescue from their jaws.
• Eschatological preaching should present both the comforting sovereignty of the Lion on the throne and the sobering reality of lion-like judgment on unrepentant rebellion.
• Missions and evangelism draw courage from Revelation 5:5—the Lion has already “triumphed,” guaranteeing ultimate success of the gospel among the nations.

Summary

Λέων (3023) encapsulates the grandeur, danger, and victory threaded through redemptive history. Whether portraying Christ’s royal right to rule, Satan’s predatory malice, or apocalyptic agents of judgment, the image invites awe, vigilance and confident faith in the One who overcame as the Lion of Judah and protects His people until He returns.

λέοντα λέοντας λέοντάς λέοντες λεοντι λέοντι λεοντος λέοντος λεοντων λεόντων λέοντων λέουσι λέουσιν λεων λέων λεωπετρίαν leon leōn léon léōn leonti léonti leonton leontōn leónton leóntōn leontos léontosInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts