386,926
edits
Difference between revisions of "Lion"
From BiblePortal Wikipedia
no edit summary
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
== Fausset's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_36444" /> == | == Fausset's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_36444" /> == | ||
<p> ' | <p> ''''''Ariy''''' , ''''''Arieh''''' ("the bearer," Umbreit); '''''Guwr''''' , "the whelp" ( Genesis 49:9); '''''Kephir''''' , "the young lion" in adolescent vigour, his "great teeth" grown ( Psalms 58:6), having his own covert ( Jeremiah 25:38); '''''Labiy''''' , in adult maturity ( Genesis 49:9); '''''Libyah''''' , "lioness"; '''''La'Ish''''' , "an old (rather strong, from an Arabic root) lion": Job 4:11, where the five different terms occur; '''''Shachal''''' is "the roaring lion"; '''''Labiy''''' appears in the German '''''Lowe''''' . The variety of names shows the abundance of lions in the regions of Scripture at that time. Now there are none in Palestine. But the names [[Lebaoth]] ( Joshua 15:32), [[Arieh]] ( 2 Kings 15:25), [[Ariel]] for [[Jerusalem]] ( Isaiah 29:1-2; Isaiah 29:7), [[Laish]] ( Judges 18:7), incidentally, and so undesignedly, confirm the Scripture assertions as to their former existence. </p> <p> The forests and tangled thickets have been almost swept away which were their former lair. Jordan's wooded banks, its "pride" (as some translated, but others "swelling"), gave cover to lions ( Jeremiah 49:19), "a lion from the swelling (so Calvin, the overflow forcing the lion from the woody banks) of Jordan." The Asiatic lion has a short curly mane, and is shorter and rounder than the African. It laid waste villages ( 2 Kings 17:25-26; Proverbs 22:13) and slew men ( 1 Kings 13:24; 1 Kings 20:35-36). Shepherds, as David, sometimes singly encountered it, and prevailed ( 1 Samuel 17:34-35; Amos 3:12); oftener in bands, frightening him with shouts into a pit covered over with reed or branches lightly, to entrap it ( Ezekiel 19:4; Ezekiel 19:8-9). [[Benaiah]] slew one in a pit or cistern, in which it had taken refuge in a snowstorm ( 2 Samuel 23:20). </p> <p> Samson slew one at [[Timnath]] ( Judges 14:5-6). Lion hunting is depicted as the amusement of the [[Ninevite]] kings, who followed the great hunter Nimrod's example. Captured lions were caged, which illustrates the image in Ezekiel 19:9. The lion symbolizes bravery, so the faces of the warriors of [[Gad]] who joined David are designated "the faces of lions" ( 1 Chronicles 12:8); also might and royalty, as in the winged lion figures with human heads in the [[Assyrian]] palace remains, and in Solomon's steps to his throne ( 1 Kings 10:19-20); so the royal tribe Judah had the lion as its standard. [[Messiah]] is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David," yet also the Lamb, combining opposites. The first of the four living creatures was like a lion ( Revelation 4:7, compare Ezekiel 1:10), the kingly aspect of Messiah in Matthew. </p> <p> [[Nineveh]] is compared to a lion's den, full of remains of its prey, appropriately, as lion figures abounded in the Assyrian palaces, Nahum 2:11-12, "where is," etc.? i.e. God will so destroy it that its site will be hard to find; fulfilled to the letter ( Nahum 1:8). [[Lions]] haunted dens in [[Lebanon]] and Hermon ( Song of Solomon 4:8). [[Balaam]] compares [[Israel]] to "a great lion ( '''''Labiy''''' ) and a young lion" ( ''''''Arieh''''' ): Numbers 23:24; Numbers 24:9. Amos 3:4, "will a lion roar in the forest when he hath no prey?" i.e., God would not threaten wrath if there were not; a guilty nation, its object ( Matthew 24:28); "will a young lion cry out of his den if he (the old lion) have taken nothing?" The young lion lies silent until the parent lion brings the prey near, then the scent rouses him; so the prophet would not speak against Israel if God did not reveal to him Israel's sin requiring Israel's punishment. </p> <p> Satan is the "roaring lion" as well as the subtle serpent ( 1 Peter 5:8). '''''Sha'Ag''''' is the lion's roar in seeking prey ( Psalms 104:21); '''''Naham''''' his cry when seizing it ( Isaiah 5:29, compare Proverbs 19:12); '''''Hagah''''' his growl defying any effort to snatch from him his prey ( Isaiah 31:4); '''''Na'Ar''''' the cry of the young lion ( Jeremiah 51:38); '''''Rabats''''' is his crouching in his lair ( Genesis 49:10); '''''Shacah''''' and '''''Yashab''''' ( Job 38:40) his lying in wait; ''''''Arab''''' his secretly doing so ( Psalms 10:9); '''''Ramas''''' his stealthily creeping after prey ( Psalms 104:20); '''''Zinneq''''' his leap, flinging himself on it ( Deuteronomy 33:22) (Smith's Bible Dictionary). </p> | ||
== Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament <ref name="term_56498" /> == | == Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament <ref name="term_56498" /> == | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
== Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types <ref name="term_198025" /> == | == Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types <ref name="term_198025" /> == | ||
<p> This animal is used as a figure or a type of power, sagacity, strength, wrath and ability. Sometimes the lion represents [[Christ]] | <p> This animal is used as a figure or a type of power, sagacity, strength, wrath and ability. Sometimes the lion represents [[Christ Jesus]] Sometimes it represents Satan. It always represents tremendous power and strength. </p> <p> Genesis 49:9 (b) Emblematic of the power, strength and cunning of Judah for GOD because he came from GOD. The "lion" refers to GOD. Judah as the whelp is the offspring. </p> <p> Judges 14:8 (c) This is sometimes taken as a type of [[Christ]] Out of His death comes the sweetness of GOD's grace, and the blessings of salvation. </p> <p> 2 Samuel 17:10 (b) This is the estimate of David's power and boldness as given by Hushai. He uses this figure to describe the mighty fighting power of David. </p> <p> 1 Kings 7:29 (c) These figures represent various aspects of the Lord [[Jesus Christ]] They are to be seen in connection with the character of CHRIST, both in Ezekiel and in the Revelation. Over the grave of Bobby Burns in the castle at Dumfernlin in [[Scotland]] there is a wooden canopy upheld by four posts. On the top of these posts there appear the four figures which Solomon mentions and which are also mentioned in Ezekiel - the lion, the ox, the man, the eagle. These indicate the four great attributes and characteristics of the Lord [[Jesus Christ]] </p> <p> 1 Chronicles 11:22 (c) This may be used as a type of Satan. Though every condition was favorable to the lion, this bold servant of David took his life in his hand and killed the beast. So our [[Saviour]] with everything against Him overcame Satan at [[Calvary]] when it seemed as though He could not possibly come out of the conflict a victor. </p> <p> 1 Chronicles 12:8 (a) The face of the lion is under perfect control of the spirit of the lion. No one can tell the feelings of the lion by observing the face. Even when ready to attack, the face remains placid and calm. This figure used in connection with the [[Gadites]] indicates that these were men of might as the lion, men of fight as a lion, men of flight as a lion, and always with perfect control of their actions and their feelings. </p> <p> Psalm 22:13 (a) The maddening throng around the Cross resembled lions in their hatred, their vociferous shouts and their anger against the Son of GOD. </p> <p> Psalm 35:17 (b) This is a cry of the Lord [[Jesus]] for GOD to preserve Him from the fierce attacks of the enemies around Him. </p> <p> Ecclesiastes 9:4 (b) This is a very graphic way of telling us that a great and mighty powerful man is of no value when dead. Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler have lost their power. The least of all living persons is better than the greatest of dead conquerors. </p> <p> Jeremiah 12:8 (a) This represents GOD's own people who should have been of the sheep of His pasture, but instead turned against Him in hatred and rebellion. </p> <p> Ezekiel 1:10 (b) This is one of the types of the Lord JESUS in which His great strength, power, majesty and sovereignty are represented. (See also Revelation 4:7 and Revelation 5:5). </p> <p> Ezekiel 19:2 (a) The nation of Israel was compared to this animal. The leaders represent the parent animals. Their offspring are the cubs, but all of them are fierce and cruel in their attitude toward GOD and His prophet. </p> <p> 1 Peter 5:8 (a) Satan is thus described. This animal cannot be tamed to become a servant of man. Its nature cannot be changed. It is never constructive, but always destructive in all its actions. It is never a friend of man, but always his enemy. He is said to be roaring because he is always hunting up victims. The lion roars only when it is hungry. Satan is never satisfied. He is always in the business of devouring and destroying and is never a blessing to men. </p> <p> Revelation 5:5 (a) [[Christ Jesus]] is the King of kings as the lion is the king of beasts. He is unconquerable and unavoidable. He cannot be defeated. He is afraid of no enemy. He cannot be hindered by any circumstances. He is always able to do whatever needs to be done for the glory of GOD and the blessing of men. </p> <p> Revelation 13:2 (b) This animal reveals the terrible power the antichrist will have to tear, destroy and hurt GOD's people and all who will not bow to his sovereign sway. </p> | ||
== Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary <ref name="term_48096" /> == | == Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary <ref name="term_48096" /> == | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
== Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words <ref name="term_78259" /> == | == Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words <ref name="term_78259" /> == | ||
<div> '''1: | <div> '''1: '''''Λέων''''' ''' (Strong'S #3023 Noun Masculine leon leh-ohn' ) </div> <p> occurs in 2 Timothy 4:17 , probably figurative of the imminent peril of death, the figure being represented by the whole phrase, not by the word "lion" alone; some suppose the reference to be to the lions of the amphitheater; the Greek commentators regarded the "lion" as Nero; others understand it to be Satan. The language not improbably recalls that of Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:20 . The word is used metaphorically, too, in Revelation 5:5 , where Christ is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." [[Elsewhere]] it has the literal meaning, Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; 9:8,17; 10:3; 13:2 . Taking the OT and NT occurrences the allusions are to the three great features of the "lion," (1) its majesty and strength, indicative of royalty, e.g., Proverbs 30:30 , (2) its courage, e.g., Proverbs 28:1 , (3) its cruelty, e.g., Psalm 22:13 . </p> | ||
== People's Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_70412" /> == | == People's Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_70412" /> == | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
== Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words <ref name="term_76395" /> == | == Vine's Expository Dictionary of OT Words <ref name="term_76395" /> == | ||
<p> <em> 'Ărı̂y </em> (אַרְיֵה, Strong'S #738), “lion.” This apparently [[Aramaic]] loan word finds a cognate only in Aramaic. Occurring in all periods of biblical Hebrew, it is attested 83 times. The word represents a “full-grown lion.” </p> <p> This word should be compared to: (1) <em> gur </em> (Gen. 49:9), a suckling lion; (2) <em> shachal </em> (Hos. 5:14), a young lion which no longer is a suckling; and (3) <em> kepir </em> (Judg. 14:5), a young lion which no longer is a suckling and which hunts for its food independently. </p> <p> The “lion” was a much-feared beast (Amos 3:12) found mostly in the Trans-jordan (Jer. 49:19) and in the mountainous areas (Song of Sol. 4:8). The various characteristics of the “lion” make it a frequent figure of strength and power (Judg. 14:18), of plundering (Gen. 49:9), and of malicious scheming (Ps. 10:9). </p> | <p> <em> 'Ărı̂y </em> ( '''''אַרְיֵה''''' , Strong'S #738), “lion.” This apparently [[Aramaic]] loan word finds a cognate only in Aramaic. Occurring in all periods of biblical Hebrew, it is attested 83 times. The word represents a “full-grown lion.” </p> <p> This word should be compared to: (1) <em> gur </em> (Gen. 49:9), a suckling lion; (2) <em> shachal </em> (Hos. 5:14), a young lion which no longer is a suckling; and (3) <em> kepir </em> (Judg. 14:5), a young lion which no longer is a suckling and which hunts for its food independently. </p> <p> The “lion” was a much-feared beast (Amos 3:12) found mostly in the Trans-jordan (Jer. 49:19) and in the mountainous areas (Song of Sol. 4:8). The various characteristics of the “lion” make it a frequent figure of strength and power (Judg. 14:18), of plundering (Gen. 49:9), and of malicious scheming (Ps. 10:9). </p> | ||
== Morrish Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_67325" /> == | == Morrish Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_67325" /> == | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
== International Standard Bible Encyclopedia <ref name="term_5734" /> == | == International Standard Bible Encyclopedia <ref name="term_5734" /> == | ||
<p> ''''' lı̄´un ''''' </p> 1. Names: <p> (1) Occurring most often in the Old Testament is אריה , <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> , plural אריות , <i> ''''' 'ărāyōth ''''' </i> . Another form, ארי , <i> ''''' 'ărı̄ ''''' </i> , plural אריים , <i> ''''' 'ărāyı̄m ''''' </i> , is found less often. Compare אריאל , <i> ''''' 'ărı̄'ēl ''''' </i> , "Ariel" ( Ezra 8:16; Isaiah 29:1 , Isaiah 29:2 , Isaiah 29:7 ); חראל , <i> '''''ḥar'ēl''''' </i> , "upper altar," and אראיל , <i> ''''''ări'ēl''''' </i> , "altar hearth" ( Ezekiel 43:15 ); אריה , <i> ''''''aryēh''''' </i> , "Arieh" ( 2 Kings 15:25 ); אראלי , <i> ''''''ar'ēlı̄''''' </i> , "Areli" and "Arelites" ( Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:17 ). (2) כּפיר , <i> '''''kephı̄r''''' </i> , "young lion," often translated "lion" ( Psalm 35:17; Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 23:1 , etc.). (3) שׁהל , <i> '''''shaḥal''''' </i> , translated "fierce lion" or "lion" ( Job 4:10; Job 10:16; Job 28:8; Hosea 5:14 ). (4) לישׁ , <i> '''''layish''''' </i> , translated "old lion" or "lion" ( Job 4:11; Proverbs 30:30; Isaiah 30:6 ). Compare Arabic <i> '''''laith''''' </i> , "lion": לישׁ , <i> '''''layish''''' </i> , "Laish," or "Leshem" ( Joshua 19:47; Judges 18:7 , Judges 18:14 , Judges 18:27 , Judges 18:29 ); לישׁ , <i> '''''layish''''' </i> , "Laish" ( 1 Samuel 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:15 ). (5) לבי , <i> '''''lebhı̄''''' </i> , plural לבאים , <i> '''''lebhā'ı̄m''''' </i> , "lioness"; also לביא , <i> '''''lābhı̄'''''' </i> , and לביּא , <i> '''''lebhı̄yā'''''' </i> ( Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; Numbers 24:9 ); compare town in South of Judah, Lebaoth ( Joshua 15:32 ) or Beth-lebaoth ( Joshua 19:6 ); also Arabic <i> '''''labwat''''' </i> , "lioness "; <i> '''''Lebweh''''' </i> , a town in Coele-Syria. (6) גּוּר , <i> '''''gūr''''' </i> , גּור , <i> '''''gōr''''' </i> , "whelp," with <i> ''''''aryēh''''' </i> or a pronoun, e.g. "Judah is a lion's whelp," <i> '''''gūr''''' </i> <i> ''''''ăryēh''''' </i> ( Genesis 49:9 ); "young ones" of the jackal ( Lamentations 4:3 ). Also לביא בּני , <i> '''''benē''''' </i> <i> '''''lābhı̄'''''' </i> , "whelps (sons) of the lioness" ( Job 4:11 ); and אריות כּפיר , <i> '''''kephı̄r''''' </i> <i> ''''''ărāyōth''''' </i> , "young lion," literally, "the young of lions" ( Judges 14:5 ). In Job 28:8 , the King James Version has "lion's whelps" for שׁחץ בּני , <i> '''''benē''''' </i> <i> '''''shaḥac''''' </i> , the Revised Version (British and American) "proud beasts." the Revised Version margin "sons of pride"; compare Job 41:34 (Hebrew 26). (7) λέων , <i> '''''léōn''''' </i> , "lion" ( 2 Timothy 4:17; Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; Revelation 5:5; The Wisdom of Solomon 11:17; [[Ecclesiasticus]] 4:30; 13:19; [[Bel]] and the [[Dragon]] 31, 32, 34). (8) σκύμνος , <i> '''''skúmnos''''' </i> , "whelp" (1 Macc 3:4). </p> 2. Natural History: <p> The lion is not found in Palestine at the present day, though in ancient times it is known to have inhabited not only Syria and Palestine but also Asia Minor and the Balkan peninsula, and its fossil remains show that it was contemporary with prehistoric man in Northwestern Europe and Great Britain. Its present range extends throughout Africa, and it is also found in Mesopotamia, Southern Persia, and the border of India. There is some reason to think that it may be found in Arabia, but its occurrence there remains to be proved. The Asiatic male lion does not usually have as large a mane as the African, but both belong to one species, Fells leo. </p> 3. Figurative: <p> Lions are mentioned in the Bible for their strength ( Judges 14:18 ), boldness ( 2 Samuel 17:10 ), ferocity ( Psalm 7:2 ), and stealth ( Psalm 10:9; Lamentations 3:10 ). Therefore in prophetical references to the millennium, the lion, with the bear, wolf, and leopard, is mentioned as living in peace with the ox, calf, kid, lamb and the child ( Psalm 91:13; Isaiah 11:6-8; Isaiah 65:25 ). The roaring of the lion is often mentioned ( Job 4:10; Psalm 104:21; Isaiah 31:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) "growling"); Jeremiah 51:38; Ezekiel 22:25; Hosea 11:10 ). Judah is a "lion's whelp" ( Genesis 49:9 ), likewise Dan ( Deuteronomy 33:22 ). It is said of certain of David's warriors ( 1 Chronicles 12:8 ) that their "faces were like the faces of lions." David's enemy ( Psalm 17:12 ) "is like a lion that is greedy of his prey." "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion" ( Proverbs 19:12 ). God in His wrath is "unto [[Ephraim]] as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah" ( Hosea 5:14 ). "The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8 ). "Lion" occurs in the <i> figurative </i> language of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. The figures of lions were used in the decorations of Solomon's temple and throne ( 1 Kings 7:29 , 1 Kings 7:36; 1 Kings 10:19 f). </p> 4. Narrative: <p> Nearly all references to the lion are <i> figurative </i> . The only notices of the lion in narrative are of the lion slain by Samson ( Judges 14:5 ); by David ( 1 Samuel 17:34 f); by Benaiah ( 2 Samuel 23:20; 1 Chronicles 11:22 ); the prophet slain by a lion ( 1 Kings 13:24; also 1 Kings 20:36 ); the lions sent by the Lord among the settlers in [[Samaria]] ( 2 Kings 17:25 ); Daniel in the lions' den ( Daniel 6:16 ). In all these cases the word used is <i> ''''''aryēh''''' </i> or <i> ''''''ărı̄''''' </i> . </p> 5. Vocabulary: <p> The Arabic language boasts hundreds of names for the lion. Many of these are, however, merely adjectives used substantively. The commonest Arabic names are <i> ''''' sab‛ ''''' </i> , <i> ''''' 'asad ''''' </i> , <i> ''''' laith ''''' </i> , and <i> ''''' labwat ''''' </i> , the last two of which are identified above with the Hebrew <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> and <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> . As in Arabic, so in Hebrew, the richness of the language in this particular gives opportunity for variety of expression, as in Job 4:10 , Job 4:11 : </p> <p> "The roaring of the lion ( <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> ), and the voice of the fierce lion ( <i> ''''' shaḥal ''''' </i> ), </p> <p> And the teeth of the young lions ( <i> ''''' kephı̄rı̄m ''''' </i> ), are broken. </p> <p> The old lion ( <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> ) perisheth for lack of prey, </p> <p> And the whelps of the lioness ( <i> ''''' benē ''''' </i> <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> ) are scattered abroad." </p> <p> In Judges 14:5-18 , no less than three different terms, <i> '''''kephı̄r''''' </i> <i> ''''''ărāyōth''''' </i> , <i> ''''''aryēh''''' </i> , and <i> ''''''ărı̄''''' </i> , are used of Samson's lion. </p> | <p> ''''' lı̄´un ''''' </p> 1. Names: <p> (1) Occurring most often in the Old Testament is אריה , <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> , plural אריות , <i> ''''' 'ărāyōth ''''' </i> . Another form, ארי , <i> ''''' 'ărı̄ ''''' </i> , plural אריים , <i> ''''' 'ărāyı̄m ''''' </i> , is found less often. Compare אריאל , <i> ''''' 'ărı̄'ēl ''''' </i> , "Ariel" ( Ezra 8:16; Isaiah 29:1 , Isaiah 29:2 , Isaiah 29:7 ); חראל , <i> ''''' ḥar'ēl ''''' </i> , "upper altar," and אראיל , <i> ''''' 'ări'ēl ''''' </i> , "altar hearth" ( Ezekiel 43:15 ); אריה , <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> , "Arieh" ( 2 Kings 15:25 ); אראלי , <i> ''''' 'ar'ēlı̄ ''''' </i> , "Areli" and "Arelites" ( Genesis 46:16; Numbers 26:17 ). (2) כּפיר , <i> ''''' kephı̄r ''''' </i> , "young lion," often translated "lion" ( Psalm 35:17; Proverbs 19:12; Proverbs 23:1 , etc.). (3) שׁהל , <i> ''''' shaḥal ''''' </i> , translated "fierce lion" or "lion" ( Job 4:10; Job 10:16; Job 28:8; Hosea 5:14 ). (4) לישׁ , <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> , translated "old lion" or "lion" ( Job 4:11; Proverbs 30:30; Isaiah 30:6 ). Compare Arabic <i> ''''' laith ''''' </i> , "lion": לישׁ , <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> , "Laish," or "Leshem" ( Joshua 19:47; Judges 18:7 , Judges 18:14 , Judges 18:27 , Judges 18:29 ); לישׁ , <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> , "Laish" ( 1 Samuel 25:44; 2 Samuel 3:15 ). (5) לבי , <i> ''''' lebhı̄ ''''' </i> , plural לבאים , <i> ''''' lebhā'ı̄m ''''' </i> , "lioness"; also לביא , <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> , and לביּא , <i> ''''' lebhı̄yā' ''''' </i> ( Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24; Numbers 24:9 ); compare town in South of Judah, Lebaoth ( Joshua 15:32 ) or Beth-lebaoth ( Joshua 19:6 ); also Arabic <i> ''''' labwat ''''' </i> , "lioness "; <i> ''''' Lebweh ''''' </i> , a town in Coele-Syria. (6) גּוּר , <i> ''''' gūr ''''' </i> , גּור , <i> ''''' gōr ''''' </i> , "whelp," with <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> or a pronoun, e.g. "Judah is a lion's whelp," <i> ''''' gūr ''''' </i> <i> ''''' 'ăryēh ''''' </i> ( Genesis 49:9 ); "young ones" of the jackal ( Lamentations 4:3 ). Also לביא בּני , <i> ''''' benē ''''' </i> <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> , "whelps (sons) of the lioness" ( Job 4:11 ); and אריות כּפיר , <i> ''''' kephı̄r ''''' </i> <i> ''''' 'ărāyōth ''''' </i> , "young lion," literally, "the young of lions" ( Judges 14:5 ). In Job 28:8 , the King James Version has "lion's whelps" for שׁחץ בּני , <i> ''''' benē ''''' </i> <i> ''''' shaḥac ''''' </i> , the Revised Version (British and American) "proud beasts." the Revised Version margin "sons of pride"; compare Job 41:34 (Hebrew 26). (7) λέων , <i> ''''' léōn ''''' </i> , "lion" ( 2 Timothy 4:17; Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; Revelation 5:5; The Wisdom of Solomon 11:17; [[Ecclesiasticus]] 4:30; 13:19; [[Bel]] and the [[Dragon]] 31, 32, 34). (8) σκύμνος , <i> ''''' skúmnos ''''' </i> , "whelp" (1 Macc 3:4). </p> 2. Natural History: <p> The lion is not found in Palestine at the present day, though in ancient times it is known to have inhabited not only Syria and Palestine but also Asia Minor and the Balkan peninsula, and its fossil remains show that it was contemporary with prehistoric man in Northwestern Europe and Great Britain. Its present range extends throughout Africa, and it is also found in Mesopotamia, Southern Persia, and the border of India. There is some reason to think that it may be found in Arabia, but its occurrence there remains to be proved. The Asiatic male lion does not usually have as large a mane as the African, but both belong to one species, Fells leo. </p> 3. Figurative: <p> Lions are mentioned in the Bible for their strength ( Judges 14:18 ), boldness ( 2 Samuel 17:10 ), ferocity ( Psalm 7:2 ), and stealth ( Psalm 10:9; Lamentations 3:10 ). Therefore in prophetical references to the millennium, the lion, with the bear, wolf, and leopard, is mentioned as living in peace with the ox, calf, kid, lamb and the child ( Psalm 91:13; Isaiah 11:6-8; Isaiah 65:25 ). The roaring of the lion is often mentioned ( Job 4:10; Psalm 104:21; Isaiah 31:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) "growling"); Jeremiah 51:38; Ezekiel 22:25; Hosea 11:10 ). Judah is a "lion's whelp" ( Genesis 49:9 ), likewise Dan ( Deuteronomy 33:22 ). It is said of certain of David's warriors ( 1 Chronicles 12:8 ) that their "faces were like the faces of lions." David's enemy ( Psalm 17:12 ) "is like a lion that is greedy of his prey." "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion" ( Proverbs 19:12 ). God in His wrath is "unto [[Ephraim]] as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah" ( Hosea 5:14 ). "The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8 ). "Lion" occurs in the <i> figurative </i> language of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. The figures of lions were used in the decorations of Solomon's temple and throne ( 1 Kings 7:29 , 1 Kings 7:36; 1 Kings 10:19 f). </p> 4. Narrative: <p> Nearly all references to the lion are <i> figurative </i> . The only notices of the lion in narrative are of the lion slain by Samson ( Judges 14:5 ); by David ( 1 Samuel 17:34 f); by Benaiah ( 2 Samuel 23:20; 1 Chronicles 11:22 ); the prophet slain by a lion ( 1 Kings 13:24; also 1 Kings 20:36 ); the lions sent by the Lord among the settlers in [[Samaria]] ( 2 Kings 17:25 ); Daniel in the lions' den ( Daniel 6:16 ). In all these cases the word used is <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> or <i> ''''' 'ărı̄ ''''' </i> . </p> 5. Vocabulary: <p> The Arabic language boasts hundreds of names for the lion. Many of these are, however, merely adjectives used substantively. The commonest Arabic names are <i> ''''' sab‛ ''''' </i> , <i> ''''' 'asad ''''' </i> , <i> ''''' laith ''''' </i> , and <i> ''''' labwat ''''' </i> , the last two of which are identified above with the Hebrew <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> and <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> . As in Arabic, so in Hebrew, the richness of the language in this particular gives opportunity for variety of expression, as in Job 4:10 , Job 4:11 : </p> <p> "The roaring of the lion ( <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> ), and the voice of the fierce lion ( <i> ''''' shaḥal ''''' </i> ), </p> <p> And the teeth of the young lions ( <i> ''''' kephı̄rı̄m ''''' </i> ), are broken. </p> <p> The old lion ( <i> ''''' layish ''''' </i> ) perisheth for lack of prey, </p> <p> And the whelps of the lioness ( <i> ''''' benē ''''' </i> <i> ''''' lābhı̄' ''''' </i> ) are scattered abroad." </p> <p> In Judges 14:5-18 , no less than three different terms, <i> ''''' kephı̄r ''''' </i> <i> ''''' 'ărāyōth ''''' </i> , <i> ''''' 'aryēh ''''' </i> , and <i> ''''' 'ărı̄ ''''' </i> , are used of Samson's lion. </p> | ||
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_48684" /> == | == Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_48684" /> == | ||
