λέων (leōn)
leōn
lion
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun leōn refers to the lion, a powerful animal known for its strength and ferocity. In both the New Testament and the Old Testament’s Greek translation (the LXX), it serves as the standard word for this predator, capturing its reputation as a symbol of raw power and danger.
Scripture uses this image in two distinct ways. In passages like 1 Peter 5:8, the lion represents a spiritual adversary seeking to devour the faithful, emphasizing the real threat believers face. Conversely, Revelation 5:5 identifies Jesus as the "Lion of Judah," transforming the symbol of destruction into one of victorious authority and royal power.
Translators typically render leōn simply as "lion," preserving the vividness of the original metaphor without softening its impact. The word’s presence in Revelation highlights its theological weight, where it signifies either the chaotic forces opposing God or the triumphant King who overcomes them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'lion' in Scripture carries two very different weights. In places like Revelation 5:5, it points to Jesus as the Lion of Judah, a King who has overcome evil and holds ultimate authority over history. This image reminds us that true power is not just about strength, but about victory and faithfulness.
Yet the same word also describes the devil in 1 Peter 5:8, who prowls like a roaring lion looking to cause harm. This contrast shows that while spiritual dangers are real, they do not have the final say. The One who is the Lion of Judah stands with us, just as He stood by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:17.
When you face fear or opposition, remember that the same title used for your enemy is also used for your Savior. You are not left to fight alone against the roaring threats of this world. The victory belongs to Christ, and His presence brings peace even in the midst of danger.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of lions,2×
- a lion2×
- of the lion.1×
- of lions1×
- of a lion.1×
- as a lion,1×
- Lion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λέων3×
- λέοντος.2×
- λεόντων,2×
- λέοντι,1×
- λεόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 5:5
One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.”
This verse transforms the symbol of a predator into a title for Jesus, highlighting His royal authority and victory over sin.
-
I Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Here the lion represents the devil's aggressive intent to destroy believers, urging Christians to remain spiritually alert.
-
II Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Paul uses this phrase to describe a literal rescue from danger, showing how God strengthens His servants in times of crisis.
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Hebrews 11:33
who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
This reference recalls Old Testament stories where faith protected believers from physical harm, demonstrating God's power to silence threats.