אֲרִי (a.ri)
a.ri
lion
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 59 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ari refers to the lion, a powerful symbol of strength and danger in the ancient Near East. It appears fifty-nine times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in the books of Jeremiah, Isaiah, and First Kings. The term describes the actual animal rather than a metaphorical concept, grounding its imagery in the real threat this predator posed to livestock and travelers.
While often used literally to describe hunting or danger, the sources note that ari also appears in contexts involving carved images or statues of lions. This dual usage reflects how the animal functioned both as a tangible physical threat and as a potent visual symbol of royal power or divine majesty. The word is distinct from its Aramaic equivalent ar yeh, maintaining a specific Hebrew identity across different linguistic zones.
Translators typically render ari simply as "lion," preserving the directness of the original text. Its frequent appearance in prophetic literature underscores its role as an emblem of impending judgment or overwhelming force. The word’s straightforward meaning allows it to carry heavy theological weight without requiring complex explanation, relying instead on the universal recognition of the lion’s dominance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ari simply means lion, yet it carries a heavy weight in Scripture. In ancient Israel, this predator represented both physical danger and royal authority. When you read about lions in the Bible, you are encountering a symbol of raw power that people understood intimately. It was not an abstract idea but a real threat to shepherds and travelers, making its imagery immediate and vivid.
For your faith life, this word reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all forces, whether natural or human. David trusted the same God who protected him from the lion’s paw when facing Goliath. The text does not ask you to fear the predator but to recognize that ultimate strength belongs to the Lord. His presence turns even the most daunting threats into opportunities for trust.
Ultimately, the lion points to a King greater than any earthly ruler. Jesus is called the Lion of Judah, linking this ancient symbol to His victory and reign. You can find comfort in knowing that the One who holds all power walks with you through every valley, offering protection and hope in your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 59 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a lion16×
- the/ lion15×
- lions9×
- like/ a lion8×
- and/ the/ lion2×
- and/ [the] lion2×
- <the>/ lions2×
- <the>/ lion2×
- to/ [the] lions1×
- to the/ lion1×
- more than/ lions1×
- more than/ a lion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה5×
- הָ/אֲרִ֛י4×
- אֲרָי֔וֹת4×
- אַרְיֵה֙3×
- כְּ/אַרְיֵ֣ה2×
- כְּ/אַרְיֵ֞ה2×
- וְ/הָ֣/אַרְיֵ֔ה2×
- הָֽ/אֲרִי֙2×
- הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה2×
- אַרְיֵ֔ה2×
- אַרְיֵ֑ה2×
- אֲרָי֣וֹת2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 49:9
Judah is a lion’s cub. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he crouched as a lion, as a lioness. Who will rouse him up?
This verse uses the lion to symbolize Judah’s royal authority and untamable strength, establishing a key messianic lineage.
-
I Samuel 17:37
David said, “Yahweh, who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go! Yahweh will be with you.”
David references the lion here to ground his confidence in God’s past deliverance when facing a new giant.
-
I Kings 10:19
There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were armrests on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests.
The lions flanking Solomon’s throne serve as visual markers of royal majesty and political power rather than literal animals.
-
II Kings 17:25
So it was, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they didn’t fear Yahweh. Therefore Yahweh sent lions among them, which killed some of them.
Lions are sent as an instrument of judgment to correct those who ignore the laws of the land's God.