לְבִי (le.vi)
le.vi
lion; lioness
H:NQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N
Word Overview
The Hebrew word lebî functions as a variant spelling for the more common labi, meaning both lion and lioness. With only ten occurrences in the Bible, it appears most frequently in the books of Numbers, Job, and Isaiah. This rare form allows the text to refer to either gender without changing the root, serving as a flexible term for this powerful predator.
Its usage often carries heavy symbolic weight. In Ezekiel 19:2, the term describes the lioness representing the mother of Israel, illustrating how the word captures both ferocity and maternal protection. The sources note that while labi is the standard masculine form, lebî can denote the female as well, specifically in contexts where the animal’s nurturing or protective side is highlighted alongside its danger.
Translators typically render this word simply as "lion" or "lioness" depending on the immediate context. The variation in spelling does not change the core meaning but reflects the fluidity of Hebrew orthography in certain textual traditions. Its limited appearance keeps the imagery sharp, ensuring that when it appears, the focus remains entirely on the animal’s strength and status.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The image of the lion or lioness in Scripture captures a powerful duality: fierce strength and tender protection. This Hebrew word appears in moments where God’s people are compared to this majestic creature, reminding us that true power often includes a protective instinct for those we love. When Judah is described as a lioness, it points to a royal dignity that commands respect while offering care.
For your faith, this imagery invites you to trust in the strength of God, who is both mighty and intimate. Just as the lioness guards her cubs, God’s presence offers security even in dangerous places. This word helps us see that our Creator is not distant or weak, but actively engaged in defending and providing for His children.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ a lion3×
- and/ like/ a lion2×
- lioness1×
- for/ a lion1×
- a lioness1×
- a lion1×
- [is] like <the>/ lion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּ/לָבִ֣יא2×
- וּ/כְ/לָבִ֖יא2×
- לָבִ֧יא1×
- לָבִ֖יא1×
- לָ֝בִ֗יא1×
- לְ/לָבִ֣יא1×
- כַּ/לָּבִ֑יא1×
- כְּ/לָבִ֔יא1×
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 term to describe Judah’s royal lineage, linking the animal’s strength directly to messianic hope.
-
Numbers 23:24
Behold, a people rises up as a lioness. As a lion he lifts himself up. He shall not lie down until he eats of the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.”
Balaam employs this word to portray Israel’s unstoppable advance, emphasizing their divine empowerment in battle.
-
Hosea 13:8
I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them.
Here the word shifts to depict God’s judgment, showing that His holiness demands accountability from those who turn away.