or (feminine) גֹּרָה; a variation of גּוּר; {a cub (as still abiding in the lair), especially of the lion}; whelp.
Transliteration:gôwr
Pronunciation:gore
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1484}}` (גּוֹר, *gôwr*), along with its feminine form גֹּרָה (*gôrâ*), denotes a "cub" or "whelp," most specifically a young lion. The base definition emphasizes a state of "still abiding in the lair," which is a crucial semantic nuance. This connection to the lair suggests youth, dependence on the parent, and an inherent, yet undeveloped, potential for strength, ferocity, and dominance. The term is closely related to and possibly a variation of `{{H1481}}` (גּוּר, *gûr*), meaning "to sojourn, dwell, abide," reinforcing the concept of the young animal *abiding* in its den, awaiting growth and maturity. Thus, `{{H1484}}` encapsulates both the nascent stage of a powerful creature and its protective, nurturing environment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1484}}` appears in several significant biblical passages, primarily in poetic and prophetic contexts, often as a metaphor for strength, lineage, or predatory nature.
* **[[Genesis 49:9]]**: In Jacob's blessing of Judah, he declares, "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up." This iconic verse portrays Judah as possessing the inherent strength and potential of a lion, even in its youthful stage. The image of the cub ascending from prey suggests a future of victorious conquest and royal dominion, foreshadowing the Davidic line and the Messiah.
* **[[Deuteronomy 33:22]]**: Moses' blessing upon Dan states, "Dan is a lion's cub, that leaps from Bashan." Similar to Judah, Dan is depicted with a fierce, aggressive nature, capable of sudden, powerful attacks. The imagery of leaping from Bashan, a region known for its wild animals and rugged terrain, further emphasizes its untamed strength and potential for swift action.
* **[[Jeremiah 51:38]]**: Prophesying against Babylon, Jeremiah states, "Like lions they roar, they growl like lion cubs." Here, the imagery describes the aggressive, yet perhaps not fully mature, nature of Babylon's forces or leaders. The "cubs" might imply a numerous but still developing threat, or a ferocity that, while present, has not yet reached its peak.
* **[[Ezekiel 19:2-3]]**: This lament for the princes of Israel uses the imagery of a lioness raising cubs. "What was your mother? A lioness among lions! She crouched among young lions; she reared her cubs in their midst. She raised up one of her cubs; he became a young lion..." This passage vividly illustrates the lineage and early life of Israelite princes (likely Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin). The "cub" represents the prince in his youth, inheriting the royal and powerful nature of his "lioness" mother (Israel or the Davidic dynasty). The progression from "cub" to "young lion" (`{{H3715}}`) signifies growth into a position of power, though in Ezekiel's lament, this potential is ultimately thwarted by divine judgment.
* **[[Nahum 2:12]]**: Describing the predatory nature of Assyria (Nineveh), the prophet declares, "The lion tore enough for his cubs, and strangled prey for his lionesses, and filled his lairs with prey, and his dens with torn flesh." In this context, the "cubs" represent the offspring or dependents of the powerful, predatory lion (Assyria). The imagery underscores the empire's insatiable hunger for conquest and its relentless provision for its own, often at the expense of others.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of `{{H1484}}` is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Root/Cognate:** The connection to `{{H1481}}` (גּוּר, *gûr*), "to sojourn, dwell, abide," highlights the "abiding in the lair" aspect of the cub, emphasizing its dependence and the initial stage of its life cycle within a protected environment.
* **Other Lion Terms:** The Hebrew Bible employs various terms for different stages or types of lions, each with distinct nuances:
* `{{H738}}` (אֲרִי, *'ărî*): A general term for a lion.
* `{{H3833}}` (לָבִיא, *lāḇî'*): A lioness, often emphasizing her ferocity or maternal care.
* `{{H3715}}` (כְּפִיר, *kəp̄îr*): A young lion, often denoting a strong, vigorous, and agile animal, past the "cub" stage but not yet fully mature.
* `{{H3918}}` (לַיִשׁ, *layish*): A mature, strong lion, often associated with its full power and majesty.
* **Concepts:** The word `{{H1484}}` evokes concepts of strength, ferocity, royalty, lineage, youth, potential, dependence, and a predatory nature. It often serves as a powerful metaphor for the inherent characteristics of individuals or nations.
### Theological Significance
The imagery of the "lion's cub" carries profound theological weight, particularly in its metaphorical applications.
* **Divine Blessing and Messianic Prophecy:** The most significant theological use is in [[Genesis 49:9]], where Judah is blessed as a "lion's cub." This prophecy not only speaks of the tribe's future strength and dominion but also directly foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who is later identified as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([[Revelation 5:5]]). The "cub" signifies the nascent stage of a divine plan for a powerful, righteous ruler, whose ultimate authority and victory are assured.
* **National Identity and Character:** For tribes like Judah and Dan, being likened to a lion's cub imbues them with a divinely ordained strength and a formidable, often aggressive, character. This imagery reflects God's design for His people, endowing them with qualities necessary for their role in redemptive history, whether for conquest or defense.
* **Sovereignty Over Human Power:** In passages like Ezekiel's lament, the progression from "cub" to "young lion" for the princes of Israel highlights the potential for power and authority. However, their ultimate downfall demonstrates God's sovereign control over human destiny and the transience of earthly might, even when it appears formidable.
* **Warning Against Predation:** The use of "cubs" in Nahum's prophecy against Assyria serves as a powerful indictment of the predatory nature of empires that exploit others for their own sustenance and the welfare of their "offspring." It subtly underscores the moral implications of unchecked power and aggression.
* **Growth and Maturation in God's Plan:** The concept of a "cub" maturing into a "young lion" or a full-grown lion can also serve as an analogy for spiritual growth or the development of God's purposes through His people, moving from a state of potential to one of full manifestation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1484}}` (גּוֹר, *gôwr*) precisely denotes a "cub" or "whelp," primarily associated with a lion. Its core meaning emphasizes youth, dependence, and an inherent, yet undeveloped, potential for immense strength and ferocity, often linked to its "abiding in the lair." Biblically, it features prominently in prophetic blessings for tribes like Judah and Dan, symbolizing their formidable nature and future dominion, with a direct Messianic trajectory for Judah. In laments and prophecies against nations, it can represent the lineage of powerful rulers or the insatiable, predatory nature of empires. The term contributes significantly to the rich biblical tapestry of animal metaphors, conveying profound theological truths about divine blessing, human potential, the exercise of power, and God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation.
TRV