### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kᵉphîyr**, represented by `{{H3715}}`, primarily refers to a **young lion**, often one with a developing mane. Its definition also includes **village**, stemming from the idea of being covered or enclosed by walls. It appears **32 times** across **32 unique verses**, where it is overwhelmingly used to depict a lion in its strength and vigor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3715}}` is used both literally and figuratively to convey power, danger, and authority. In a literal sense, Samson encounters and overcomes a **young lion** [[Judges 14:5]]. Figuratively, it represents the boldness of the righteous, who are as confident as a **lion** [[Proverbs 28:1]]. The term is also applied to powerful human figures and nations; Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is likened to a **young lion** of the nations [[Ezekiel 32:2]], and a king's wrath is compared to its **roaring** [[Proverbs 19:12]]. In prophetic passages, God's judgment is depicted as a **young lion** that tears and carries away its prey with none to rescue [[Hosea 5:14]]. In a rare alternative usage, the word denotes walled settlements, as when Sanballat and Geshem proposed a meeting in the **villages** of Ono [[Nehemiah 6:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the nature and context of the `{{H3715}}` young lion:
* `{{H738}}` **'ărîy** (a lion): This is a general term for a lion and is often used in parallel with **kᵉphîyr** to describe the animal's ferocity and power, as seen in passages about God's judgment or the remnant of Jacob's strength ([[Isaiah 31:4]], [[Micah 5:8]]).
* `{{H1482}}` **gûwr** (a cub): This word describes a lion in its earliest stage, a whelp still in the lair. In Ezekiel's lamentation, a lioness nourishes her **whelps** among young lions, and one of her **whelps** grows to become a **young lion** `{{H3715}}` that learns to catch prey [[Ezekiel 19:2-3]].
* `{{H7580}}` **shâʼag** (to roar): This verb describes the characteristic cry of a lion. Young lions are frequently depicted as they **roar** after their prey [[Psalms 104:21]] or to signal devastation and judgment upon a land [[Jeremiah 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H3715}}` is significant, representing several key themes:
* **Strength and Boldness:** The **young lion** is the emblem of confidence and strength. It is used to characterize the righteous [[Proverbs 28:1]] and the powerful remnant of Jacob [[Micah 5:8]].
* **Divine and Royal Power:** The **roaring** of a **young lion** serves as a metaphor for the fearsome wrath of a king [[Proverbs 20:2]]. This imagery extends to God, who acts as a lion to execute judgment upon Israel and Judah [[Hosea 5:14]].
* **Predatory Nature:** The **young lion** is a hunter that seeks prey [[Psalms 104:21]], tears it to pieces [[Micah 5:8]], and lurks in secret places [[Psalms 17:12]]. This is used to describe oppressive rulers [[Ezekiel 19:3]] and aggressive nations [[Isaiah 5:29]].
* **Prophetic Transformation:** In visions of the peaceable kingdom, the predatory nature of the **young lion** is transformed. It lies down with the kid and is led by a small child, symbolizing a divinely restored harmony in creation [[Isaiah 11:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3715}}` **kᵉphîyr** is a potent biblical symbol. While it can refer to a village, its primary use as a **young lion** carries deep meaning, embodying boldness, royal authority, fierce judgment, and untamed power. From the righteous man's confidence to the wrath of a king and the judgment of God, this term illustrates a force that inspires both awe and fear, which will ultimately be tamed in the Messianic age.
TRV