or (Ezekiel 19:2) לְבִיָּא; irregular masculine plural לְבָאִים; irregular feminine plural לְבָאוֹת; from an unused root meaning; compare אֲרִי; to roar; a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;)); (great, old, stout) lion, lioness, young (lion).
Transliteration:lâbîyʼ
Pronunciation:law-bee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term lâbîyʼ (`{{H3833}}`) primarily denotes a "lion." The base definition provided suggests a connection to an unused root that signifies "to roar," thus intrinsically linking the word to the powerful vocalization characteristic of this majestic predator. While the Strong's entry notes a nuance, suggesting it might properly refer to a "lioness as the fiercer," and curiously adds "although not a roarer" in that specific context, the overarching semantic range of lâbîyʼ (H3833) consistently points to the lion in its general sense: a creature embodying immense strength, ferocity, courage, and danger. The term appears in various grammatical forms, including the irregular masculine plural lᵉbāʼîm and feminine plural lᵉbāʼôt, indicating its broad application to the species. It can refer to a great, old, stout, or young lion, emphasizing different aspects of the animal's life cycle and physical prowess.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of lâbîyʼ (H3833) in the Hebrew Bible consistently portray the lion as a formidable and often terrifying force.
In [[Genesis 49:9]], Jacob blesses Judah, declaring, "Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?" Here, the lion (and lioness) serves as a metaphor for Judah's future strength, dominance, and unchallengeable authority. The imagery evokes a sense of regal power and security.
In [[Numbers 23:24]], Balaam's oracle describes Israel rising "like a lioness" and lifting itself "like a lion," emphasizing the nation's divinely granted strength and formidable nature against its enemies. This highlights the protective and victorious aspect of God's people.
The term also appears in contexts describing the natural world and the dangers it poses. [[Deuteronomy 33:22]] uses lâbîyʼ (H3833) to describe Dan, "a lion's whelp that leaps from Bashan," again signifying a tribe's aggressive and powerful nature.
In prophetic literature, lâbîyʼ (H3833) can symbolize divine judgment or an oppressive enemy. For instance, [[Ezekiel 19:2]] uses the variant lᵉbîyâʼ to describe a "lioness" among lions, symbolizing the mother of wicked princes, highlighting the destructive and predatory nature of corrupt leadership.
Conversely, the lion can also represent the righteous. [[Proverbs 28:1]] states, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion," using lâbîyʼ (H3833) to illustrate the unwavering courage and confidence of those who walk in integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Lâbîyʼ (H3833) is closely related to ʼarî (`{{H738}}`), another common Hebrew word for "lion." While both terms are often used interchangeably to denote the same animal, lâbîyʼ (H3833), with its suggested root meaning "to roar," might subtly emphasize the active, roaring, and therefore more menacing or powerful aspect of the lion. ʼArî (`{{H738}}`) is more general, encompassing the lion's overall nature. The two words frequently appear in parallel or complementary poetic structures, reinforcing the imagery of the lion's might.
Beyond direct synonyms, lâbîyʼ (H3833) is conceptually linked to:
* **Strength and Power:** The lion is the undisputed king of beasts, symbolizing raw power, invincibility, and dominance.
* **Ferocity and Danger:** As a predator, the lion represents danger, destruction, and a threat to life, particularly in the wilderness.
* **Royalty and Leadership:** Its majestic appearance and unchallenged position in the animal kingdom make it a fitting emblem for kings, leaders, and powerful nations.
* **Courage and Boldness:** The lion's fearlessness in facing its prey or adversaries is often used to describe human bravery.
* **Hunting and Prey:** The lion's role as a hunter naturally connects it to concepts of pursuit, capture, and consumption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of lâbîyʼ (H3833) is rich and multifaceted, drawing heavily on its symbolic associations.
Firstly, the lion imagery is employed to describe aspects of God's character and actions. God is depicted as a lion when executing judgment or demonstrating His unyielding power and wrath against sin, as seen in [[Hosea 5:14]] and [[Hosea 13:7-8]], where He warns of His fierce, lion-like retribution against rebellious Israel. This portrayal emphasizes God's sovereign authority and the inevitability of His justice.
Secondly, the lion serves as a powerful metaphor for the Messiah. In the New Testament, Christ is famously called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" in [[Revelation 5:5]]. This title directly references the prophetic blessing in [[Genesis 49:9]] (where lâbîyʼ (H3833) is used), highlighting Jesus' kingly authority, divine power, and victorious nature as the true descendant of Judah.
Thirdly, the lion is also used to represent evil and destructive forces. Perhaps most notably, [[1 Peter 5:8]] warns believers to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." While this is a New Testament usage, it draws upon the Old Testament's established imagery of the lion as a predatory, destructive force, here applied to Satan's malicious intent.
Finally, the lion can represent human characteristics, both positive and negative. The righteous are said to be "bold as a lion" (as in [[Proverbs 28:1]]), reflecting faith and courage. Conversely, wicked rulers or oppressors can be likened to lions, devouring and destroying the vulnerable.
### Summary
Lâbîyʼ (H3833) is a foundational Hebrew term for "lion," rooted in a concept of "roaring" and signifying a creature of immense strength, ferocity, and danger. Its biblical occurrences consistently leverage these attributes, portraying the lion as a symbol of unyielding power, whether in the context of tribal blessings, national strength, or the destructive force of enemies. The word frequently appears alongside or in parallel with ʼarî (`{{H738}}`), enriching the tapestry of leonine imagery. Theologically, lâbîyʼ (H3833) carries profound significance, representing God's majestic power and judgment, the triumphant kingship of the Messiah, and the predatory nature of spiritual adversaries. It serves as a potent reminder of both divine might and the ever-present dangers in a fallen world, while also inspiring courage in the righteous.
TRV