### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼărîy**, represented by `{{H738}}`, is a primary term for **lion**. Derived from a root suggesting violence, its base definition includes **lion**, **young lion**, and a marginal reading of **pierce**. It appears **80 times** across **72 unique verses**, establishing the lion as a powerful and recurring image in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H738}}` is used both literally and symbolically. It appears as a real-world threat, as when David recounts delivering his flock from the paw of a **lion** [[1 Samuel 17:37]] or when a prophet is slain by a **lion** as a consequence of disobedience [[1 Kings 13:26]]. Symbolically, it represents overwhelming adversaries and the wicked who lie in wait for the poor [[Psalms 10:9]]. It is also a metaphor for God's judgment, as when He sends **lions** against those who do not fear Him [[2 Kings 17:25]] or when an invading army is described as a **lion** coming to destroy a land [[Jeremiah 4:7]]. Conversely, the Lord Himself roars like a **lion** to call His children [[Hosea 11:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the lion's depiction in the Bible:
* `{{H3715}}` **kᵉphîyr** (young lion): Often used alongside `{{H738}}`, this term specifies a **young lion**, perhaps one covered with a mane, to describe the vigor of both predators and God's people ([[Micah 5:8]], [[Isaiah 31:4]]).
* `{{H3833}}` **lâbîyʼ** (great, old, stout lion, lioness): This word denotes a mature, powerful lion or lioness. It is used in the prophecy over Judah, who couches as a **lion** and as an **old lion** [[Genesis 49:9]], and over Israel, who rises up as a **great lion** [[Numbers 23:24]].
* `{{H1482}}` **gûwr** (whelp, young one): This term for a cub is used to describe the tribes of Judah and Dan as a **lion's whelp**, signifying their nascent strength ([[Genesis 49:9]], [[Deuteronomy 33:22]]).
* `{{H7580}}` **shâʼag** (to rumble or moan; roar): This is the characteristic action of the lion, used to describe its intimidating **roar** as well as the powerful voice of God ([[Amos 3:8]], [[Hosea 11:10]]).
* `{{H739}}` **ʼărîyʼêl** (lion of God; i.e. heroic; lionlike men): This derivative of `{{H738}}` describes heroic, **lionlike men**, such as the two warriors of Moab slain by Benaiah [[2 Samuel 23:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological and symbolic weight of `{{H738}}` is significant and multifaceted:
* **Symbol of Strength and Royalty:** The lion is the ultimate emblem of strength and courage. It is used to describe mighty warriors ([[2 Samuel 17:10]], [[1 Chronicles 12:8]]) and is the symbol for the royal tribe of Judah [[Genesis 49:9]].
* **Agent of Divine Judgment:** Lions act as instruments of God's wrath. Destructive nations are compared to a **lion** [[Jeremiah 4:7]], and God can send a **lion** to slay the disobedient [[1 Kings 20:36]]. This highlights God's sovereignty over the natural world to enact His will.
* **Metaphor for God and His Enemies:** The Lord's power is compared to that of a **lion** [[Isaiah 31:4]], while at the same time, the enemies of God's people are depicted as a ravening and roaring **lion** [[Psalms 22:13]].
* **Prophetic Figure:** The lion appears in visions of the heavenly realm [[Ezekiel 1:10]] and in prophecies of the messianic peace, where it will eat straw like an ox [[Isaiah 65:25]]. Most pointedly, its marginal definition of "pierce" is realized in the prophetic lament of the sufferer in [[Psalms 22:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H738}}` **ʼărîy** is a word that carries immense symbolic force. While it refers to a literal animal, it serves primarily as a powerful metaphor for strength, danger, royalty, and divine power. Its use to describe valiant men, the tribe of Judah, foreign invaders, and even the Lord Himself illustrates its role as a key biblical symbol for ultimate power, whether for destruction or for sovereign protection.
TRV