### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAryêh**, represented by `{{H745}}`, is defined as "lion" and is also used as the proper name **Arieh**, an Israelite. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole usage identifies an individual involved in a significant political event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H745}}` appears in the account of a political conspiracy. Arieh is named as an accomplice of **Pekah** `{{H6492}}`, a captain who rose against the king of Israel. Together with another man named Argob, they **smote** `{{H5221}}` the king in the palace of the king's house and **killed** `{{H4191}}` him, allowing Pekah to seize the throne [[2 Kings 15:25]]. Arieh's only mention places him at the center of a violent coup.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this account provide context for the conspiracy:
* `{{H6492}}` **Peqach** (Pekah): The name of the Israelite king who led the conspiracy. He is described as a key figure in the conflicts of his time, warring against Judah and eventually being overthrown himself ([[2 Kings 15:29]], [[2 Kings 15:37]]).
* `{{H7991}}` **shâlîysh** (captain): This term describes Pekah's rank, a high-level officer or **prince**. It denotes a position of significant authority, such as a **lord** on whom a king leaned or a commander over chariots ([[2 Kings 7:2]], [[Exodus 14:7]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This root verb describes the physical act of violence committed against the king. It means **to strike** or **smite**, and is used for both human violence and divine action, as when the LORD’s shepherd is smitten [[Zechariah 13:7]] or the Messiah is seen as **smitten** of God [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word signifies the ultimate consequence of the conspiracy—to **kill** or cause death. It is a foundational term for mortality, used for God's decree that sin results in death [[Genesis 2:17]] and His ultimate authority to **kill** and make alive [[Deuteronomy 32:39]].
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H745}}` as Arieh carries weight through its association with themes of betrayal, judgment, and consequence.
* **Treachery and Rebellion:** Arieh's participation in the plot led by a **captain** `{{H7991}}` against his **king** `{{H4428}}` exemplifies a narrative of internal strife and rebellion against established authority [[2 Kings 15:25]].
* **The Consequence of Sin:** The conspiracy culminates in the act to **kill** `{{H4191}}` the king. The term for death, **mûwth** `{{H4191}}`, is the same one used in God’s original warning that disobedience leads to death [[Genesis 2:17]], underscoring the severe consequences of such violent deeds.
* **Human Action and Divine Sovereignty:** While Arieh's actions are part of a human power struggle, the verb used for the attack, **nâkâh** `{{H5221}}`, is also used in contexts of divine judgment, such as the smiting of the earth [[Isaiah 11:4]]. The story fits within a larger biblical pattern where God holds ultimate authority over life and death [[Deuteronomy 32:39]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAryêh** `{{H745}}` is recorded not for its definition as "lion," but as the name of an Israelite, **Arieh**, who appears once in Scripture. His significance is tied exclusively to his role as a conspirator in the violent overthrow of an Israelite king [[2 Kings 15:25]]. The narrative highlights themes of treachery and fatal consequence, placing Arieh within a stark biblical account of political rebellion and its lethal outcome.
TRV