the Second Week after Easter
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Lion
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words
occurs in 2 Timothy 4:17 , probably figurative of the imminent peril of death, the figure being represented by the whole phrase, not by the word "lion" alone; some suppose the reference to be to the lions of the amphitheater; the Greek commentators regarded the "lion" as Nero; others understand it to be Satan. The language not improbably recalls that of Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:20 . The word is used metaphorically, too, in Revelation 5:5 , where Christ is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." Elsewhere it has the literal meaning, Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; 9:8,17; 10:3; 13:2 . Taking the OT and NT occurrences the allusions are to the three great features of the "lion," (1) its majesty and strength, indicative of royalty, e.g., Proverbs 30:30 , (2) its courage, e.g., Proverbs 28:1 , (3) its cruelty, e.g., Psalm 22:13 .
These files are public domain.
Vines, W. E., M. A. Entry for 'Lion'. Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ved/​l/lion.html. 1940.