31+ Bible Verses About Lions (with Explanations)

Bible Verses About Lions

Daniel 6:22 (NIV)

“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

In Daniel 6:22, Daniel, an esteemed figure in the Bible, faced persecution and was thrown into a den of lions due to his faithfulness to God. Miraculously, God sent an angel to protect him, shutting the lions’ mouths. This powerful display of divine intervention highlights God’s sovereignty over nature and His ability to protect His faithful servants.  provision.

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 uses the metaphor of a roaring lion to depict the adversary, the devil, who seeks to harm and destroy. This verse serves as a warning to remain vigilant and spiritually alert against the schemes of the enemy.

It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sober mind and being watchful against spiritual dangers. The comparison to a lion’s predatory behavior signifies the stealthy and relentless nature of spiritual opposition, urging believers to stand firm in faith and resist temptations.

Psalm 91:13 (NIV)

“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”

Psalm 91:13 symbolizes God’s protection and victory over danger and adversaries. The imagery of treading on lions and cobras signifies overcoming powerful and threatening forces.

This verse conveys the believer’s triumph over spiritual adversaries through God’s strength. It depicts divine empowerment and assurance that God grants His followers the ability to conquer daunting challenges and threats.

Judges 14:5-6 (NIV)

“Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and they approached the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly, a young lion came roaring toward him. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.”

Judges 14:5-6 recounts the story of Samson encountering a lion, illustrating God’s provision of strength and protection to His chosen leaders. The Spirit of the Lord empowered Samson to conquer the lion, showcasing God’s supernatural intervention.

This passage demonstrates God’s enablement of individuals for specific tasks and emphasizes His provision of strength in challenging circumstances.

Proverbs 30:30 (NIV)

“A lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”

Proverbs 30:30 employs the image of a lion to depict strength and fearlessness. This verse highlights the majestic nature of lions, symbolizing their dominance among other creatures.

The comparison draws attention to the lion’s confidence and resilience, inspiring awe and respect. It signifies the noble characteristics of courage and unwavering determination often associated with the lion as an animal of great strength and power.

Psalm 7:2 (NIV)

“Otherwise they will tear me apart like a lion and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.”

Psalm 7:2 depicts the threat of enemies as being fierce and destructive like a lion. The psalmist expresses the urgency of seeking divine intervention and protection from adversaries who aim to harm and destroy.

This verse highlights the danger posed by malicious individuals and the need for God’s deliverance from their hostility. It serves as a prayer for divine rescue and safety from the threats of enemies, portraying the severity of the situation and the necessity of God’s intervention.

Revelation 5:5 (NIV)

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.'”

Revelation 5:5 refers to Jesus Christ as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, a symbolic representation of His power, authority, and victorious nature.

This imagery reflects Jesus’ triumphant role as the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecies regarding His lineage from the tribe of Judah. The title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” signifies Jesus’ sovereignty and ability to conquer, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. It portrays Christ as the ultimate victor, capable of unlocking and fulfilling God’s divine purposes.

Psalm 22:21 (NIV)

“Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.”

Psalm 22:21 depicts a plea for deliverance from imminent danger, using the metaphor of being devoured by lions. The psalmist expresses a desperate cry for God’s rescue and protection from threatening adversaries.

This verse symbolizes the intensity of the psalmist’s distress and the urgent need for divine intervention to escape perilous situations. It signifies the psalmist’s trust in God as the ultimate source of deliverance and safety from formidable foes.

Isaiah 11:6 (NIV)

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

Isaiah 11:6 presents a prophetic image of peace and harmony among animals, including the lion, symbolizing a future era of tranquility and reconciliation.

This verse portrays a vision of restoration and unity among diverse creatures, signifying a state of peaceful coexistence that transcends natural instincts. It represents the ultimate reconciliation and transformation that God will bring about in the world, where even the fiercest animals, like lions, coexist peacefully.

Amos 3:4 (NIV)

“Does a lion roar in the thicket when it has no prey? Does it growl in its den when it has caught nothing?”

Amos 3:4 uses the natural behavior of a lion to illustrate a rhetorical question. It emphasizes the inevitability of action or manifestation when a situation or purpose arises.

Just as a lion roars when it has caught its prey, this verse implies that events or actions occur for a reason or purpose. It serves as a metaphorical illustration, prompting reflection on cause and effect, emphasizing that certain occurrences have a purpose or consequence, similar to the instinctual behavior of a lion.

Psalm 104:21 (NIV)

“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.”

Psalm 104:21 depicts the natural behavior of lions seeking their sustenance from God. This verse highlights the dependence of all creatures, including mighty lions, on God for their provision.

It emphasizes that even the fiercest predators rely on God’s providence for their daily nourishment, showcasing His care and sovereignty over all creation. It serves as a reminder of God’s role as the ultimate provider for every living creature on earth.

Proverbs 19:12 (NIV)

“A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.”

Proverbs 19:12 uses the imagery of a lion’s roar to describe the intensity of a king’s anger. This verse metaphorically compares the fury of a ruler to the powerful roar of a lion.

It emphasizes the intimidating and formidable nature of a king’s wrath. Conversely, the phrase “his favor is like dew on the grass” contrasts this intensity with the calming and refreshing nature of a ruler’s kindness and favor.

Hosea 11:10 (NIV)

“They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.”

Hosea 11:10 portrays God’s majestic authority and the response of His people to His call. The imagery of God roaring like a lion symbolizes His powerful and commanding voice, compelling His children to return to Him.

It illustrates the impact of God’s call, causing His people to come trembling in reverence and obedience. This verse signifies God’s authority and the response of His children to His sovereign call, eliciting a reverent response.

Job 4:10-11 (NIV)

“The lions may roar and growl, yet the teeth of the great lions are broken. The lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.”

Job 4:10-11 uses the imagery of lions to convey a broader message about the limitations and vulnerabilities of the powerful. These verses symbolize the inevitable decline and vulnerability even among the mighty, signifying that even lions, known for their strength, can perish and face scarcity.

This passage underscores the transient nature of power and serves as a reminder of the frailty of all living beings, regardless of their strength or dominance.

Psalm 58:6 (NIV)

“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions!”

Psalm 58:6 uses metaphorical language to invoke God’s judgment upon wicked individuals. The imagery of breaking the teeth and tearing out the fangs of lions symbolizes the incapacitation of the wicked who cause harm and destruction.

This verse serves as a prayer for God’s intervention and justice against those who perpetrate evil, seeking divine retribution against oppressors and wrongdoers.

 Psalm 91:13 (NIV)

“You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.”

Psalm 91:13 symbolizes God’s protection and authority over dangerous creatures. The imagery of treading on lions and cobras signifies victory over formidable adversaries.

This verse illustrates God’s promise to grant His followers power and authority to overcome threatening situations, no matter how fierce or intimidating. It reflects the believer’s triumph over spiritual battles with divine strength and assurance of God’s protection.

2 Samuel 23:20 (NIV)

“Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab’s best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.”

2 Samuel 23:20 recounts Benaiah’s courageous act of killing a lion. This passage highlights Benaiah’s bravery and exceptional valor, demonstrating God’s empowerment in achieving remarkable feats.

It showcases the divine enablement of individuals for extraordinary tasks. Benaiah’s bravery exemplifies God’s assistance and strength granted to accomplish challenging endeavors, emphasizing faith and courage in the face of danger.

 Jeremiah 49:19 (NIV)

“Like a lion coming up from Jordan’s thickets to a rich pastureland, I will chase Edom from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? Who is like me and who can challenge me? And what shepherd can stand against me?”

Jeremiah 49:19 utilizes the metaphor of a lion to illustrate the overwhelming force and authority of God. This verse depicts God’s power and sovereignty in judgment against Edom.

The comparison of God’s might to a lion signifies His unstoppable and dominant nature. It emphasizes God’s unquestionable authority and questions the capability of anyone challenging or standing against His divine will.

Proverbs 28:15 (NIV)

“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.”

Proverbs 28:15 draws a parallel between the cruelty of a wicked ruler and the fierce nature of a roaring lion or charging bear. This verse portrays the devastating impact of oppressive leadership on a vulnerable populace.

It highlights the destructive influence and terrorizing actions of unjust rulers, likening their tyranny to the ferocity of wild animals, emphasizing the need for righteous and just governance.

2 Timothy 4:17 (NIV)

“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.”

2 Timothy 4:17 illustrates God’s deliverance and support in challenging situations. The imagery of being delivered from the lion’s mouth symbolizes rescue from imminent danger or threat.

This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in providing strength and protection to His servants during adversity, enabling them to fulfill their purpose and proclaim the message of the Gospel.

 Proverbs 30:30 (NIV)

“A lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”

Proverbs 30:30 describes the lion as a mighty and fearless creature among beasts. This verse highlights the lion’s dominance and courage, symbolizing strength and power.

It signifies the lion’s resolute and fearless nature, portraying its position as a creature of unparalleled strength and authority in the animal kingdom. This imagery illustrates the admirable characteristics of boldness and fearlessness, often associated with the lion.

Nahum 2:12 (NIV)

“The lion killed enough for his cubs and strangled the prey for his mate, filling his lairs with the kill and his dens with the prey.”

Nahum 2:12 uses the imagery of a lion providing for its young to depict conquest and plunder. This verse symbolizes a powerful force capturing prey to sustain its offspring and mate.

It portrays a ruthless and victorious force accumulating riches and sustenance. The metaphor of a lion gathering prey to nourish its family illustrates a forceful and dominant entity amassing resources and wealth.

1 Samuel 17:34-35 (NIV)

“But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it, and killed it.'”

1 Samuel 17:34-35 recounts David’s bravery and courage in protecting his father’s sheep from a lion and a bear. This passage illustrates David’s fearlessness and dedication in defending the flock entrusted to him.

It portrays David’s reliance on God’s strength and his courage in confronting threats to protect the sheep. David’s heroic actions emphasize his commitment and bravery in the face of danger, showcasing his trust in God’s protection and deliverance.

Ezekiel 19:6 (NIV)

“He prowled among the lions, for he was now a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he became a man-eater.”

Ezekiel 19:6 uses the metaphor of a lion to describe the transformation of a powerful ruler. This verse symbolizes the progression of a leader, comparing his strength and aggression to that of a formidable lion.

It depicts the leader’s transition to becoming dominant and devouring those under his authority. The imagery signifies the transformation of a once-promising ruler into a tyrannical oppressor, reflecting the destructive impact of power and corruption.

Ezekiel 19:2 (NIV)

“and say: ‘What a lioness was your mother among the lions! She lay down among them and reared her cubs.'”

Ezekiel 19:2 uses the metaphor of a lioness to describe the prominence and strength of a nation. This verse symbolizes the power and influence of a prominent nation among others.

It portrays the stature and nurturing capabilities of a dominant force among its peers. The imagery emphasizes the authority and protective nature of a nation, likening it to a lioness caring for its offspring and asserting its dominance among other nations.

Ezekiel 19:5 (NIV)

“When she saw her hope unfulfilled, her expectation gone, she took another of her cubs and made him a strong lion.”

Ezekiel 19:5 metaphorically illustrates the nurturing of a new leader within a nation. This verse symbolizes the attempt to establish a new ruler or leader after a period of disappointment or failed expectations. It signifies the determination to raise a successor, intending to build a strong and capable leader who can uphold the nation’s power and authority.

The imagery portrays the efforts made within a community or nation to cultivate leadership and maintain its strength despite setbacks or challenges.

 Revelation 13:2 (NIV)

“The beast I saw resembled a leopard but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.”

Revelation 13:2 describes a symbolic beast representing powerful entities or forces opposed to God. The imagery of the beast possessing attributes resembling a lion signifies authority, strength, and dominance.

It illustrates the intimidating and powerful nature of this entity, signifying its ability to exert control and influence. The verse portrays a force wielding great authority and power granted by an antagonistic source, representing opposition to God’s sovereignty.

Psalm 22:21-22 (NIV)

“Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly, I will praise you.”

Psalm 22:21-22 presents a cry for God’s deliverance from perilous situations, symbolized by the mouth of lions and the horns of wild oxen. The psalmist seeks God’s rescue from threatening adversaries, pleading for divine intervention and protection.

In response to God’s deliverance, the psalmist commits to declaring God’s name and praising Him among the assembly of people. This passage illustrates the psalmist’s trust in God’s deliverance and the commitment to proclaiming God’s faithfulness and goodness.

1 Chronicles 12:8 (NIV)

“Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.”

1 Chronicles 12:8 portrays the courage and valor of warriors who joined David. This verse symbolically likens the Gadites to lions, highlighting their bravery, ferocity, and strength in battle.

The imagery signifies their fearlessness and prowess in combat, comparing their determination and speed to that of lions and gazelles. It underscores the impressive skills and valor of these warriors, illustrating their commitment to supporting David and their effectiveness in warfare.

Hosea 5:14 (NIV)

“For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a great lion to Judah. I will tear them to pieces and then go away; I will carry them off, with no one to rescue them.”

Hosea 5:14 depicts God’s judgment using the metaphor of a lion’s fierce and destructive nature towards Ephraim and Judah. This verse symbolizes the severity of God’s impending judgment upon the unrepentant people, likening His wrath to the aggression of a lion tearing its prey.

It emphasizes the inevitable consequences of disobedience and the absence of rescue or deliverance due to the severity of divine judgment.