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What the Bible Says About Lion

Overview

The Bible addresses lion across 27 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Ezekiel, Daniel and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Lamentations, Parables, Miracles and Offence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel.

Key Bible verses about lion

Old Testament

1 Kings

1 Kings 10:19

The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands

1 Kings 10:20

And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. the like: Heb. so

1 Kings 13:24

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

1 Kings 13:25

And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.

1 Kings 13:26

And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him. torn: Heb. broken

1 Kings 13:27

And he spake to his sons, saying, Saddle me the ass. And they saddled him.

1 Kings 13:28

And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass. torn: Heb. broken

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 19:1

Moreover take thou up a lamentation for the princes of Israel,

Ezekiel 19:2

And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.

Ezekiel 19:3

And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.

Ezekiel 19:4

The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains unto the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 19:5

Now when she saw that she had waited, and her hope was lost, then she took another of her whelps, and made him a young lion.

Ezekiel 19:6

And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.

Ezekiel 19:7

And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, by the noise of his roaring. their desolate: or, their widows the fulness: or, all it containeth

Ezekiel 19:8

Then the nations set against him on every side from the provinces, and spread their net over him: he was taken in their pit.

Ezekiel 19:9

And they put him in ward in chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: they brought him into holds, that his voice should no more be heard upon the mountains of Israel. in chains: or, in hooks

Daniel

Daniel 6:16

Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

Daniel 6:17

And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.

Daniel 6:18

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him. instruments: or, table

Daniel 6:19

Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.

Daniel 6:20

And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

Daniel 6:21

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Daniel 6:23

Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

People in the Bible and lion

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying lion for yourself

  • Begin with 1 Kings 10:19, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Ezekiel, Daniel and 1 Kings each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Daniel and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Lamentations, Parables, Miracles and Offence.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about lion?

The Bible addresses lion across 27 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Ezekiel, Daniel and 1 Kings. Closely related themes include Lamentations, Parables, Miracles and Offence. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel.

How many Bible verses are about lion?

The Bible references lion in 27 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention lion?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is 1 Kings 10:19: “The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. behind: Heb. on the hinder part thereof stays: Heb. hands”

Which people in the Bible are associated with lion?

Daniel.

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