λέων
léōn
G3023 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large predatory feline; a lion. In most contexts, λέων refers specifically to the animal known as the lion (Panthera leo), symbolizing strength, ferocity, or majesty. The term may be used literally for the physical animal or figuratively to describe persons, nations, or powers possessing lion-like qualities such as courage, power, or destructiveness.
Semantic Range
lion (literal animal), person or force with lion-like qualities (strength, courage, power), figurative sense of conqueror or danger, emblem of royalty or sovereignty
Root / Etymology
From the root λέων, inherited from earlier Greek and cognate with Latin leo. Indo-European origin is probable, with related forms across ancient languages (cf. Latin leo, Old English léo, Sanskrit siṃha).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word λέων is found in classical Greek literature as early as Homer, always as the standard term for 'lion.' In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, λέων continues both as the literal animal and as a metaphor or symbol, appearing in the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., 1 Peter 5:8). Metaphoric use ranges from positive associations (royal strength, protection) to negative (danger, destruction). In the Septuagint, λέων often translates Hebrew אַרְיֵה (aryeh), maintaining the imagery used in Hebrew scriptures. In the New Testament and Judean texts, λέων may symbolize various qualities or figures, not limited to any theological interpretations. Standard English translations restrict λέων to 'lion,' but the symbolisms attached in Greek and Greco-Roman culture can be broader, influenced by literary and cultural contexts.
Translation Consistency
λέων is overwhelmingly used to denote the animal ‘lion’ and also to describe persons or forces with lion-like qualities (strength, ferocity, majesty). "Lion" is the natural, common English noun that covers both literal and figurative uses and will read naturally in translations while preserving the full semantic range.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary word; a "lion":--lion.
Root Family
λεων- (léōn) — lion, large predatory cat, symbol of strength
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3023-01 |
λέων | leon | N NOM M SG |
a lion | lion | lion | 3 |
G3023-03 |
λεόντων | leonton | N GEN M PL |
lions | of lions | of lions | 3 |
G3023-04 |
λέοντος | leontos | N GEN M SG |
of a lion | of a lion | of a lion | 2 |
G3023-02 |
λέοντι | leonti | N DAT M SG |
a lion | to a lion | a lion | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3023-04 |
2 Timothy 4:17 | λέοντος | leontos | N GEN M SG |
lion | of a lion | of a lion |
G3023-03 |
Hebrews 11:33 | λεόντων | leonton | N GEN M PL |
lions | of lions | of lions |
G3023-01 |
1 Peter 5:8 | λέων | leon | N NOM M SG |
a lion | lion | lion |
G3023-02 |
Revelation 4:7 | λέοντι | leonti | N DAT M SG |
a lion | to a lion | a lion |
G3023-01 |
Revelation 5:5 | λέων | leon | N NOM M SG |
Lion | lion | lion |
G3023-03 |
Revelation 9:8 | λεόντων | leonton | N GEN M PL |
of lions | of lions | of lions |
G3023-03 |
Revelation 9:17 | λεόντων | leonton | N GEN M PL |
lions | of lions | of lions |
G3023-01 |
Revelation 10:3 | λέων | leon | N NOM M SG |
a lion | lion | lion |
G3023-04 |
Revelation 13:2 | λέοντος | leontos | N GEN M SG |
of a lion | of a lion | of a lion |