Why is Jesus called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?

Revelation 5:5 - And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

In the verse above, John hears reference to “the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” a title loaded with meaning but left unexplained. This language reaches back to Genesis 49:9–10, where Judah is first associated with the lion and enduring authority. To understand why this title appears in Revelation, we must first examine what was originally spoken over Judah and what that promise was meant to accomplish.

Genesis 49:9–10 — Explained Bit by Bit

9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? 10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

“Judah is a lion’s whelp”

Jacob begins by identifying Judah with a lion, a symbol of strength, courage, and kingship. He also describes him as a “lion’s whelp,” meaning a young lion, suggesting the beginning of a royal line that will grow in power and authority. This is not merely about Judah as an individual, but about his descendants as a developing ruling tribe.

“From the prey, my son, thou art gone up”

This phrase depicts Judah as a victorious lion that has taken its prey and ascended in triumph. It points to conquest and elevation, foreshadowing Judah’s rise above the other tribes in influence and authority.

“He stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?”

Here, Judah is portrayed as a lion at rest - secure, confident, and unthreatened. An old lion resting is not weak but established and unchallenged. The rhetorical question emphasizes permanence and stability: Judah’s authority will not be easily disturbed.

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah”

The sceptre represents royal authority and the right to rule. This statement declares that kingship is divinely assigned to Judah. Even when Israel experiences political upheaval or exile, the legal claim to rulership remains with Judah’s lineage.

“Nor a lawgiver from between his feet”

This phrase refers to governance and authority continuing through Judah’s descendants. “Between his feet” is a Hebrew idiom connected to lineage and succession, indicating that rulers will arise from Judah’s line until God’s purpose is fulfilled.

“Until Shiloh come”

This marks the climax of the prophecy. “Shiloh” is widely understood as a Messianic title meaning “He to whom it belongs” or “the rightful ruler.” Judah’s kingship is not meant to continue endlessly through many kings, but is moving toward one ultimate King.

“And unto him shall the gathering of the people be”

The scope now expands beyond Israel. This ruler will draw the allegiance of the nations, indicating a universal reign. The Messiah’s authority will not be tribal or national only, but global.

Genesis 49:9–10 anticipates a future ruler who would arise from the tribe of Judah, marked by authority, kingship, and permanence. The New Testament identifies this ruler as Jesus Christ.

In closing, Genesis 49:9–10 points to a ruler who would arise from the tribe of Judah, marked by kingship and enduring authority. The New Testament reveals this ruler to be Jesus Christ, and it does so through two complementary genealogies in Scripture. Matthew 1 traces Jesus’ legal lineage through Joseph, establishing His lawful right to Judah’s royal line, while Luke 3 traces His bloodline through Mary, confirming His descent from Judah according to the flesh. Together, these records show that Jesus stands in the line of Judah through both parents, fully qualifying Him as the one identified in Revelation 5:5 as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah.”

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Blog Title: Why is Jesus called the Lion of Judah?

Focus Keyword: Lion of the Tribe of Judah