Lion of Judah Meaning: Revelation 5:5 and Genesis 49

The Lion of Judah is a title for Jesus Christ. It appears in Revelation 5:5, which calls him “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David,” and it goes back to Genesis 49:9, where Jacob blesses his son Judah as a lion. It symbolizes Christ's strength, kingship and victory.

Where does the Lion of Judah come from?

In Genesis 49 the dying patriarch Jacob blesses his twelve sons. To Judah he says, “Judah is a lion's whelp,” and promises that the scepter — kingship — will not depart from Judah. King David came from the tribe of Judah, and the lion became its emblem.

Revelation 5:5

In Revelation, John sees a scroll that no one is worthy to open, and he weeps. An elder tells him: “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5, KJV). When John looks, he sees a Lamb that had been slain. The Lion who conquers is the Lamb who gave himself — strength and sacrifice in the same person.

What the lion symbolizes

• Kingship — the promised king from David's line.
• Victory — the one who has prevailed.
• Courage and protection — strength used on behalf of his people.

The Lion of Judah design

Our Lion of Judah piece is a round, painted portrait of a majestic golden lion beneath a glowing cross in a stormy sky, with LION OF JUDAH in bold gold letters and REVELATION 5:5 beneath. Bold, reverent and made to start conversations.