“I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. 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 5:4-5
Jesus is called The Lion of Judah many times throughout the Scriptures, but most notably in Revelation 5:5: “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.” This title speaks of the majesty, authority, and redemptive work of Christ.
This powerful title carries profound meaning for believers, illuminating the majesty, authority, and redemptive work of Christ.
The lion was the emblem of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, God’s chosen people. In Genesis 49:8-10, Jacob prophesied over his son Judah, calling him a “lion’s cub” and declaring, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” This prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, who would come from Judah’s lineage and establish an eternal reign. The lion represents bravery, power, victory, and kingship—all characteristics of Jesus Christ.
The lion represents bravery, power, victory, and kingship—all characteristics of Jesus Christ.
Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s plan of redemption was intricately tied to the tribe of Judah. King David, who was from Judah, was promised in 2 Samuel 7:16, “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” Jesus, the Lion of Judah, fulfilled this promise as a descendant of David. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16), embodying the sovereignty and authority symbolized by the lion—the king of beasts.
However, the Lion of Judah’s kingship is not one of oppression or worldly domination. It is a kingship marked by sacrificial love and unparalleled triumph. Jesus willingly laid down His life for our sins, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Yet, in His resurrection, He demonstrated His power as the Lion - conquering sin, death, and hell. Paul writes in Colossians 2:15, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” The Lion of Judah’s victory is total and eternal.
The Lion of Judah’s victory is total and eternal.
This title also reminds us of our glorious future - our blessed hope. When the “Day of the Lord” comes at the end of the age, the Lion of Judah will return as the righteous judge and ruler of all creation. Revelation 19:11-16 vividly depicts His return: “With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.” In this final triumph, He will defeat darkness utterly and completely and establish the dominion of His kingdom in perfect peace and absolute authority.
We as believers also share in this victory! Revelation 22:5 tells us, “They will reign for ever and ever.” As children of God, our inheritance is eternal life with Him, where we will reign alongside the Lion of Judah. This is a source of great hope and encouragement for us as we navigate the trials of this world.
We as believers also share in this victory!
Let us take heart in knowing that our Savior is both the Lamb who bore our sins and the Lion who reigns in majesty. The Lion of Judah has triumphed—and because He has, we too are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
