Lexical Summary layish: Lion Original Word: לַיִשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance old lion From luwsh in the sense of crushing; a lion (from his destructive blows) -- (old)lion. see HEBREW luwsh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a lion NASB Translation lion (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. לַ֫יִשׁ noun masculineJob 4:11 lion (Arabic  , ᵑ7 לֵיתָא; Assyrian nešu, lion is compare by Hal (compare HptKAT 2, 510) BaZA iii. 1888, 60); — lion Job 4:11; Isaiah 30:6 ("" לָבִיא), גִּבּוֹר ׳ל בַּבְּהֵמָה Proverbs 30:30. Topical Lexicon Physical and Zoological Profile Layish conveys the mature, full-grown male lion in his prime—muscular, fearless, and sovereign within his territory. The term pictures the beast at the height of power rather than the adolescent or aging animal mentioned by other Hebrew words. Ancient Near Eastern sources confirm that such lions once roamed the arid regions of Canaan, the Negev, and the areas east of the Jordan, preying on livestock and occasionally threatening travelers. Biblical Occurrences Job 4:11; Proverbs 30:30; Isaiah 30:6. Each setting employs the image of an unchallengeable predator to strengthen a moral or prophetic lesson rather than to describe wildlife for its own sake. Contextual Significance Job 4:11 uses layish to illustrate divine justice: even the strongest creature cannot survive when the LORD withdraws provision—“The mighty lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered” (Job 4:11). In Proverbs 30:30 the lion’s refusal to retreat epitomizes unflinching courage, urging believers to steadfastness grounded in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 30:6 places the lion in a wilderness catalog of dangers, warning Judah that alliances with Egypt lead only through a land overshadowed by relentless peril. Symbolism and Theology 1. Strength under Sovereignty: Layish underscores that human or bestial strength is derivative. Job’s context shows the Creator sovereign over the strongest. Christological and Redemptive Echoes While the word layish itself is not directly applied to Messiah, the motif of the lion culminates in the title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The Old Testament imagery prepares for this revelation: true, unconquerable strength belongs to Christ, who, unlike the layish of Job, never lacks prey, and unlike the perilous lion of Isaiah, rescues rather than devours. Pastoral and Homiletical Applications • Encourage believers to emulate the fearless steadfastness of the lion in proclaiming truth (Proverbs 30:30). Historical and Cultural Notes Royal Assyrian and Babylonian reliefs depict kings hunting lions to demonstrate dominion. Biblical writers invert this symbolism: the lion is not conquered by kings but by God Himself. Archaeological findings of lion-bones near Megiddo and Gezer attest to the animal’s presence in biblical lands until at least the Persian period. Prophetic Resonance Isaiah’s placement of layish in the oracle against Egypt anticipates judgment not only on nations but on misplaced trusts. The same God who controls the lion also orchestrates history; therefore, prophetic warnings should ignite reverent obedience. Practical Discipleship Takeaways 1. Develop holy boldness anchored in divine authority, not personal prowess. Summary Layish, the prime male lion, stands in Scripture as an emblem of unrivaled power submitted to God’s ultimate rule. Its three appearances weave a consistent testimony: courage is commendable, but only when rooted in dependence on the LORD; strength is transient unless it serves His purposes; and every form of security apart from Him faces inevitable collapse. Forms and Transliterations וָלַ֣יִשׁ וליש לַ֭יִשׁ ליש la·yiš layiš Layish vaLayish wā·la·yiš wālayišLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 4:11 HEB: לַ֭יִשׁ אֹבֵ֣ד מִבְּלִי־ NAS: The lion perishes for lack KJV: The old lion perisheth for lack INT: the lion perishes lack Proverbs 30:30 Isaiah 30:6 3 Occurrences |
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