Dreaming of a lion in the Bible: meaning
The lion has two faces in the Bible. Daniel is thrown into the lions' den and remains unharmed, and Christ is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. But Peter also warns that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. A lion dream is therefore read with discernment.
Within this tradition
The story of Daniel is one of the best known in the Bible. Because he keeps praying to God despite a ban by the king, he is thrown into a pit with lions. The next morning he is unharmed: God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths. A dream in which you stand among lions without being attacked is often read along those lines as protection in a threatening situation, and as encouragement to stay faithful.
In Revelation Christ is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who has conquered. Strikingly, when John looks, he sees not a lion but a lamb. Strength and surrender coincide in that image. A lion coming towards you in a friendly way can thus be read as God's strength supporting you.
At the same time Peter writes: be watchful, for your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. A lion chasing you can therefore also be read as a temptation or threat calling for watchfulness. Samson and David also fought a lion and overcame it, as a sign of strength that came from God.
Discernment is needed: is the dream about protection, about strength or about threat?
Common variations
Standing among lions without being bitten
Protection in danger, like Daniel in the lions' den.
A friendly lion
The strength of the Lion of Judah supporting you.
A lion chasing you
A temptation or threat calling for watchfulness.
Defeating a lion
Strength that comes from God, as with Samson and David.
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Write your dream in the appFrequently asked questions
Why is Christ called the Lion of Judah?
In Revelation 5 he is called so, as conqueror from the tribe of Judah. John then sees a lamb: strength and surrender coincide.
What does the roaring lion of 1 Peter mean?
An image of the devil prowling around seeking someone to devour: a call to watchfulness.
Is such a dream a message from God?
Dreamkin does not say so. The tradition tests such questions through prayer, Scripture and people you trust.