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Glory to God. We hope that you're having a powerful day in the Lord. Here's the meaning of a lion in the dream. Also, use our dream interpretation calculator for other dreams you may have had. If you've found yourself dreaming about a lion, by God's grace, you'll find the answer to the meaning of your dream here.
Use our dream interpretation calculator below. Be as detailed as you need to be for the best answer. Two sentences usually is enough.
Why Do People Dream About a Lion?
People dream about lions for a variety of reasons, but to truly understand what lions mean in your dreams you have to understand the animal and what it symbolizes.
Lions are very powerful.
In Scripture in the book of proverbs,the Scriptures share that the righteous are as bold as a lion, and so being bold as a lion is a good thing because it shows that you are able to take charge and take authority over the enemy and possess your possessions.
In Jesus name, a dream with a lion can also symbolize authority. Lions are known as the kings of the jungle. In fact, the Lord Jesus is referring to the lion of the tribe that he is the king that comes from that tribe that is over that tribe.
And so dreaming about lions, as a result, can also symbolize praise or honor, because Judah's name means praise and to be a lion of the tribe of Judah is to be in a place of praise, respect, honor and reverence.
However, if the lion in your dream causes fear particularly as the result of roaring, it could be a negative dream from the enemy to cause fear and cause you to step off of your authority, or step away from a place of power. Don't let him.
Say this prayer: In the name of Jesus, I take back my authority in His name, for it is given to all those who believe in Him. I am not a victim; I am an overcome in Jesus' Mighty Name.
Again, if the dream feels good, like reassurance, it's most likely coming from the Lord, and may symbolize the protection of God over resources and what you have entrusted to Him, and it can also mean the reverence that is due to God in your life, because He indeed should be praised and honored for Who He is. Try out this cool quiz below on lions and their meaning in dreams
Common Lion Dreams and Their Meanings
1. Lions can mean Strength, Power, and Royal Authority
Symbol: Courage, dominion, spiritual authority
Biblical basis:
“The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?” — Amos 3:8
“The righteous are bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1
Lion Dream meaning:
Seeing a lion peacefully or standing by your side may represent God’s power and protection over your life. It can also point to your own spiritual authority and a call to walk boldly in faith.
2. Jesus is the “Lion of Judah” so these dreams can mean that the Lord is present, so don't fear.
Symbol: Victory, kingship, divine protection
Biblical basis:
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” — Revelation 5:5
Dream meaning:
If the lion feels majestic, radiant, or awe-inspiring, it may symbolize Christ Himself — bringing reassurance of victory, strength, and His kingship over your situation.
More About Lions in Dreams
3. Leadership, Influence, and Dominion
Symbol: Rising to influence or facing powerful figures
Biblical basis:
“A lion, which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any.” — Proverbs 30:30
Dream with lions meaning:
A lion may indicate a position of leadership, or God preparing you to face and overcome influential people or powers. It can also be a sign of a calling to stand firm and not fear opposition.
4. It could also be a warning of a Spiritual Attack (Roaring Lion)
Symbol: Enemy attack, fear, temptation
Biblical basis:
“Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8
Dream meaning:
If the lion in your dream is aggressive, chasing, or attacking, it may symbolize spiritual warfare or a demonic threat. It’s often a call to pray, be alert, and resist fear.
5. It can also mean Protection and Deliverance from your enemies.
Symbol: God’s deliverance from danger
Biblical basis:
“My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me.” — Daniel 6:22
Dream meaning:
If you are in danger but the lion does not harm you, this can signify God’s covering and deliverance. He is showing that He will protect you from enemies or threatening situations.
Now let's get the meaning from biblical scholars on the topic of lions:
| Scholar | Paraphrased Interpretation of Lions |
|---|---|
| Origen (c. 184–253) Contra Celsum | Lions symbolize strength and danger, representing spiritual trials and adversaries. |
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215) Stromata | Lions represent courage and divine power, often as moral exemplars for overcoming sin. |
| Tertullian (c. 155–240) Apologeticus | Lions symbolize persecutors of the faithful; literal beasts are instruments of God’s testing. |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) City of God | Lions as divine instruments of justice, showing God’s power against evil. |
| Jerome (c. 347–420) Vulgate commentaries | Lions indicate ferocity, vigilance, and spiritual opposition; literal and figurative meanings intertwined. |
| Ambrose (c. 340–397) Expositiones | Lions signify pride and aggression, also a call for Christian vigilance. |
| Bede (672–735) Commentaries on Psalms | Lions are enemies or trials, but also a metaphor for God’s providential protection. |
| John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) Homilies | Lions symbolize oppression and sin, but faith allows Christians to face them safely. |
| Richard of St. Victor (1110–1173) Expositiones | Lions represent spiritual enemies and challenges, requiring wisdom and courage to overcome. |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) Summa Theologica | Lions reflect courage and divine order; literal lions as natural creatures illustrate God’s power. |
| John Wycliffe (c. 1320–1384) Bible commentaries | Lions signify tyrants, oppressors, and trials, emphasizing moral lessons for believers. |
| Nicholas de Lyra (1270–1349) Postillae | Lions as symbols of worldly power and danger, both literal and allegorical. |
| Martin Luther (1483–1546) Lectures on Daniel | Lions in prophecy represent hostile kingdoms or destructive rulers; literal meaning also acknowledged. |
| John Calvin (1509–1564) Commentaries on Daniel | Lions symbolize worldly kingdoms with destructive power. |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714) Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Lions emblematic of dangerous foes and trials; God’s protection ensures deliverance. |
| Richard Simon (1638–1712) Histoire critique du Vieux Testament | Lions carry symbolic weight: enemies or spiritual challenges, though literal meaning exists. |
| John Gill (1697–1771) Exposition of the Old Testament | Lions represent aggressive nations or individuals, also illustrating courage and divine protection. |
| Albert Barnes (1798–1870) Notes on the Bible | Lions signify power, fierceness, and danger, metaphor for tyrants, persecutors, or trials of faith. |
| Samuel Prideaux Tregelles (1813–1875) Biblical lexicons | Lions as literal beasts and symbolic threats, reflecting divine judgment or enemies. |
| Heinrich Ewald (1803–1875) Die Propheten des Alten Bundes | Lions indicate oppressive power or destruction, often linked to nations opposing God’s people. |
| Franz Delitzsch (1813–1890) Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament | Lions symbolize pride and violence, but also God’s intervention to protect the faithful. |
| Charles H. H. Wright (1827–1900) Biblical imagery studies | Lions are metaphors for danger, oppression, and divine testing. |
| Adam Clarke (1762–1832) Clarke's Commentary on the Bible | Lions symbolize enemies, challenges, and strength, illustrating God’s sovereign control. |
| Joseph Benson (1748–1821) Commentary on the Old and New Testament | Lions represent destructive forces, tyrants, and threats to God’s people. |
| Alexander Maclaren (1826–1910) Sermons | Lions signify oppression, sin, and trials, often used allegorically. |
| Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) Sermons | Lions as symbols of spiritual warfare, dangers in life, and God’s protection. |
| John Trapp (1601–1669) Annotations on the Bible | Lions indicate enemies, dangers, and trials, illustrating God’s sovereignty. |
| Matthew Poole (1624–1679) Annotations Upon the Holy Bible | Lions symbolize persecuting powers, danger, and the trials of faithful living. |
| Joseph Mede (1586–1638) Clavis Apocalyptica | Lions represent powerful kingdoms and destructive political forces. |
| Johann Bengel (1687–1752) Gnomon Novi Testamenti | Lions symbolize aggression, danger, and divine testing, often prophetic. |
| William Henry Green (1825–1900) Old Testament Studies | Lions reflect literal dangers and metaphorical threats, including God’s judgment. |
| Edward Robinson (1794–1863) Biblical Researches in Palestine | Lions in ancient Near Eastern contexts are both literal predators and symbols of danger in scripture. |
| Henry Alford (1810–1871) The Greek Testament | Lions symbolize powerful adversaries, trials, and divine protection. |
| George Bush (1796–1859) Notes on the Hebrew Bible | Lions represent danger, power, and oppression, with literal and figurative meanings. |
| Thomas Scott (1747–1821) Commentary on the Holy Bible | Lions are metaphors for enemies and spiritual trials, emphasizing God’s safeguarding. |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675) Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae | Lions reflect ferocity and threat, often linked to God’s judgment on nations. |
| Johann Peter Lange (1802–1884) Commentar über das Alte Testament | Lions symbolize oppression and power, as well as God’s intervention for the righteous. |
| Philip Doddridge (1702–1751) Exposition of the Psalms | Lions as spiritual threats, enemies, and life trials, demonstrating reliance on God. |
| William Kelly (1821–1906) Biblical Studies | Lions indicate dangerous powers, literal and metaphorical, emphasizing divine protection. |
| John Kitto (1804–1854) Biblical Encyclopedia | Lions are literal animals, symbols of ferocity, and representations of enemies in scripture. |
| Matthew Poole (1624–1679) | Lions symbolize tyrants and persecutors, emphasizing God’s providential care. |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) | Lions as symbols of sin, danger, and worldly threats, reflecting spiritual vigilance. |
| Henry Constable (1562–1613) | Lions represent hostile forces, as well as God’s power to deliver the faithful. |
| Joseph Priestley (1733–1804) | Lions in scripture are both literal animals and metaphors for powerful adversaries. |
| Friedrich Delitzsch (1850–1922) | Lions symbolize force, pride, and danger, but God controls even destructive powers. |
Our Final Table on The Spiritual Meaning of Lions in a Dream
Summary Table
Lion in Dream | Meaning | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
Peaceful / majestic lion | Lord Jesus’ presence, victory, authority | Revelation 5:5 |
Roaring or attacking lion | Enemy attack, spiritual warfare | 1 Peter 5:8 |
Standing by you | Divine protection | Daniel 6:22 |
You becoming a lion | Rising authority, boldness | Proverbs 28:1 |
Defeating a lion | Overcoming enemies, spiritual triumph | Judges 14:5–6 (Samson) |
