occurs in 2 Timothy 4:17 , probably figurative of the imminent peril of death, the figure being represented by the whole phrase, not by the word "lion" alone; some suppose the reference to be to the lions of the amphitheater; the Greek commentators regarded the "lion" as Nero; others understand it to be Satan. The language not improbably recalls that of Psalm 22:21; Daniel 6:20 . The word is used metaphorically, too, in Revelation 5:5 , where Christ is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." Elsewhere it has the literal meaning, Hebrews 11:33; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 4:7; 9:8,17; 10:3; 13:2 . Taking the OT and NT occurrences the allusions are to the three great features of the "lion," (1) its majesty and strength, indicative of royalty, e.g., Proverbs 30:30 , (2) its courage, e.g., Proverbs 28:1 , (3) its cruelty, e.g., Psalm 22:13 .