la.vi denotes a lion, especially in scenes of crouching, hunting, tearing prey, and forceful comparison.

The term refers to the lion as a powerful, predatory animal: it is shown crouching, taking prey, tearing, and feeding. The same animal imagery is used in comparisons for Judah, Gad, a people, and an invading nation.

1. Lion in predatory imagery and comparison · dominant

   The singular absolute noun occurs in scenes of crouching and prey-taking: in Genesis 49:9 the APB renders Judah as crouching and lying down “like a lion,” while in Nahum 2:12 it renders a lion tearing and filling its dwelling with prey. In Deuteronomy 33:20 and Numbers 23:24, the APB uses lion comparison for forceful action; Hosea 13:8 and Job 38:39 place the animal in imagery of devouring or obtaining prey.

   Genesis 49:9Deuteronomy 33:20Numbers 23:24Hosea 13:8Job 38:39Nahum 2:12

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the animal imagery with “lion,” including scenes of prey, roaring, crouching, and tearing. It also includes “lioness” and “young lions” in several verses, so these English distinctions cannot be assigned to the supplied form in isolation.