Genesis 49:8-12
Genesis 49 :8 -12
Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. You are a lion's cub, Judah... The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
— NIV
Context
Jacob's blessing on Judah, prophesying royal leadership and messianic significance.
Genesis 49:8-12
Jacob’s prophetic blessing on Judah—the foundation of Davidic kingship and messianic hope.
The Lion of Judah
This blessing establishes Judah’s preeminence among the tribes. The “lion’s cub” imagery becomes a royal symbol, and the promise that “the scepter will not depart from Judah” points to the Davidic dynasty and, in Jewish and Christian interpretation, to the Messiah.