📖 Biblical Definition
Judah is the tribe descended from the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, named in Jacob’s deathbed blessing as the royal tribe: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" (Genesis 49:10) — the great Messianic prophecy. Its tribal territory included Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The Davidic line came through it, and the southern kingdom after the divided monarchy bore its name (the kingdom of Judah, 931-586 BC, eventually giving us the term Jew). Christ Himself is named the Lion of the tribe of Judah: "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book" (Revelation 5:5). The scepter has come; the sceptered King reigns.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Fourth tribe of Israel; Jerusalem's territory; the Davidic line; Christ's tribe.
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Genesis 49:8-12 contains Jacob's prophecy: the scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh come. The tribe's prominence runs through David, the Davidic kings, and Christ Himself.
📖 Key Scripture
Genesis 49:10 — "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come."
Hebrews 7:14 — "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda."
Revelation 5:5 — "The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity sometimes forgets Christ's tribal identity; He is and remains of the tribe of Judah, the Lion-King of Israel and the world.
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Revelation 5:5's gathering: the Lion of Judah and the Root of David are one Person, prevailing to open the book. The household's confession is tribal-rooted: Judah's lion is the saint's Lord.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Yehudah.
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Hebrew Yehudah — from yadah, to praise.
Note: Jew (Yehudi) is the surviving form of Judah's name.
Usage
"Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah."
"The scepter shall not depart from Judah."
"Judah's lion is the saint's Lord."