Wolf

The wolf (Hebrew ze'ev; Greek lukos) was the dominant large predator of ancient Palestine, preying on sheep and goats and thus a constant threat to shepherding communities. Its characteristics — nocturnal habit, ravenous hunger, and pack behaviour — made it a powerful symbol of treachery, violence, and dangerous leadership. The dying blessing of Jacob calls Benjamin "a wolf that raveneth" (Genesis 49:27). Zephaniah 3:3 describes the princes of Jerusalem as "evening wolves" who leave no bone till morning. Ezekiel 22:27 applies the same image to the corrupt officials of Israel. Jesus employs the wolf as the archetypal image of false teachers and those who prey on the flock: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15), and warns that he sends his disciples "as sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matthew 10:16). The eschatological reversal of the wolf's nature — "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb" (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25) — pictures the transformation of the age of redemption.