The Wolf and the Lamb: Understanding Isaiah’s Prophecy

Based on the Bible Lesson The Wolf and the Lamb | Exposing the Misquote of Isaiah’s Prophecy

Isaiah’s prophecy about the wolf and the lamb has often been misquoted. Many have heard the phrase “the lion shall lie down with the lamb,” yet that statement is not found in Scripture. The King James Bible clearly records in Isaiah 11 that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb. This misunderstanding has led some to suggest a so-called Mandela Effect, but the truth is that the passage has always spoken of the wolf, not the lion. To understand why, we must look closer at what God reveals through these prophetic animals.

The True Wording of Isaiah’s Prophecy

Isaiah 11:6 says:

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”

Notice carefully—it is the wolf and the lamb, not the lion. This is not an error or a change to Scripture. God gave His Word to stand forever (Isaiah 40:8), and His truth has not been altered. Instead, the confusion comes from repeated misquotation and tradition.

The Wolf and the Lamb in Prophecy

The passage in Isaiah 11 does more than describe animals living in peace. It points to prophetic kingdoms and powers that will one day be brought under the authority of Jesus Christ.

• The Lion represents Babylon (Daniel 7:4).

• The Bear represents Media-Persia (Daniel 7:5).

• The Leopard represents Greece (Daniel 7:6).

• The Asp and the Cockatrice are serpents that represent the Dragon and the Beast of Revelation.

• The Wolf is a picture of corrupt rulers and false prophets devouring God’s people.

  
  

These beasts symbolize the Gentile kingdoms that have ruled over Israel, along with the spiritual enemies that deceive the nations.

Wolves as a Symbol of False Prophets

Scripture consistently uses wolves to describe deceivers and corrupt leaders.

• “Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.” (Zephaniah 3:3)

• “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

• Paul also warned the elders at Ephesus: “After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:29)

  
  

The wolf represents deception, destruction, and the spirit of apostasy at work in false religion and corrupt power. Yet in Christ’s Kingdom, even the wolf will dwell peacefully with the lamb, showing the transforming power of the Lord.

The Kingdom Peace of Christ

Isaiah’s prophecy is not just about animals coexisting but about the future reign of Christ when all opposition will be subdued. Revelation reveals how the beastly kingdoms—lion, bear, leopard, dragon, and wolf—make up the empire of the Antichrist. They oppose God until the Lord returns to destroy them and establish His reign.

A Promise of Redemption

The fact that the wolf lies down with the lamb in God’s Kingdom shows that even those once deceived by these powers can be redeemed. God “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

The wolf may be at the door today, devouring through false doctrine, corruption, and deception. But the Lamb of God stands ready to save all who call upon Him.

Conclusion: The Wolf and the Lamb Fulfilled

Isaiah’s prophecy is a promise of Christ’s coming Kingdom. The lion, bear, leopard, serpent, and wolf all represent earthly and spiritual powers opposed to God. But when Jesus returns, they will be overthrown, and peace will reign.

Until that day, believers must remain watchful against ravening wolves—false prophets and corrupt rulers—who seek to deceive and destroy. Yet we can rest in the promise that the same Lamb who was slain is also the King who will reign.

The wolf may prowl today, but the Lamb of God offers eternal life. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)