What does the Bible mention about unicorns?

Occurrences in Scripture

Several English Bible translations older than the Berean Standard Bible—including the King James Version—use the term “unicorn” in passages such as Numbers 23:22, Numbers 24:8, and Job 39:9. In the original Hebrew text, however, the word is רְאֵם (re’em). Recent English translations, including the, usually render re’em as “wild ox.” While the KJV’s “unicorn” has persisted in common questions about the Bible, the reads, “God brought them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of a wild ox” (Numbers 23:22).

Meaning of the Hebrew Word רְאֵם (re’em)

The Hebrew re’em refers to a strong, horned animal known for its power and untamed nature. Scholars and linguists debate which specific creature the term originally identified. Many believe the re’em to be an aurochs (an extinct species of wild cattle), a wild ox, or another large, single-horned or double-horned beast. The Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) often used the Greek word monokeros to describe the re’em, which literally means “one-horned.” This translational choice may have led some English versions to adopt “unicorn,” even though the biblical description does not necessarily indicate the mythical, horse-like creature many imagine.

Key Biblical Passages

1. Numbers 23:22: “God brought them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of a wild ox.”

2. Numbers 24:8: “God brought him out of Egypt; He is for him like the horns of a wild ox.”

3. Deuteronomy 33:17: “His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like the horns of a wild ox…”

4. Job 39:9: “Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he spend the night at your manger?”

5. Psalm 92:10: “But You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil.”

In each of these references, the creature depicted is powerful, not easily domesticated, and symbolizes great strength.

Ancient Cultural Understanding

In the ancient Near East, large horned animals like aurochs or wild bulls symbolized might and sovereignty. Texts from surrounding cultures also describe enormous wild bulls as majestic creatures. This cultural backdrop helps illustrate why biblical authors used re’em imagery to highlight God’s protective power. Outside the Scriptures, inscriptions and artwork from Mesopotamia and Egypt depict large horned bovines as representations of power.

The mythical “one-horned” idea in some Greek and Roman writings may trace to travelers’ tales of exotic animals such as rhinoceroses. Over time, these stories fueled legends of unicorn-like creatures. But in the biblical context, re’em most likely referred to a known wild creature rather than a purely mythical animal.

Consistency with Modern Translations

Early translators had limited zoological knowledge of the ancient Near East, which can explain why “unicorn” became an English rendering in certain passages. Modern Bibles, given greater linguistic and archaeological data, favor “wild ox.” The reflects this updated understanding, illustrating how biblical translation evolves as scholarship advances, yet still upholds a faithful representation of the original Hebrew text.

Archaeological and Historical Data

• Aurochs Bones and Cave Paintings: Archaeologists have uncovered remains and cave art featuring large, horned cattle—aurochs—that once roamed regions of the Middle East and Europe. These powerful, difficult-to-domesticate animals are consistent with the biblical portrayal of re’em.

• Cultural Depictions of Horned Animals: Ancient artwork from Babylonian and Egyptian ruins often depicts mighty bulls signifying divinity or kingship. The horns of these bulls match the biblical emphasis on an impressive, powerful creature.

Implications for Biblical Interpretation

The mention of “unicorns” in older English versions of the Bible has sometimes raised concern that Scripture portrays mythical beasts. However, by considering the Hebrew word, ancient Near Eastern culture, and current biblical scholarship, it becomes clear these passages highlight a formidable, real-life wild ox rather than a fantasy creature.

This point illustrates how crucial understanding the historical and linguistic context can be. When exploring topics like “unicorns” in the Bible, examining original-language words and external evidence helps readers engage more deeply and accurately with the text.

The Symbolic and Theological Significance

1. God’s Power and Authority: Passages referencing the re’em underscore God’s unmatched strength. By comparing His power to that of a wild, untamable beast, the text highlights the Creator’s sovereign control over all creation.

2. God’s Protection for His People: In contexts such as Numbers 23:22 and 24:8, the wild ox imagery communicates God’s might in delivering Israel from bondage and leading them victoriously.

3. Exaltation of the Faithful: In Psalm 92:10, the psalmist praises God for exalting the believer’s “horn like that of a wild ox,” indicating divine blessing and empowerment.

Conclusion

The Bible’s “unicorn” references, found in older English translations, stem from a Hebrew term (re’em) referring to a powerful wild animal—likely an aurochs or wild ox. Modern scholarship and translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, capture this meaning by rendering re’em as “wild ox.” These passages affirm God’s unparalleled might and His intent to sustain and exalt those who trust Him.

For anyone encountering the term “unicorn” in the King James Version or other historical translations, understanding the original Hebrew and the cultural context reveals that the biblical authors described an actual, majestic creature that powerfully illustrates God’s strength and care, rather than a fantastical animal.