In the Bible, the term “unicorn” appears in several translations, including the King James Version (KJV). The most notable instances occur in the Old Testament. The word “unicorn” is used to translate the Hebrew word “re’em,” which some scholars believe refers to a wild ox or a large, horned animal, rather than the mythical horse-like creature with a single horn typically associated with the modern concept of a unicorn.
The usage of “unicorn” in the KJV can be found in passages such as Numbers 23:22, Deuteronomy 33:17, Job 39:9-10, Psalm 22:21, and Psalm 29:6. Here are a few examples:
- Numbers 23:22 – “God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.”
- Deuteronomy 33:17 – “His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth.”
- Job 39:9 – “Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?”
The exact identity of the “unicorn” in the biblical context is debated among scholars. Some suggest that it could refer to a creature like the aurochs, an extinct species of large wild cattle known for their impressive horns. Others believe that it might have been a mythical or symbolic representation, rather than a direct reference to a real animal.
In contemporary translations of the Bible, the term “unicorn” is often replaced with more accurate terms that reflect the current understanding of the original Hebrew text. For instance, modern translations may use “wild ox” or simply omit the term altogether, as the true nature of the “re’em” is not definitively known.
In summary, while “unicorn” appears in certain translations of the Bible, it likely refers to a real animal known for its strength and horn(s), rather than the fantastical creature commonly depicted in modern culture.