What Does the Bible Say About Unicorns?
The Bible contains references that have sparked centuries of curiosity, including the word “unicorn” in some older English translations. Today, unicorns are commonly pictured as elegant, horse-like creatures with a single horn—a symbol of purity, fantasy, and magic in popular culture. However, the biblical usage of the term does not match this modern imagery.
Understanding what the Bible says about unicorns requires exploring the ancient Hebrew term rĕ’êm, historical translation choices, and the broader theological significance of these animal references.
1. The Unicorn in Older Bible Translations
In translations such as the King James Version (KJV), “unicorn” appears multiple times (e.g., Numbers 23:22; Job 39:9–10; Psalm 92:10). This wording is not due to a belief in mythical unicorns as we imagine them today, but rather because translators in the 17th century worked from the Latin Vulgate and Greek Septuagint.
The Septuagint used the word monokerōs (“one-horned”), which in Greek tradition referred to an animal with a single prominent horn. Over time, this became “unicorn” in English, though it was never intended to refer to a fantasy creature from children’s storybooks.
2. What the Hebrew Word “Re’em” Means
The Hebrew word rĕ’êm appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament. Descriptions point to an animal known for:
Strength (Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 33:17)
Untameable nature (Job 39:9–10)
Speed and agility (Psalm 29:6)
Distinctive horns (Psalm 92:10)
Historical evidence suggests the rĕ’êm was most likely a large, powerful wild ox—possibly the now-extinct Bos primigenius (aurochs), known for its massive size and long, curved horns. Others have proposed a type of antelope, such as the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), which from a side view could appear to have a single horn.
3. Why the Bible Mentions This Animal
The Bible often uses strong and majestic animals as metaphors for God’s power, human pride, or the glory of creation. In the case of unicorns—or more accurately, the wild ox—the imagery reflects:
Unmatched power: Symbolizing strength that comes from God alone.
Freedom from human control: Illustrating the untameable nature of certain aspects of creation.
Majestic beauty: Reflecting God’s artistry in creating living creatures.
For example, Psalm 92:10 declares, “You have exalted my horn like that of the rĕ’êm,” using the animal’s horn as a symbol of strength and honor granted by God.
4. Separating Myth from Biblical Reality
While the Bible uses poetic and symbolic imagery, it does not affirm the existence of magical unicorns as depicted in folklore. Instead, references to the rĕ’êm are grounded in the real world of the ancient Near East, where powerful wild animals were both feared and respected.
This is an important reminder for biblical interpretation: modern readers must resist the temptation to import later legends into the text. The Bible speaks truth in its own historical and linguistic context, and understanding that context guards against misunderstanding.
5. Other “Unusual” Creatures in the Bible
The Bible mentions other striking animals that also challenge our modern categories. These include:
Behemoth (Job 40:15–24) – Possibly a hippopotamus, elephant, or symbolic creature representing earthly strength.
Leviathan (Job 41; Psalm 74:14; Isaiah 27:1) – Often identified with a crocodile or symbolic of chaos.
Apocalyptic beasts (Revelation 13) – Symbolic representations of political and spiritual powers opposed to God.
In each case, the focus is not on satisfying human curiosity about exotic creatures but on communicating theological truth through vivid imagery.
6. The Symbolic Significance of Strength in Scripture
The Bible’s references to unicorns (wild oxen) point us toward the theme of strength—both human and divine. In the Old Testament, this strength is often a gift from God, as in the blessings of Jacob to Joseph in Deuteronomy 33:17. Yet Scripture also warns that human strength apart from God leads to pride and downfall (Psalm 33:16–17).
In the gospel, true strength is revealed in what appears to the world as weakness—the cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18). Just as the rĕ’êm’s power was untameable by human effort, the salvation Christ brings is beyond human achievement.
7. Why Some See a Connection to the Gospel
From a gospel-centered perspective, the biblical unicorn—a creature of unmatched strength—can serve as a faint echo of Christ’s own unconquerable power. While the rĕ’êm is an earthly animal, Christ’s might is spiritual and eternal.
The Bible repeatedly shows that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Just as the wild ox could not be yoked for human purposes, Christ’s kingdom cannot be manipulated to serve worldly agendas. He is the risen and reigning King, whose power surpasses all earthly strength.
8. Avoiding Superstition and Misuse of Biblical Imagery
In some circles, fascination with mythical creatures like unicorns can slip into superstition or occult symbolism. The Bible warns against such distractions, calling believers to focus on the truth of God’s Word rather than speculative fables (1 Timothy 4:7).
While there is nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty of creation or enjoying works of imagination, Christians must remember that our hope is not in magical creatures or symbolic animals but in the living God who made all things.
9. The End-Times Perspective
The Bible teaches that in the new creation, the chaos and danger represented by wild and untameable animals will be transformed. Isaiah 11:6–9 paints a picture of peace where “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb” and “the calf and the lion… together.” Whether or not the rĕ’êm will be present in the renewed creation is unknown, but the promise is clear: all creation will be reconciled under Christ’s rule.
10. Practical Takeaways for Christians
Believers can draw several lessons from the Bible’s references to unicorns:
Interpret Scripture in context – Understand the historical meaning of words.
Marvel at God’s creation – Even the strongest creatures point back to their Maker.
Trust in God’s strength – Human strength is temporary; God’s is eternal.
Avoid speculative myths – Keep focus on Christ and His Word.
Conclusion: From Ancient Ox to Timeless Truth
When older translations of the Bible speak of unicorns, they are not referring to fantasy creatures from legend, but to a real, powerful animal known to the ancient world. Understanding the rĕ’êm deepens our appreciation for Scripture’s richness, reminding us that every part of God’s Word points us toward His glory.
The strength of the unicorn in Scripture is but a shadow of the strength of Christ, who will one day bring all creation into perfect peace under His eternal reign.
Bible Verses About Unicorns (Wild Oxen) and Strength
Numbers 23:22 – “God brings them out of Egypt; He is for them like the horns of the wild ox.”
Numbers 24:8 – “God brings him out of Egypt… He shall eat up the nations his adversaries.”
Deuteronomy 33:17 – “His horns are like the horns of a wild ox.”
Job 39:9 – “Will the wild ox be willing to serve you?”
Job 39:10 – “Can you bind the wild ox in the furrow with ropes?”
Psalm 22:21 – “Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen.”
Psalm 29:6 – “He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.”
Psalm 92:10 – “But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox.”
Isaiah 34:7 – “Wild oxen shall fall with them, and young steers with the mighty bulls.”
Psalm 33:16–17 – “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.”
