Many readers are surprised to learn that the word “unicorn” appears in some versions of the Bible. The discovery often raises questions about whether the Bible is referring to the mythical one-horned horse that has become a popular symbol in modern culture.
The answer depends largely on which Bible translation you are reading and the original Hebrew text behind the passages.
Does the Bible mention unicorns?
Yes. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible includes the word “unicorn” nine times. These references appear in the following books:
- Numbers 23:22
- Numbers 24:8
- Deuteronomy 33:17
- Job 39:9-10
- Psalms 22:21
- Psalms 29:6
- Psalms 92:10
- Isaiah 34:7
One of the best-known examples is Job 39:9, which reads:
“Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?” (KJV)
These verses describe the unicorn as a powerful, untamable animal known for its strength.
Was the Bible referring to the mythical unicorn?
Most biblical scholars believe the answer is no.
The original Hebrew word used in these passages is “re’em” (רְאֵם). Rather than describing a mythical creature, scholars generally believe it referred to a real animal that lived in the ancient Near East.
The most widely accepted identification is the aurochs, an extinct species of massive wild cattle that once roamed Europe, Asia and North Africa. Others suggest the word may have referred to a wild ox or another large horned bovine.
These animals were renowned for their incredible size, power and inability to be domesticated, which aligns closely with the biblical descriptions.
Why does the King James Version use the word “unicorn”?
The translation history explains why the KJV uses the term.
When the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek in the Septuagint, translators used a Greek word that suggested a “one-horned” animal. Later Latin translations followed a similar interpretation.
When the King James Bible was completed in 1611, its translators retained the traditional English rendering of “unicorn.”
It’s important to understand that the word “unicorn” in the early 17th century did not necessarily refer to the magical horse with a spiraled horn that is popular in modern fantasy. Instead, it could describe a powerful one-horned beast or simply follow the established translation tradition.
What do modern Bible translations say?
Most modern Bible translations no longer use the word “unicorn.”
Instead, they typically translate the Hebrew word re’em as:
- Wild ox
- Wild bull
- Wild cattle
Some translations also include footnotes explaining that the precise identity of the animal remains uncertain, though the aurochs is widely considered the most likely candidate.
Why does this matter?
The discussion surrounding unicorns in the Bible highlights the importance of understanding biblical languages and historical translation practices.
Rather than proving the existence of mythical unicorns, these passages illustrate how language evolves over time and how translation choices can shape modern readers’ understanding of ancient texts.
Regardless of the exact animal being referenced, the biblical passages consistently portray the creature as a symbol of immense strength, power and majesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times does the Bible mention unicorns?
The King James Version uses the word “unicorn” nine times throughout the Old Testament.
Do modern Bibles still mention unicorns?
Most modern translations replace “unicorn” with “wild ox,” “wild bull,” or similar terms based on current scholarship regarding the Hebrew word re’em.
Did unicorns really exist according to the Bible?
Most biblical scholars do not believe the Bible is referring to the mythical unicorn of folklore. Instead, the passages likely describe a real, now-extinct animal such as the aurochs or another powerful wild bovine.
Conclusion
Yes, the Bible does mention unicorns—but only in certain translations, most notably the King James Version. Modern biblical scholarship overwhelmingly concludes that these references do not describe the legendary one-horned horse found in mythology. Instead, they point to a powerful wild animal known to the ancient world, most likely the extinct aurochs. Understanding the original Hebrew language and the history of Bible translation provides valuable context for one of Scripture’s most intriguing and frequently misunderstood terms.