In the King James Version of the Bible, the term “unicorn” appears in several passages, reflecting the ancient translators’ effort to interpret Hebrew texts containing the word “re’em,” which modern translations often render as “wild ox” or “ox.” This creature, mentioned in books such as Numbers, Deuteronomy, Job, Psalms, and Isaiah, symbolizes strength and power. For instance, in Psalm 29:6, it says, “He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.”

The mention of unicorns in the King James Bible is not an indication of mythical creatures being acknowledged in biblical times but rather a testament to the evolving understanding of language and the natural world among translators. The biblical context in which the “unicorn” is mentioned uses the creature as a metaphor for strength, untamability, and power, characteristics that are attributed to God or are reflective of His creation’s majesty.