{
  "id": "dict_005846",
  "term": "UNICORN",
  "slug": "unicorn",
  "letter": "U",
  "entry_type": "translation_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "An older English Bible word, especially in the King James Version, that usually translates the Hebrew re'em and likely refers to a strong wild bovine such as the wild ox, not a mythical creature.",
  "simple_one_line": "An older Bible translation term for a powerful wild animal, likely the wild ox.",
  "tooltip_text": "In older English Bibles, “unicorn” often renders Hebrew re'em and probably refers to a wild ox or similar strong wild beast.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "wild ox",
    "ox",
    "Hebrew language",
    "Bible translation",
    "KJV (King James Version)"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "re'em",
    "wild ox",
    "King James Version",
    "translation",
    "animal imagery"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "In older English Bible translations, especially the King James Version, “unicorn” appears as the rendering of a Hebrew word commonly understood today to refer to a powerful wild animal, likely the wild ox.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "Older English Bible term for a strong wild beast, usually linked to the Hebrew re'em.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "Found in older translations, not as a claim about a mythological creature",
    "Commonly linked to Hebrew re'em",
    "Often understood as a wild ox or similar powerful bovine",
    "Used in poetic or descriptive passages to emphasize strength"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "In the King James Version and some older translations, “unicorn” renders Hebrew re'em, a term now commonly understood as referring to a real wild animal, likely a wild ox or similar strong bovine. The biblical usage is translational rather than mythological.",
  "description_academic_full": "“Unicorn” appears in some older English Bible versions as the translation of the Hebrew term re'em. Most modern scholars and translators understand the word to refer to a real, powerful wild animal, commonly identified with the wild ox or a similar untamed bovine. In the biblical passages where it appears, the image communicates strength, untamed power, and majesty. The text does not require belief in the later legendary horse-like unicorn of folklore. Because this is primarily a translation and lexical issue, the entry belongs in a dictionary of Bible terms as an English rendering rather than as a separate theological symbol.",
  "background_biblical_context": "The term occurs in poetic and descriptive passages where the animal’s strength is the focus. In context, the image is used to highlight power, endurance, and untamed force rather than to provide a zoological lesson.",
  "background_historical_context": "Early English Bible translations sometimes used “unicorn” for re'em because the exact animal was uncertain to translators. Later scholarship and lexical study led most modern versions to prefer terms such as “wild ox.”",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "Ancient readers would likely have understood re'em as a real, powerful wild animal known in the ancient Near East. The later European idea of a unicorn is not the background of the biblical text.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Numbers 23:22",
    "Numbers 24:8",
    "Deuteronomy 33:17",
    "Job 39:9-10",
    "Psalm 22:21",
    "Psalm 29:6"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Psalm 92:10",
    "Isaiah 34:7"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "Hebrew re'em. Older English versions, including the KJV, often translated this word as “unicorn,” but modern translations usually render it as “wild ox” or a similar term.",
  "theological_significance": "The main significance is translational: Scripture is describing a real creature or creature-type known for strength, not endorsing folklore. The passages reinforce God’s power over creation and use vivid animal imagery in poetry.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "This entry illustrates how Bible translation can preserve an older English term that later changes in meaning. The question is lexical, not doctrinal: the word in English history shifted, while the underlying Hebrew points to a strong wild animal.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not read later unicorn folklore back into the biblical text. Also avoid overconfidence about the exact species; the safest conclusion is that re'em refers to a powerful wild bovine or comparable beast.",
  "major_views_note": "The older KJV-style rendering “unicorn” is traditional English; most modern translations and lexicons prefer “wild ox.” A few details about the exact animal remain debated, but the mythical creature view is not required by the text.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "This entry does not establish the existence of a mythical unicorn in Scripture. It is a translation issue and should not be used to support speculative readings or anti-scientific claims.",
  "practical_significance": "The entry helps readers understand older Bible translations and avoid confusion when comparing versions. It also encourages careful attention to the original language behind English renderings.",
  "meta_description": "Older Bible translation term for a strong wild animal, usually the Hebrew re'em, commonly understood as the wild ox.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/unicorn/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/unicorn.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}