Unicorn

Unicorn [T] [S]

described as an animal of great ferocity and strength ( Numbers 23:22 , RSV, "wild ox," marg., "ox-antelope;" 24:8 ; Isaiah 34:7 , RSV, "wild oxen"), and untamable ( Job 39:9 ). It was in reality a two-horned animal; but the exact reference of the word so rendered (reem) is doubtful. Some have supposed it to be the buffalo; others, the white antelope, called by the Arabs rim. Most probably, however, the word denotes the Bos primigenius ("primitive ox"), which is now extinct all over the world. This was the auerochs of the Germans, and the urus described by Caesar (Gal. Bel., vi.28) as inhabiting the Hercynian forest. The word thus rendered has been found in an Assyrian inscription written over the wild ox or bison, which some also suppose to be the animal intended (Compare Deuteronomy 33:17 ; Psalms 22:21 ; 29:6 ; 92:10 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

[T] indicates this entry was also found in Torrey's Topical Textbook
[S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary

Bibliography Information

Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Unicorn". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .