### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רְאֵם (rᵉʼêm), Strong's number `{{H7214}}`, denotes a powerful, wild bovine animal. Its etymological root is often linked to רָאַם (râʼam), `{{H7213}}`, meaning "to be high, exalted, or lifted up," suggesting an animal of imposing stature and conspicuous presence. The primary understanding in modern scholarship is that of a "wild ox" or "aurochs" (*Bos primigenius*), a large, extinct species of wild cattle known for its formidable size, strength, and large, prominent horns.
Historically, the King James Version (KJV) and other early translations rendered רְאֵם as "unicorn," influenced by the Septuagint's use of *monokeros* (μονοκερως), meaning "one-horned." This translation likely arose from a misunderstanding or a symbolic interpretation, perhaps due to the animal's appearance in profile, or its unique and powerful horn structure, or simply as a generic term for a powerful, untamed beast. However, archaeological and zoological evidence strongly supports the identification of רְאֵם with the aurochs, an animal known to have two horns, albeit exceptionally large and impressive ones. The semantic range thus encompasses raw, untamed power, formidable strength, and an indomitable spirit, characteristic of a wild and mighty beast.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term רְאֵם appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently portraying an animal of immense power and untamable nature.
In Numbers 23:22 and 24:8, the strength of Israel, delivered from Egypt, is likened to the strength of the רְאֵם: "God brings them out of Egypt; he has as it were the strength of a wild ox." This imagery emphasizes divine empowerment and the formidable, divinely-granted might of God's people.
Deuteronomy 33:17 describes the blessings upon Joseph's descendants, Ephraim and Manasseh, stating, "His horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall gore the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth." Here, the horns of the רְאֵם symbolize military power, conquest, and overwhelming strength in battle, a common metaphor in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
The book of Job highlights the untamable nature of the רְאֵם in Job 39:9-12: "Is the wild ox willing to serve you? Will he spend the night at your manger? Can you bind the wild ox with a rope in the furrow, or will he harrow the valleys after you? Will you trust him because his strength is great, or will you leave to him your toil? Do you have faith in him that he will return your grain and gather it to your threshing floor?" This passage underscores the animal's wildness and independence, contrasting it with domesticated animals, thereby emphasizing God's unique power and sovereignty over even the most untamed creatures.
In the Psalms, the רְאֵם serves various symbolic functions. Psalm 22:21 (22:22 MT) is a cry for deliverance: "Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!" Here, the horns represent a grave and mortal threat, from which only divine intervention can save. Psalm 29:6 describes God's powerful voice causing the mountains to skip "like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox," illustrating the overwhelming impact of divine power on creation. Psalm 92:10 (92:11 MT) speaks of divine anointing and exaltation: "But you have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil." The "horn of the wild ox" symbolizes strength, dignity, and a position of honor and power bestowed by God.
Finally, Isaiah 34:7 depicts the slaughter of רְאֵם alongside other powerful animals as a sign of divine judgment upon Edom: "The wild oxen shall fall with them, and the young bulls with the mighty ones." This verse portrays the destruction of powerful, seemingly invincible entities, signifying the absolute nature of God's judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verbal root רָאַם (râʼam), `{{H7213}}`, "to be high, exalted, or lifted up." This connection underscores the majestic and prominent stature of the רְאֵם. While not explicitly stated in the definition, the idea of "conspicuousness" likely stems from this root, referring to its impressive size and visibility.
Other Hebrew words for bovine animals, such as שׁוֹר (shôr), `{{H7794}}` (ox/bull), and בָּקָר (bāqār), `{{H1299}}` (cattle), are distinct from רְאֵם. The key differentiator for רְאֵם is its wild, untamed nature, in contrast to domesticated livestock.
The concept of "horn" (קֶרֶן, qeren, `{{H7161}}`) is intrinsically linked to the רְאֵם, as its formidable horns are consistently highlighted as symbols of power, aggression, and exaltation.
The Septuagint's translation of *monokeros* (μονοκερως), `{{G3439}}` (though a Greek word, it's relevant to the translation history), influenced the "unicorn" rendering in early English Bibles. This highlights the ancient perception of the animal as unique and exceptionally powerful, even if its precise zoological identification was unclear.
The רְאֵם is conceptually tied to themes of strength, might, untamability, divine power, judgment, and salvation. It stands as a prime example of the formidable creatures of God's creation, often used to illustrate His own unparalleled power and sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The רְאֵם holds significant theological weight, primarily serving as a potent symbol of immense, untamed power. Its wild and indomitable nature is consistently employed to underscore God's absolute sovereignty. In Job 39, God's rhetorical questions about the untamable רְאֵם serve to humble humanity, revealing the vast chasm between human weakness and divine omnipotence. Even the most powerful and uncontrollable creatures are subject to God's will.
Furthermore, the strength of the רְאֵם is often attributed to God's people (Numbers 23:22, 24:8; Deuteronomy 33:17) or to individuals favored by Him (Psalm 92:10). This imagery conveys the idea that the power of God's people is not inherent but divinely bestowed, enabling them to overcome formidable adversaries. It speaks to the concept of divine empowerment for mission and protection.
In the Psalms, the רְאֵם's horns represent a grave threat from which God delivers His faithful (Psalm 22:21), illustrating God's role as protector and deliverer from overwhelming danger. Conversely, the leaping of the young רְאֵם in Psalm 29:6 describes the awe-inspiring, dynamic power of God's voice, which shakes the very foundations of creation.
Finally, in prophetic literature (Isaiah 34:7), the destruction of the רְאֵם signifies the comprehensive nature of divine judgment upon the wicked. Even the strongest and most resilient will fall before God's wrath, emphasizing His ultimate control over all nations and creation. Theologically, the רְאֵם serves as a powerful reminder of God's unmatched strength, His ability to empower His people, His faithfulness in deliverance, and His righteous judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רְאֵם (rᵉʼêm), `{{H7214}}`, primarily denotes a "wild ox" or "aurochs," a creature of immense size, strength, and untamed spirit, contrary to the historical "unicorn" translation. Rooted in a term signifying "exalted" or "conspicuous," the רְאֵם consistently appears in the biblical text as a symbol of formidable, raw power. Its occurrences highlight the divine empowerment of Israel, the overwhelming strength of God's judgment, and the untamable nature of creation that remains under God's sovereign control. Whether representing a threat from which God delivers or an emblem of divinely bestowed strength, the רְאֵם serves as a potent theological image. It underscores the vastness of God's power, His ability to protect and exalt His people, and His ultimate dominion over all things, even the wildest and most powerful beasts of the earth.
TRV