God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.

NUMBERS 23:22KJV
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Numbers 23:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:22 mean?

Numbers 23:22 says that God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and gave them great strength, comparing this strength to that of a powerful animal called a "unicorn" in the King James Version. The verse highlights God's role as the one who rescued Israel and gave them the might to stand strong.

In this verse, the speaker is Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam is declaring to Balak that Israel's power comes directly from God, who delivered them from slavery in Egypt. The comparison to a "unicorn" is meant to picture a strong, untamable animal, emphasizing that Israel's strength is not ordinary but comes from a divine source.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:22

  • God (אֵל, El, H410): This word for God stresses His might and power, fitting the theme of strength in the verse.
  • Strength (תּוֹעָפָה, to'afah, H8443): This word often refers to physical power or horns, suggesting force and might, not just inner resolve.
  • Unicorn (רְאֵם, re'em, H7214): The animal called "unicorn" in the KJV is not the mythical horse with a single horn, but likely refers to a wild ox or aurochs, known for its strength and wildness. The image is of something strong and untamable, not magical.

Why Numbers 23:22 matters

  • Numbers 23:22 clears up that the "unicorn" here is not a fantasy creature, but a symbol of real, impressive strength, likely a wild ox.
  • The verse emphasizes that Israel's strength is not from themselves, but from God, making it clear to listeners that their power has a divine origin.
  • In the wider story, Balaam’s words show that even those outside Israel recognize God's unique role in Israel’s history and power, which is a key theme in the surrounding chapters.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H8443 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
  • Job 22:25 Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.
  • Psalms 95:4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

“unicorn” Hebrew H7214 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
  • Job 39:9 Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee, or abide by thy crib?
  • Psalms 29:6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.