Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4600 Living beings  »  4654 horn

The hard, pointed growth on the heads of certain animals; a projection resembling such a growth. The horns of animals were regarded as symbols of strength. In apocalyptic writings, horns may denote various powers and enemies of God. Altars were made with horn-like corner projections.

Horns of animals

See also

Genesis 22:13

Some species of owls have “horns” (or “tufts”):

Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15 Psalm 22:21; Psalm 69:31

Uses of animal horns

As musical instruments

Exodus 19:13; Joshua 6:4; 1 Chronicles 15:28; 2 Chronicles 15:14; Psalm 81:3; Psalm 98:6; Daniel 3:5,7,10,15; Hosea 5:8

As oil containers

1 Samuel 16:1,13; 1 Kings 1:39

Uses of imitation horns

As projections at corners of altars

Exodus 27:2; Exodus 29:12; Exodus 30:2-3,10; Exodus 37:25-26; Exodus 38:2; Leviticus 4:7,18,25,30,34; Leviticus 8:15; Leviticus 9:9; Leviticus 16:18; 1 Kings 1:50-51; Kings 2:28; Psalm 118:27; Jeremiah 17:1; Ezekiel 43:15,20; Amos 3:14; Revelation 9:13

As prophetic signs

1 Kings 22:11 pp 2 Chronicles 18:10

Horns as symbols of strength

Describing God's saving power

2 Samuel 22:2-3 pp Psalm 18:2 See also Luke 1:69

Describing human strength

Deuteronomy 33:17 See also 1 Samuel 2:1,10; Psalm 75:10; Psalm 89:17,24; Psalm 92:10; Psalm 112:9; Psalm 132:17; Psalm 148:14; Jeremiah 48:25; Lamentations 2:3,17; Ezekiel 29:21; Ezekiel 34:21; Micah 4:13

Symbolising the power of world rulers and enemies of God

Daniel 7:7-25; Daniel 8:3-4,5-11,19-22; Zechariah 1:18-21; Revelation 12:3-9; Revelation 13:1-6,11-14; Revelation 17:3-8,12-17

Symbolising the power of Jesus Christ

Revelation 5:6

See also

1427  prophecy
1670  symbols
2315  Christ as Lamb
4488  oil
4615  bull
4681  ram
5421  musical instruments
5595  trumpet
5954  strength
6510  salvation
7302  altar
7304  anointing