Did Moses Have Horns? Unveiling the Myth Behind the Biblical Figure

Introduction to the Myth of Moses with Horns

The popular image of Moses emerging from his encounter with God on Mount Sinai with horns growing from his forehead is a misconception widely perpetuated by medieval art. This notion stems from a specific translation choice and misinterpretation of the Hebrew text. To comprehend the true meaning behind this iconic image, let's delve into the Exodus passage and the misconceptions surrounding it.

Exodus 34:29-35 and the Original Context

According to Exodus 34:29-35, Moses experiences a monumental encounter with God following his 40-day stay atop Mount Sinai. Upon his descent, the Bible describes his face as shining or radiating with divine light. This passage is pivotal in sparking the figurative interpretation of 'horns' in the Latin Vulgate translation, which has since influenced popular imagery.

The Hebrew word qeren ( ???) used in Exodus 34:29 can be translated as 'horn' but also carries the meaning 'ray' or 'glory.' Ancient versions, such as the Douay Version, provide a footnote clarifying this. Scholarly references, including the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, support this interpretation, indicating that the term refers to the form of horns rather than their substance. Consequently, the beams of light seen in modern translations emphasize the radiance of Moses' face rather than any literal horn-like protrusions.

Michelangelo and the Artistic Legacy

The most enduring visual representation of Moses with horns is Michelangelo's famous sculpture, which stands at the Church of St. Peter in Chains in Rome. This statue, datable to the 16th century, illustrates the misconception perpetuated by the Latin Vulgate translation. The artists who portrayed Moses with horns were, in essence, reflecting a long-corrected error that had become deeply ingrained in Christian art and popular culture.

Pauline Confirmation and Scholarly Insight

Paul's letters, particularly in 2 Corinthians 3:7, confirm the accurate interpretation of Moses' face as a shining glory rather than horns. This teaching emphasizes that the focus should be on the radiance emanating from Moses, rather than any physical protrusions. The phrase 'the glory' in the original text is an accurate representation of the divine radiance, rather than 'the horns.'

Modern Biblical Interpretation and Artistic Context

Modern biblical scholarship and translations avoid the term 'horns' and instead emphasize the radiance or shining of Moses' face. This shift reflects a more accurate understanding of the original Hebrew text. Contemporary translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) and the English Standard Version (ESV), clearly interpret the text to mean that Moses' face was radiant, not adorned with horns.

Scholars and theologians agree that the horns on Michelangelo's sculpture serve as an artistic curio. They are a testament to the enduring influence of the Latin Vulgate and the way in which ancient translations can shape artistic representations. The misconception of Moses with horns is a fascinating example of how language and interpretative traditions can shape our understanding of sacred texts.

Conclusion

The misconception that Moses had horns is a delightful example of the way in which language, translation, and artistic representation can blend to create enduring myths. By understanding the true meaning behind this biblical figure, we can deepen our appreciation of both the text and the rich artistic traditions that have evolved around it.