The depiction of Moses with horns in ancient art and sculpture has intrigued and puzzled many people over the years. Where did this unusual artistic choice come from? A look into the Bible and its original languages provides insight into the meaning behind these horned portrayals of Moses.
In the book of Exodus, after Moses descends from spending 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God, his face is said to shine or radiate beams of light. Exodus 34:29 (ESV) states, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” The Hebrew word used here for “shone” is qaran, which can mean to shine or send out rays/beams.
Later translations of the Hebrew Bible into Greek (known as the Septuagint) used the Greek word kerata to describe the rays coming from Moses’ face. This word can mean “horn” but also implies beams of light or rays. So when the Latin Vulgate translation was produced, the word kerata was translated into the Latin word cornuta, which is more singularly meant to indicate a horn/horns.
By the 4th century AD, because of this Latin translation, standard visual artistic depictions of Moses began showing him with horns. Michelangelo’s famous marble sculpture of Moses in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome, portrays Moses with two horns sticking out of his head. This and other horned portrayals of Moses stemmed from those early Latin translation word choices, not because the Bible itself ever said Moses had literal horns.
The horns on Moses in medieval and renaissance artwork were intended to symbolize his authority and power as God’s chosen leader and lawgiver for Israel. The radiance from being in God’s presence was translated into a visual indicator – horns – that were commonly associated with divine authority, not unlike the halo used in art to denote holy individuals. Scholars theorize that horns were also a recognizable symbol already associated with Moses – for example, ancient texts describe him as “horned” when he descended from Sinai – so artists wanting to signify Moses chose that motif to represent him.
There were other practical factors possibly influencing the development of showing Moses with horns in art. Sculpting horns was an easier way to hearken to the scriptural reference than trying to carve rays of light emanating from Moses’ head. Also, a quick glance at a statue of a horned Moses left no doubt as to the identity of the biblical figure. Regardless of the reasons, “horned Moses” became an established and recognizable image in religious artwork for centuries.
Misunderstandings about Moses having literal horns because of inaccurate translations or artistic renderings have contributed to some modern confusion about what the Bible originally intended in its descriptions. However, when looking at an ancient depiction of Moses with horns, it can be helpful to understand that this was born out of early translation choices and the desire to artistically symbolize Moses’ special encounter with God, not out of an actual scriptural statement about Moses growing horns.
The relevant Bible passages make no mention of Moses sprouting horns or modifying his physical appearance after meeting with God beyond shining with rays of light. Exodus 34:29 describes “the skin of his face shone” and in Exodus 34:30 it states “Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone.” There is no horn growing mentioned, just radiance associated with being in God’s presence.
As translations improved and scholarship advanced, it became clear the original Hebrew relied on words meaning light or rays, not horns as in the early Greek and Latin translations. Modern English translations use wording focused on Moses’ face shining or beams emitting from his face, staying closer to the intent of the original Hebrew by avoiding any horn-related language.
A few possibilities exist for why horns became the representation in ancient translations and art:
1. The Greek word “kerata” can mean rays or horns, and the Latin word “cornuta” more singularly means horns. This shaped later artistic interpretations.
2. There may have been external ancient references to Moses as “horned” that influenced translations and perceptions.
3. Horns were an existing ancient symbol of authority, so attaching horns to Moses helped designate his role as powerful leader.
4. Horns were likely an easier artistic representation to sculpt than rays of light.
While modern translations clarify the text’s original intent, the image of a horned Moses nevertheless became cemented in religious artwork and iconography over centuries past. For this reason, the horns on various historical Moses depictions are often misunderstood or misrepresented today as if they were biblically literal rather than symbolic.
In summary, the Bible does not state that Moses grew literal horns. The horns he is shown with in some ancient art and sculpture were an artistic addition stemming from imprecise translations and symbolic representations of the rays of light mentioned in Exodus. Modern English translations make it clear the original Hebrew referred to radiance emitting from Moses’ face, not growth of horns. However, the iconic image of a horned Moses remains prevalent in a great deal of religious artwork from centuries past.
Understanding the roots of how Moses came to be depicted with horns removes any biblical discrepancy and enables better comprehension of the intended scriptural meaning. The horns were an artistic liberty and interpretive symbol not ever intended to be taken literally. With this clarification, the beauty and meaning behind so much ancient religious artwork featuring a horned Moses can be properly appreciated, without needing to perpetuate any myths about the Bible describing Moses as literally growing horns.
Moses’ radiant face reflecting encounter with the divine – not physical transformation – is the mirage marvelously captured in art through the ages. Clarifying the genesis of the horned Moses imagery allows the biblical focus on Moses’ exhilarating experiential proximity to God to shine through.
The Bible contains many wondrous stories and imagery if explored beyond surface impressions. Moses’ horns showcase the importance of probing for deeper understanding in scripture by looking into original language, translations, symbolism, and artistic interpretations. This leads to clarification dispelling legends, while opening up fuller appreciation for magnificent biblical accounts.
Moses’ story stands as incredible testimony to the overpowering glory and presence of God. Moses communed directly with God, descending Sinai’s heights forever changed by the divine encounter. The radiance emanating from Moses’ face following meeting with God awed the Israelites and reflected the otherworldly nature of his experience. The symbolism of horns used in art to represent this persistant glow convey Moses’ authority as chosen envoy. His horns showcase that Moses spoke, led, and lived constantly marked by the unmistakable stamp of deep closeness with God.
The horns adorning artistic renditions of Moses captured imaginations throughout history and continue stirring curiosity today. Far from diminishing this iconic imagery, understanding its genesis brings deeper appreciation. The horns aptly symbolize Moses’ preeminence as prophet, lawgiver and servant of God – “one on whom the divine light shines brilliantly” as one scholar described. More than any physical feature, Moses’ radiant communion with the living God defined and empowered his remarkable life.