Why do some ancient sculptures and statues depict Moses with horns?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The earliest depiction of Moses with horns is in an English illustrated book from 1050. Rendering Moses in this fashion continued into the 1500s, so many sculptures, stained glass, and paintings from that time depict Moses with horns of some sort. Horns on depictions of Moses are a somewhat funny reminder of the need to properly understand the original language and cultural context in which the Bible and its historical translations were written.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In the fourth century, Jerome set about translating ancient Hebrew scriptures into the Latin of his time. His translation of Scripture became known as the Latin Vulgate. When he came to the Hebrew word qaran, describing Moses's face when he descended Mount Sinai after receiving the two tablets of the testimony, Jerome chose to translate the word as cornuta in Latin, meaning "horned." The Hebrew word qaran does come from the root word qeren that means "to have horns, to push or to gore," as used in Psalm 69:31 to describe oxen and bulls.
• In ancient times, horns were a symbol of wisdom and rulership, often seen on idols of gods (like Molech and Baal), altars of worship (described in Exodus 27:2), and crowns of kings or warriors (like those in Denmark and Gaul). Jerome may have understood this Hebrew word, and his Latin translation, to mean "shining" or "glorified," as it is rendered in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Bible. However, his use of cornuta in Latin during the 300s led artists during the Medieval and Renaissance periods, hundreds of years later, to depict Moses with actual horns sprouting from his head.
• The troublesome verses in Exodus 34 are now translated in English as, "Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him… when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining" (Exodus 34:29–35, emphasis added).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Hebrew qaran, properly understood, means "emanating rays, shining, or glorified," as confirmed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:7–8. He expounds on Moses's experience descending Mount Sinai with the tablets, explaining, "Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?" (emphasis added).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding things in context is crucial for accurate interpretation and effective communication. By considering the original language, cultural background, and historical circumstances, we can avoid misinterpretations and convey meanings more precisely. For instance, in the case of Moses being depicted with horns due to a translation choice, recognizing the original Hebrew term "qaran" and its context helps clarify that it meant "shining," rather than "horned." This awareness extends beyond language translation to everyday scenarios, such as interpreting data, historical events, or even social interactions. By taking the time to understand the broader context, we can make more informed decisions, which translates to the way we talk to others about issues and concerns.

UNDERSTAND

• Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation in the 4th century is the reason why Moses is depicted with horns, due to his interpretation of the Hebrew word "qaran" as "horned."
• Horns, symbolizing wisdom and authority, influenced Jerome's choice, leading to later artistic depictions of Moses with literal horns.
• Modern translations and New Testament references clarify that "qaran" meant "shining," emphasizing the importance of understanding original language and cultural context to avoid misinterpretations.

REFLECT

• When have you experienced a misinterpretation based on a misunderstanding or communication issue?
• What other instances can you think of where cultural context significantly impacted the portrayal of historical figures or events?
• How does this issue challenge your understanding of the relationship between language, culture, and interpretation, particularly as it relates to studying the Bible?

ENGAGE

• How can the misinterpretation of Moses being depicted with horns serve as a warning for how we study God’s Word in the right context?
• Considering the role of language and translation in shaping interpretations, how might we approach the study of ancient texts including the Bible to ensure accuracy and avoid misconceptions?
• How can the story of Moses's horns serve as a cautionary tale for artists, scholars, and interpreters about the importance of contextual understanding in their work?