Exodus 34:35
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Original Language Analysis
וְרָא֤וּ
saw
H7200
וְרָא֤וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 21
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְנֵֽי
And the children
H1121
בְנֵֽי
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פָּנָ֔יו
face
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָּנָ֔יו
face
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְהֵשִׁ֨יב
again
H7725
וְהֵשִׁ֨יב
again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
12 of 21
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֔יו
face
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
17 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
18 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֹּא֖וֹ
until he went
H935
בֹּא֖וֹ
until he went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
19 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Historical Context
This is Moses' third forty-day period on Sinai. The radiance was so intense that Israel feared approaching him, requiring a veil (v. 30-35). Michelangelo's famous statue depicts Moses with horns due to translating qaran literally.
Questions for Reflection
- How does extended time in God's presence transform you visibly to others?
- In what ways should believers today reflect Christ's glory through transformation rather than merely external religiosity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses was with God 'forty days and forty nights' without eating or drinking—sustained supernaturally during extended communion with God. He wrote the covenant words (the Decalogue) on tablets. When descending, Moses' face radiated (קָרַן, qaran—shone/had horns of light) from being in God's presence. The verb qaran creates a wordplay: Moses' face had 'horns' (rays) of light from beholding God's glory (2 Cor 3:7-18). This transformation prefigures Christ's transfiguration (Matt 17:2) and our transformation into His image.