Lexical Summary qaran: To shine, to emit rays, to be radiant Original Word: קָרַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance have horns, shine A primitive root; to push or gore; used only as denominative from qeren, to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays -- have horns, shine. see HEBREW qeren NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from qeren Definition to send out rays NASB Translation shone (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs קָרַן verb Qal denominative of קֶרֶן 5, send out rays; — Perfect3masculine singular קָרַן עוֺר מָּנָיו Exodus 34:29,30,35 (P). Hiph`il denominative of קֶרֶן 1a, display (grow) horns (be fully developed), Participle מָּר מַקְרִן מַפְרִיס Psalm 69:32. Topical Lexicon Overview The verb קָרַן (Strong’s 7160) portrays a sudden emission of rays or “horn-like” projections of light. Its four scriptural occurrences divide between the radiant visage of Moses (Exodus 34:29, 30, 35) and the horned strength of a sacrificial bull (Psalm 69:31). Together these texts weave a rich tapestry of divine revelation, priestly mediation, worship, and foreshadowing of Christ’s glory. The Shining Face of Moses Exodus 34 records the climactic outcome of Moses’ second forty-day communion with the LORD following Israel’s sin with the golden calf. The radiance signals an outward imprint of God’s holiness on His chosen mediator. Israel’s fear (34:30) underscores the gulf between sinners and the Holy One, necessitating both reverence and a covering—the veil—to dwell safely near glory. Moses thus becomes a living tabernacle, his veiled face paralleling the veil of the Most Holy Place. Each return to the tent of meeting lifts the veil, reminding Israel that only by God’s initiative can the barrier be removed (34:35). Typological Significance 1. Mediation: Moses’ shining face previews the final Mediator, Jesus Christ. On the mount of transfiguration “His face shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2), affirming Him as the greater Moses whose unveiled glory secures permanent access for His people (2 Corinthians 3:7–18). Radiant Glory and Worship Psalm 69, a psalm of David, shifts קָרַן from light to horns, yet retains the theme of what delights the LORD. Psalm 69:31: “And this will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves.” Here David declares that grateful praise outshines the most impressive sacrificial animal. The “horned” bull represents the height of costly worship, but heartfelt thanksgiving surpasses external offering. The same God who caused Moses’ face to shine desires inner devotion that issues in obedience (Psalm 69:32–33). Historical Reception Ancient Jewish commentators associated Moses’ radiance with angelic glory, emphasizing his unique status. In later Christian art, mistranslation of קָרַן as “horned” gave Moses sculpted horns (e.g., Michelangelo’s statue), ironically linking Exodus 34 with Psalm 69:31. Yet the church’s theological tradition rightly discerns light, not horns, as the primary Exodus image. Ministry Applications • Personal Communion: Regular, reverent exposure to Scripture and prayer remains the means by which believers “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Conclusion קָרַן encapsulates divine brilliance conferred on humanity for God’s redemptive purposes. Whether radiating from Moses’ face or describing the majestic horns of a sacrificial bull, the term calls worshipers to recognize that true glory originates in God, transforms His servants, and culminates in praise that surpasses even the most costly outward acts. Forms and Transliterations מַקְרִ֥ן מקרן קָרַ֔ן קָרַ֖ן קָרַ֛ן קרן kaRan makRin maq·rin maqrin qā·ran qāranLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 34:29 HEB: יָדַ֗ע כִּ֥י קָרַ֛ן ע֥וֹר פָּנָ֖יו NAS: of his face shone because of his speaking KJV: of his face shone while he talked INT: know for shone the skin of his face Exodus 34:30 Exodus 34:35 Psalm 69:31 4 Occurrences |
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