Exodus 34:29

KJV

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Moses {H4872} came down {H3381} from mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514} with the two {H8147} tables {H3871} of testimony {H5715} in Moses {H4872}' hand {H3027}, when he came down {H3381} from the mount {H2022}, that Moses {H4872} wist {H3045} not that the skin {H5785} of his face {H6440} shone {H7160} while he talked {H1696} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Moshe came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, he didn't realize that the skin of his face was sending out rays of light as a result of his talking with [ADONAI].

Berean Standard Bible

And when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was unaware that his face had become radiant from speaking with the LORD.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of the testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses knew not that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 34:29 captures the profound moment of Moses' descent from Mount Sinai, bearing the newly inscribed tables of the covenant. His face, unbeknownst to him, radiated with a divine luminescence—a direct and awe-inspiring manifestation of his intimate and prolonged communion with God. This physical transformation served as an undeniable, visible testament to the unique relationship Moses shared with the Almighty and the transformative power inherent in God's glorious presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a climactic point in the narrative immediately following God's gracious renewal of the covenant with Israel, which had been tragically broken by their idolatry with the golden calf. The preceding chapters detail Moses' fervent intercession for the people ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession")), his breaking of the first tablets ([Exodus 32:19](/exodus/32-19 "Exodus 32:19 - Moses Breaks the Tablets")), and God's subsequent command for new tablets and Moses' second forty-day sojourn on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/34-1 "Exodus 34:1 - God Renews the Covenant"). During this renewed encounter, God revealed His character to Moses, proclaiming His name and attributes as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, yet also just ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God Proclaims His Name and Attributes")). Moses' shining face upon his descent is the immediate, tangible evidence of this renewed covenant relationship and the profound intimacy of his encounter with the living God, validating his role as mediator before a potentially skeptical people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, divine presence was frequently associated with overwhelming glory, light, fire, and awe-inspiring phenomena, as vividly depicted in the theophany at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai in Fire and Smoke") itself, which was enveloped in smoke and fire. Leaders and mediators who claimed divine authority often sought or were granted visible signs to authenticate their claims before their populace. Moses, as the unique mediator of the Mosaic Covenant, required undeniable validation before a people prone to doubt, rebellion, and idolatry. The radiance of his face served as a divine imprimatur, an irrefutable sign to the Israelites that Moses had indeed been in the very presence of Yahweh and spoke with His unparalleled authority. This phenomenon underscored the unique nature of Israel's God, who, unlike the lifeless idols of surrounding nations, was a living, active, and transformative presence, capable of physically impacting those who drew near to Him. It also highlighted the sacred awe and separation required when encountering the Holy God.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 34:29 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Glory and Presence**, demonstrating that proximity to God results in a tangible manifestation of His splendor. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Mediation**, solidifying Moses' unique and indispensable role as the primary intermediary between God and Israel, authenticating his authority to deliver the renewed covenant. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Transformative Power of Encounter with God**, showing that intimate communion with the Almighty leaves an indelible mark, physically altering even the human countenance. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Restoration**, as Moses descends with the new tablets, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His promises despite Israel's failures, and the radiance serves as a sign of this restored relationship. These themes collectively underscore the holiness of God and the profound privilege and responsibility of those chosen to draw near to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shone (Hebrew, _qâran'_):** The verb "qâran" (H7160) is a primitive root meaning "to push or gore," but used figuratively to mean "to shoot out horns" or, more relevantly here, "rays," and thus "to shine." While cognate with the noun "qeren" (horn), the overwhelming contextual evidence, supported by the Septuagint's rendering "dedoxastai" (δεδόξασται), meaning "was glorified," and the New Testament's interpretation in [2 Corinthians 3:7](/2_corinthians/3-7 "2 Corinthians 3:7 - The Fading Glory of Moses' Face"), firmly establishes the meaning as radiance or effulgence. This signifies a luminous glow, symbolizing the divine glory reflected from Moses' face after being in God's direct presence.
* **Wist not (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The phrase "wist not" translates the Hebrew verb "yâdaʻ" (H3045), meaning "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing." Here, it is used in the negative, indicating Moses "did not know" or "was unaware" that his face was shining. This crucial detail emphasizes Moses' profound humility and his complete absorption in his communion with God rather than any self-awareness or personal glory. His unawareness underscores that the glory was not self-generated or sought, but a spontaneous, unbidden overflow from the direct presence of God, highlighting a characteristic of true spiritual transformation: often, those most profoundly impacted by God are the least aware of their own transformed state or the impact they have on others.
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** The Hebrew word "pânîym" (H6440), a plural noun used singularly, literally means "the face" (as the part that turns). In this context, it refers to the physical countenance of Moses. The shining of his "face" is significant because the face is the primary locus of personal identity, expression, and direct interaction. It is the part of the human body most directly exposed and visible, making the divine radiance on Moses' face an unmistakable and public sign of his unique encounter with the Almighty. The transformation of his face signifies an internal spiritual reality made outwardly manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai":** This clause establishes the setting and the momentous nature of the event. Moses' descent from the sacred mountain signifies the completion of his extraordinary time in God's immediate, unmediated presence, marking a transition from the divine realm back to the human sphere, bringing the divine revelation with him.
* **"with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand":** This detail underscores the primary purpose of Moses' ascent and descent—to receive and deliver the renewed covenant. The "tables of testimony" (Hebrew: _luḥōt hāʿēdut_), inscribed with the Ten Commandments, symbolize the enduring nature of God's law and His faithfulness to His promises, even after Israel's profound rebellion with the golden calf. Moses carrying them authenticates him as the divinely appointed messenger bearing this restored covenant.
* **"when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not":** The repetition of "when he came down from the mount" emphasizes the precise moment of transition and the immediate manifestation of the glory. The phrase "Moses wist not" is profoundly significant, highlighting his humility and the unselfconscious nature of the divine glory he bore. He was completely absorbed in the divine encounter, not in its effects on himself, demonstrating a profound spiritual focus.
* **"that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him."**: This is the climax of the verse, revealing the extraordinary physical manifestation. The shining of Moses' face is the visible, undeniable proof of his direct, intimate communion with God. The phrase "while he talked with him" (referring to God) links the radiance directly to the ongoing, transformative dialogue Moses had with the Almighty, implying a continuous impartation of divine glory that lingered even after the direct conversation ceased.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 34:29 masterfully employs **Symbolism** and **Irony**. The shining of Moses' face is a potent **Symbol** of the divine glory and presence he had experienced. It visually represents the transformative power of intimate communion with God, serving as an undeniable authentication of Moses' unique role as mediator of the covenant. The radiance is not merely a physical phenomenon but a visible manifestation of spiritual reality, symbolizing God's holiness, power, and the profound impact of His glory on those who draw near. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet profound **Irony** in Moses' unawareness ("wist not") of his own radiance. This highlights his humility and contrasts sharply with the Israelites' immediate perception and fear. The one who bore the most striking evidence of divine encounter was the least conscious of it, emphasizing that true glory is often a byproduct of selfless devotion to God, rather than a sought-after personal attribute. The narrative choice to include Moses' unawareness underscores the authenticity and divine origin of the glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 34:29 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of God's presence and the nature of divine glory. Moses' shining face is a tangible demonstration that drawing near to the Holy God has a profound, even physical, effect on His chosen servants. It underscores the concept of mediated revelation in the Old Covenant, where a chosen individual (Moses) served as the conduit for God's word and presence to His people. This visible glory, however, was temporary and required a veil, hinting at its limitations and foreshadowing a greater, more enduring glory yet to come. It teaches us that true spiritual encounter leaves an indelible mark, reflecting God's character through His servants, and that such divine encounters are not merely intellectual but deeply experiential and transformative.

* [2 Corinthians 3:7-11](/2_corinthians/3-7-11 "The Fading Glory of the Old Covenant vs. the Enduring Glory of the New")
* [Psalm 4:6](/psalms/4-6 "The Light of God's Countenance")
* [Isaiah 60:1](/isaiah/60-1 "Rise, Shine, for Your Light Has Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' experience on Mount Sinai, culminating in the radiance of his face, offers a powerful paradigm for our own spiritual lives. While we may not experience a physical luminescence, the underlying principle remains: prolonged and intimate communion with God profoundly transforms us. As we consistently spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship, and in selfless service, our inner being is renewed, and our character begins to subtly reflect the attributes of Christ. This transformation is often imperceptible to us, much like Moses' unawareness, yet it is evident to those around us, who may perceive a quiet strength, a deeper peace, or a more profound love emanating from our lives. It is a humble, quiet process where our attitudes, perspectives, and actions increasingly bear the mark of divine encounter. This verse challenges us to prioritize and cultivate deep, consistent time in God's presence, trusting that His glory will not only transform us from the inside out but also equip us to be a humble light in the world, often without us fully realizing the profound impact we are making for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our "faces" (our lives and character) reflect the glory of God today, even without physical radiance?**
* **How does Moses' unawareness of his shining face challenge our desire for recognition or personal glory in our spiritual walk?**
* **What disciplines or practices can help us cultivate a deeper, more transformative communion with God, similar to Moses' experience?**
* **How does the concept of "reflected glory" in Moses' life encourage us in our calling to bear witness to Christ in the world?**

### FAQ
**Why did Moses' face shine?**

Answer: Moses' face shone as a direct and immediate result of his prolonged and intimate communion with God on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/34 "Exodus 34 - The Renewal of the Covenant"). He had spent forty days and forty nights in the very presence of the Almighty, receiving the renewed covenant and experiencing God's self-revelation, particularly the proclamation of His glorious attributes ([Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God Proclaims His Name and Attributes")). The radiance was a physical manifestation of the divine glory that permeated him during this profound encounter, serving as a visible sign of his unique relationship with God and the divine authority of the message he carried.

**What does "Moses wist not" mean?**

Answer: The King James Version phrase "Moses wist not" translates the Hebrew verb "yâdaʻ" (H3045), meaning "to know," and here it means "Moses did not know" or "Moses was unaware." This detail highlights Moses' profound humility and self-forgetfulness. He was so completely absorbed in God's presence and the task of receiving the covenant that he was entirely unselfconscious of the extraordinary physical transformation occurring on his own face. This emphasizes that the glory was not something he sought or produced, but a spontaneous overflow from being in God's presence, a genuine mark of divine encounter.

**Did Moses really have horns, as some ancient art depicts?**

Answer: No, Moses did not have literal horns. This widespread misconception arose from a mistranslation in the Latin Vulgate Bible, where the Hebrew word "qâran" (H7160), meaning "to send out rays" or "to shine," was translated as "cornuta," meaning "horned." While the Hebrew word is indeed related to the noun for "horn," the context in [Exodus 34:29](/exodus/34-29 "Exodus 34:29 - Moses' Face Shines") clearly indicates a radiant, luminous countenance, not literal horns. The Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament) correctly renders it as "was glorified" or "was honored," supporting the interpretation of a shining face. The artistic depictions of Moses with horns, most famously Michelangelo's statue, are a direct result of this ancient linguistic misunderstanding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Moses' shining face, a temporary and reflected glory, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and abiding glory revealed in Jesus Christ. While Moses' radiance was a result of being *with* God, Jesus *is* God, the very "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The Old Covenant glory on Moses' face was veiled and fading ([2 Corinthians 3:7-13](/2_corinthians/3-7-13 "2 Corinthians 3:7-13 - The Fading Glory of the Old Covenant vs. the Surpassing Glory of the New")), signifying its temporary nature and inability to fully transform. In stark contrast, Christ's glory is permanent, unveiled, and inherently transformative, as seen in His Transfiguration where His "face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light" ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration")). Through Christ, believers are not merely reflecting a fading glory, but are being progressively "transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" by the Spirit of the Lord ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into Christ's Image")). Jesus is the new and living way to the Father, granting us direct, unveiled access to God's presence through His perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Our Access to God Through Christ")), allowing for an abiding, inner transformation that far surpasses the Old Covenant's mediated and temporary manifestations.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Exodus 32:15

¶ And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony [were] in his hand: the tables [were] written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other [were] they written.

Luke 9:29

And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.

Revelation 1:16

And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength.

2 Corinthians 3:7

But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

2 Corinthians 3:9

For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

2 Corinthians 3:13

And not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: