### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
**G3475 (Μωσεύς)** is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name **מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh)**, Strong's **`{{H4872}}`**. The traditional etymology of Mosheh is derived from the verb **מָשָׁה (mashah)**, meaning "to draw out," as recounted in [[Exodus 2:10]] where Pharaoh's daughter named him "Moses" because she "drew him out of the water." This name, therefore, carries the core meaning of "one drawn out" or "rescued from water." While primarily a proper noun identifying a specific historical figure, its semantic range is inherently tied to his unique and multifaceted role: the deliverer of Israel from Egyptian bondage, the principal lawgiver of the Old Covenant, a preeminent prophet, and a mediator between God and His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
**G3475 (Μωσεύς)** occurs extensively throughout the New Testament, appearing over 80 times. Its presence is foundational to understanding the continuity and fulfillment between the Old and New Covenants.
* In the Gospels, Moses is frequently invoked in discussions about the Law. Jesus often refers to "Moses and the Prophets" ([[Luke 24:27]], [[Luke 24:44]]) or "the Law of Moses" ([[Luke 2:22]], [[John 7:23]]). His authority as lawgiver is affirmed even as Jesus presents a deeper fulfillment or interpretation of that Law (e.g., [[Matthew 5:21-48]], [[Matthew 19:7-8]]). The Transfiguration narrative in [[Matthew 17:3]], [[Mark 9:4]], and [[Luke 9:30]] prominently features Moses alongside Elijah, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to Christ's glory.
* In the book of Acts, Stephen's sermon ([[Acts 7:20-44]]) provides a detailed recounting of Moses' life, highlighting his miraculous birth, his rejection by Israel, his role as deliverer, and his prophetic announcement of "a Prophet like me" ([[Acts 7:37]], referencing [[Deuteronomy 18:15]]). This sets the stage for understanding Christ as the greater Prophet.
* Paul often contrasts the Law of Moses with the grace found in Christ ([[Romans 10:5]], [[2 Corinthians 3:7-15]]). He uses the veil on Moses' face to illustrate the temporary nature of the old covenant's glory compared to the unveiled and enduring glory of the new covenant in Christ.
* The Epistle to the Hebrews dedicates significant attention to Moses, particularly in [[Hebrews 3:1-6]], where he is presented as a faithful servant in God's house, yet Christ is declared superior as the Son over God's house. This highlights Christ's greater authority and the new covenant's preeminence. Moses is also listed among the heroes of faith in [[Hebrews 11:23-29]], exemplifying faith in the unseen and enduring hardship for the sake of God's promise.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H4872}}` (Mosheh)**: The Hebrew original of the name, establishing the direct link between New Testament references and the Old Testament narrative.
* **`{{G3551}}` (nomos)**: "Law." This term is intrinsically linked to Moses, as he is the primary human agent through whom the Torah was given at Sinai. Discussions about "the Law" in the New Testament are often implicitly or explicitly referencing the Mosaic Law.
* **`{{G4396}}` (prophētēs)**: "Prophet." Moses is considered the greatest prophet of the Old Testament ([[Deuteronomy 34:10]]), and his prophetic role is highlighted in the promise of a future prophet like him ([[Deuteronomy 18:15]], cited in [[Acts 3:22]], [[Acts 7:37]]).
* **`{{G1249}}` (diakonos)**: "Servant" or "minister." Hebrews 3:5 describes Moses as a "servant" in God's house, setting up a theological contrast with Christ as the Son.
* **Covenant (διαθήκη, `{{G1242}}`)**: The Old Covenant is often referred to as the Mosaic Covenant, established at Mount Sinai through Moses' mediation.
### Theological Significance
* **Mediator of the Old Covenant:** Moses stands as the quintessential mediator between God and Israel, receiving the Law and conveying God's will to the people. His unique position foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation of the New Covenant.
* **Type of Christ:** The New Testament consistently presents Moses as a significant type of Christ. Both were deliverers from bondage (Egypt/sin), both were rejected by their own people, both mediated a covenant, both were prophets, and both led their people through a wilderness journey. However, Christ is always presented as superior (e.g., [[Hebrews 3:1-6]], [[John 1:17]] "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.").
* **Law and Grace:** Moses is irrevocably linked to the Law. The New Testament uses this association to highlight the transition from a covenant of law to a covenant of grace, emphasizing that while the Law reveals sin and God's righteousness, it cannot ultimately save. Salvation comes through Christ, who fulfills the Law's demands.
* **Witness to Christ:** Moses, through his writings (the Pentateuch) and his prophetic ministry, bears witness to the coming Messiah. Jesus himself states, "If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me" ([[John 5:46]]).
* **Faithful Servant:** Despite his imperfections, Moses is upheld as an example of profound faith and faithfulness to God's calling, particularly in the Hall of Faith in [[Hebrews 11]].
### Summary
The Greek word **G3475 (Μωσεύς)**, transliterating the Hebrew **`{{H4872}}` (Mosheh)**, identifies the pivotal figure of Moses, whose name signifies "drawn out." In the New Testament, Moses is not merely a historical figure but a foundational theological reference point. He is consistently presented as the mediator of the Law, the greatest Old Testament prophet, and a faithful servant in God's house. Crucially, Moses serves as a significant type foreshadowing Jesus Christ, who is presented as the superior deliverer, lawgiver, and mediator of a new and better covenant of grace. The persistent invocation of Moses in the New Testament underscores the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating how the Old Covenant, given through Moses, points toward and finds its ultimate realization in Christ.
TRV