a primitive root; to push or gore; used only as denominative from קֶרֶן,; to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays; have horns, shine.
Transliteration:qâran
Pronunciation:kaw-ran'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H7160}}` (qâran) is a primitive root, yet its usage is primarily denominative, derived from the noun `{{H7161}}` (qeren), meaning "horn." This etymological connection gives qâran a dual semantic range. Literally, it can mean "to push or gore" (as an animal with horns), or "to shoot out horns," implying the growth or presence of horns. Figuratively, and more significantly in its biblical occurrences, qâran extends its meaning to "to send out rays," "to shine," or "to be radiant." This figurative sense draws a powerful parallel between the protrusion of horns and the emanation of light, suggesting a visible manifestation of power or glory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent and theologically significant occurrences of `{{H7160}}` are found in the book of Exodus, describing Moses' face after his direct encounter with the Lord on Mount Sinai.
* [[Exodus 34:29]]: "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* (קָרַן) while he talked with him."
* [[Exodus 34:30]]: "And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face *shone* (קָרַן); and they were afraid to come nigh him."
* [[Exodus 34:35]]: "And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face *shone* (קָרַן): and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him."
In these passages, qâran clearly denotes a radiant, luminous quality, a visible manifestation of divine glory (`{{H3519}}` - kabod) that had been imparted to Moses through his intimate communion with God. The Septuagint translates qâran in these verses with forms of δοξάζω (doxazō), meaning "to glorify" or "to be glorified," emphasizing the divine splendor. The Latin Vulgate, however, rendered it as "cornuta" (horned), a literal translation of the root `{{H7161}}` that led to the well-known, albeit linguistically imprecise, artistic depictions of Moses with horns. The context strongly supports the meaning of "shining" or "radiant," reflecting the awesome presence of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun `{{H7161}}` (qeren), "horn," from which `{{H7160}}` is derived. `{{H7161}}` itself carries a rich semantic range beyond a literal animal horn, often symbolizing:
* **Strength and Power:** As in [[1 Samuel 2:1]] ("my horn is exalted in the LORD") or [[Psalm 75:4]] ("lift not up your horn on high").
* **Dignity and Honor:** A raised horn signifies victory and exaltation.
* **Altar Horns:** Specific projections on altars, symbolizing access to divine mercy or refuge ([[Exodus 27:2]]).
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H215}}` (ôr): "Light," "radiance." The shining of Moses' face connects to the broader biblical theme of God as light ([[Psalm 36:9]]) and the emanation of His glory.
* `{{H3519}}` (kabod): "Glory," "honor," "splendor." Moses' radiant face is a direct reflection of God's kabod, emphasizing the transformative power of divine presence.
* `{{H6286}}` (pa'ar): "To glorify," "to beautify." While not directly related by root, the concept of being made glorious or radiant by divine encounter is shared.
### Theological Significance
The shining of Moses' face, described by `{{H7160}}` (qâran), carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Encounter and Transformation:** It serves as a tangible sign of Moses' intimate and direct encounter with the living God. The radiance is not inherent to Moses but is a imparted glory, a physical manifestation of the transformative power of God's presence upon a human being. It underscores that communion with the Holy God leaves an indelible mark.
* **Reflection of God's Glory:** Moses' face becomes a mirror, reflecting the ineffable `{{H3519}}` (kabod) of the Lord. This foreshadows the New Testament understanding that believers, beholding the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory ([[2 Corinthians 3:18]]).
* **Mediatorial Authority:** The radiance validates Moses' unique mediatorial role between God and Israel. His shining face confirms that he has indeed been with God and that the Law he brings is of divine origin, lending authority and weight to his pronouncements.
* **The Veil and the New Covenant:** The necessity for Moses to veil his face ([[Exodus 34:33-35]]) highlights the intensity of God's glory, which the Israelites, in their fallen state, could not bear to gaze upon directly. This sets up a crucial contrast with the New Covenant, where, in Christ, the veil is removed, and believers can behold God's glory with unveiled faces ([[2 Corinthians 3:13-16]]). The fading glory of the Old Covenant (Moses' face eventually ceased to shine) points to the superior, enduring glory of the New Covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H7160}}` (qâran), though rooted in the concept of "horn" (`{{H7161}}`), is primarily used in the biblical narrative to describe the radiant shining of Moses' face after his direct communion with God on Mount Sinai. In [[Exodus 34:29-35]], qâran signifies a visible emanation of divine glory (`{{H3519}}` - kabod), a transformative light that reflected the awesome presence of the Lord. This radiance underscored Moses' unique mediatorial authority and the divine origin of the Law he delivered. While historical misinterpretations led to the depiction of Moses with literal horns, the profound theological import of qâran lies in its portrayal of a human being transformed by divine encounter, becoming a luminous vessel for God's glory, a concept beautifully expanded upon in the New Testament's understanding of the believer's reflection of Christ's glory.
TRV