Credible Theories
Hebrew Bible · Exodus 34:29–35

Moses' shining face

ReferenceExodus 34:29–35
Writtenc. 900–500 BCE
SetThe Exodus
The skin of his face shone while he talked with him… and they were afraid to come nigh him.

Translation: KJV

Read it literally

After forty days in close contact, Moses gives off something that frightens people, so he wears a veil. Exposure to something.

What scholars say

A Latin mistranslation of 'shone' as 'horned' gave Michelangelo's Moses his horns.

Looks like technology
People and places hereMoses

Quick answers about Exodus 34:29–35

Where is Exodus 34:29–35 found?

Exodus 34:29–35 (Hebrew Bible). Translation quoted: King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with Apocrypha.

When was Exodus 34:29–35 written?

c. 900–500 BCE.

What do scholars say about Exodus 34:29–35?

A Latin mistranslation of 'shone' as 'horned' gave Michelangelo's Moses his horns.

Sources

  1. King James Version (1611; standard 1769 text), with ApocryphaPrimary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

Updated