King James Version

What Does Exodus 34:35 Mean?

Exodus 34:35 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his fa... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 34 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Exodus 34:35 · KJV


Context

33

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face.

34

But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded.

35

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses was with God 'forty days and forty nights' without eating or drinking—sustained supernaturally during extended communion with God. He wrote the covenant words (the Decalogue) on tablets. When descending, Moses' face radiated (קָרַן, qaran—shone/had horns of light) from being in God's presence. The verb qaran creates a wordplay: Moses' face had 'horns' (rays) of light from beholding God's glory (2 Cor 3:7-18). This transformation prefigures Christ's transfiguration (Matt 17:2) and our transformation into His image.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is Moses' third forty-day period on Sinai. The radiance was so intense that Israel feared approaching him, requiring a veil (v. 30-35). Michelangelo's famous statue depicts Moses with horns due to translating qaran literally.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does extended time in God's presence transform you visibly to others?
  2. In what ways should believers today reflect Christ's glory through transformation rather than merely external religiosity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְרָא֤וּ1 of 21

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְנֵֽי2 of 21

And the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙3 of 21

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת4 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנָ֔יו5 of 21

face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֤ה6 of 21

and Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

כִּ֣י7 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָרַ֔ן8 of 21

shone

H7160

to shoot out horns; figuratively, rays

ע֖וֹר9 of 21

that the skin

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

פָּנָ֔יו10 of 21

face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֤ה11 of 21

and Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְהֵשִׁ֨יב12 of 21

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֹשֶׁ֤ה13 of 21

and Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת14 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּסְוֶה֙15 of 21

the vail

H4533

a veil

עַל16 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנָ֔יו17 of 21

face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַד18 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֹּא֖וֹ19 of 21

until he went

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְדַבֵּ֥ר20 of 21

in to speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אִתּֽוֹ׃21 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 34:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 34:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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