Μωϋσῆς, Μωσῆς

From the study of John 5:46

Range of meaning

The lawgiver of Israel. By common figure of speech, also the Torah (the five books traditionally under his name), as in "Moses is read in the synagogues every Sabbath" (Acts 15:21) and "when Moses is read" (2 Cor 3:15).

Against the English

English readers hear the name of a historical person. Jesus' hearers heard both the man and the scroll at once. Verse 47 swaps "Moses" for "his writings" (ta ekeinou grammata).

Used elsewhere in the period

Second Temple Jewish sources treat Moses as Israel's great advocate and intercessor before God. This draws on Exod 32:11–14, 30–32 and Num 14:13–19. The Testament (Assumption) of Moses (1st century AD) calls him the one who prays for the people night and day (11:17; 12:6). Philo calls him a mediator and reconciler (Life of Moses 2.166). In John 9:28–29 the opponents say, "We are disciples of Moses… we know God spoke to Moses."

From the study of Hebrews 3:2

Range of meaning

Moses, the prophet, lawgiver and mediator of the Sinai covenant.

Against the English

No translation issue. The issue is how highly first-century Jews regarded him, which English readers may not realize.

Used elsewhere in the period

Sirach 45:1–5 praises Moses as 'equal in glory to the holy ones'. Philo calls him 'god and king' of the nation (Life of Moses 1.158). Later rabbinic readings of Numbers 12:7 place him above the angels. Deuteronomy 34:10 says no prophet arose like him, one 'whom the LORD knew face to face'.

From the study of John 5:45

Range of meaning

The personal name of Israel's lawgiver. In first-century usage 'Moses' was often shorthand for the Torah, the five books credited to him ('Moses is read every Sabbath', Acts 15:21; 2 Cor 3:15; Luke 16:29, 'they have Moses and the prophets').

Against the English

English readers may think only of the historical man. Here 'Moses' also means 'what Moses wrote' (v. 47, 'his writings'), and the figure the Jewish tradition of the time pictured as Israel's intercessor.

Used elsewhere in the period

Moses as intercessor: Exod 32:11–14, 30–32; Num 14:13–19; Ps 106:23 ('had not Moses his chosen one stood in the breach before him'); Jer 15:1 ('even if Moses and Samuel stood before me'). The Testament (or Assumption) of Moses (1st century CE) 11:17 and 12:6 describes him as the one appointed to pray for Israel's sins and intercede for them. Philo (Life of Moses 2.166) calls him 'mediator and reconciler'. Moses' writings as witness against Israel: Deut 31:26, where the book of the law is placed beside the ark 'as a witness against you', and Deut 31:19–21, 28.