מֹשֶׁה
Moshe / Moses
“Drawn from water”
Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “drawn from water,” pronounced “mo-SHEH.” While the biblical text connects the name to Hebrew 'mashah' (to draw out), many scholars note its similarity to the Egyptian element 'mose/mes' meaning 'born of' or 'child,' as seen in names like Thutmose and Rameses. This dual etymology reflects Moses' identity bridging Egyptian and Hebrew worlds.
| Hebrew | מֹשֶׁה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Moshe |
| English Name | Moses |
| Meaning | Drawn from water |
| Pronunciation | mo-SHEH |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Moshe, Mozes, Moishe, Musa, Moïse, Moisés |
| Key Scripture | Exodus 2:10 |
Moses stands as the towering figure of the Torah — the man who confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, received the Ten Commandments on Sinai, and led an entire nation through forty years of wilderness wandering. His name, Moshe (מֹשֶׁה), carries a double meaning: Pharaoh's daughter named him because she 'drew him out of the water' (Exodus 2:10), yet the Hebrew verb 'mashah' also means 'to draw out' in the sense of rescue and deliverance — prophetically encoding his life's mission into his name from infancy.
Key Scripture: Exodus 2:10
“When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, 'I drew him out of the water.'”
What Does Moses Mean in Hebrew?
From the Hebrew root מ-שׁ-ה (mem-shin-heh), the verb 'mashah' means 'to draw out.' Pharaoh's daughter said 'ki min ha-mayim meshitihu' — 'because from the water I drew him.' The passive form 'Moshe' means 'the one drawn out.'
Moses in the Bible
Moses is the greatest prophet in Judaism — the only person said to have spoken with God 'face to face' (Deuteronomy 34:10). He delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, mediated the covenant at Sinai, transmitted the Torah, and guided the nation for forty years. The entire Pentateuch is traditionally attributed to his authorship.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In Jewish tradition, Moses is called 'Moshe Rabbeinu' — 'Moses our Teacher.' The phrase 'Torah of Moses' underscores his role as the ultimate lawgiver. In Islam, Musa is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran, appearing over 130 times.
Moses has remained a classic name in Jewish communities for millennia. In the US it has gained broader popularity, ranking in the top 500. Moshe is extremely common in Israel and among Orthodox Jewish communities worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moses
What does Moses mean in Hebrew?
Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) means “Drawn from water” in Hebrew. While the biblical text connects the name to Hebrew 'mashah' (to draw out), many scholars note its similarity to the Egyptian element 'mose/mes' meaning 'born of' or 'child,' as seen in names like Thutmose and Rameses. This dual etymology reflects Moses' identity bridging Egyptian and Hebrew worlds.
How do you pronounce Moses in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Moses is “mo-SHEH.” The name is written מֹשֶׁה in Hebrew script.
What does Moses mean in Hebrew?
Moses (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) means 'drawn from water' in Hebrew, from the verb 'mashah' (to draw out). Pharaoh's daughter gave him this name because she rescued him from the Nile River (Exodus 2:10). The name also has echoes of the Egyptian word 'mose' meaning 'born of' or 'child.'
Why is Moses the greatest prophet in Judaism?
Deuteronomy 34:10 states that 'no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.' He alone received the Torah directly from God at Sinai, performed the greatest miracles in Scripture (the ten plagues, splitting the Red Sea), and mediated the covenant that defined Israel as a nation.
Is Moses mentioned in the Quran?
Yes — Moses (Musa) is the most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran, appearing in over 130 verses. He is regarded as one of the greatest prophets in Islam, and his story of confronting Pharaoh and leading his people to freedom is told in extensive detail across multiple surahs.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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