κέρας (keras)
keras
horn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun keras refers to a horn, specifically the hard projection found on animals such as bulls. In biblical imagery, this physical feature serves as a powerful symbol of strength and courage, reflecting how these creatures use their horns for defense. This metaphorical weight is evident in Luke 1:69, where the horn of salvation represents God’s mighty deliverance through the Messiah.
The word also describes literal architectural details, such as the projecting corners or points of the altar seen in Revelation 9:13. While its primary usage appears in Revelation with ten occurrences, its theological significance reaches back to the Old Testament concept of divine power. Translators generally retain "horn" to preserve this ancient symbol of authority and protection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Scripture, a horn is more than a physical part of an animal; it stands for strength, authority, and protection. When Zechariah speaks of a "horn of salvation" in Luke 1:69, he points to Jesus as the source of God's powerful deliverance. This image reminds us that our safety does not come from our own ability, but from the steadfast power of God who stands with His people.
While Revelation uses horns to describe worldly powers and kings, it ultimately contrasts human pride with the Lamb of God. Jesus is shown with seven horns, symbolizing perfect and complete strength. This distinction offers hope: earthly authority is temporary, but Christ’s saving power is eternal and secure for those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- horns9×
- horns.1×
- a horn1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κέρατα7×
- κεράτων2×
- κέρατα.¶1×
- κέρας1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:69
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David
This verse identifies Jesus as the 'horn of salvation,' using the symbol to represent God's mighty deliverance through the Messiah.
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Revelation of John 5:6
I saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.
The Lamb is described with seven horns, signifying that Christ possesses perfect and complete strength despite His appearance as slain.
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Revelation of John 17:12
The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.
Here the ten horns are explicitly interpreted as kings who receive authority for a short time, showing the temporary nature of worldly power.