Μωϋσῆς, Μωσῆς (Mōusēs, Mōsēs)
Mōusēs, Mōsēs
Moses
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 78 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Mōusēs identifies Moses, the central figure of the Old Testament law and the leader who delivered Israel from Egypt. In the New Testament, this proper noun appears frequently across the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles, serving as a reference point for Jewish heritage, legal tradition, and prophetic expectation. The spelling varies slightly between texts, with Mōusēs appearing in most manuscripts and Mōsēs found in later recensions, reflecting its Hebrew origin.
Lexical sources note that the name traditionally means "drawing out," alluding to Pharaoh’s daughter finding the infant in the Nile. Beyond identifying the historical person, the New Testament often uses the name metonymically to refer to the Torah or the books attributed to him. This usage appears clearly in passages like Luke 16:29 and Acts 15:21, where "the law of Moses" signifies the written instruction given at Sinai.
Christians have long understood Moses as a type of Christ, foreshadowing the greater prophet who would speak God’s final word. Hebrews 3 contrasts his faithfulness in God’s house with that of Jesus, while John 1:17 distinguishes the law given through Moses from the grace and truth brought by Jesus. The name thus anchors the continuity between the ancient covenant and the new reality in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Moses appears throughout the New Testament not just as a historical figure, but as a bridge between the old covenants and the new life found in Jesus. When the Gospels mention him, they often highlight how his teachings pointed toward something greater. For instance, Jesus clarifies that while Moses permitted certain legal arrangements due to human hardness of heart, God’s original design was always rooted in love and permanence (Matthew 19:8). This helps us see the law not as a rigid set of rules, but as a guide that prepares our hearts for grace.
We also see Moses standing with Elijah on the mountain, talking with Jesus. This moment reminds us that the old scriptures and the new reality in Christ are connected. The early church understood this continuity well, seeing Moses’ faithfulness in God’s house as a shadow of Jesus’ perfect obedience (Hebrews 3:2-5). For your faith today, this means you can trust the consistency of God’s word across generations.
Even in difficult times, remembering that God works through history to bring about His purposes can be encouraging. The fact that Jesus Himself pointed to Moses and the prophets when explaining His mission (Luke 24:27) shows that the entire Bible tells one unified story. You are part of this ongoing narrative, invited to listen to what God is saying through His word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 78 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Moses50×
- of Moses8×
- to Moses3×
- of Moses,3×
- for Moses3×
- Moses,3×
- Moses’2×
- Moses?2×
- to Moses,1×
- of Moses.1×
- in Moses,1×
- To Moses1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μωϋσῆς39×
- Μωϋσέως17×
- Μωϋσεῖ5×
- Μωϋσῆν4×
- Μωϋσέως,3×
- Μωϋσεῖ,3×
- Μωϋσῆς,2×
- Μωϋσῆς;1×
- Μωϋσῆς.1×
- Μωϋσῇ1×
- Μωϋσέως;1×
- Μωϋσέως.¶1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 19:8
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so.
Jesus distinguishes between Moses' temporary allowance for divorce and God's original intent, showing how the law serves to reveal human need rather than define ultimate righteousness.
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Luke 24:27
Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
This verse demonstrates that Jesus viewed His own mission as the fulfillment of everything written in Moses, anchoring Christian hope in the continuity of Scripture.
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Matthew 17:3
Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
The appearance of Moses alongside Elijah during the Transfiguration signifies that the Law and the Prophets both bear witness to Jesus' glory and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jesus mention Moses so often in the Gospels?
Is Moses considered a type of Christ in the New Testament?
What does 'the law of Moses' mean in Acts 15:21?
Every Occurrence (78 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 17:3Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.
Matthew 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 19:7They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce and divorce her?”
Matthew 19:8He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the…
Matthew 22:24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up…
Matthew 23:2saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat.