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Exodus 34:33 - Why veil Moshe's radiant face?

Exodus 34:33 - שמות 34:33

Hebrew Text

וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה מִדַּבֵּר אִתָּם וַיִּתֵּן עַל־פָּנָיו מַסְוֶה׃

English Translation

And when Moshe had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face.

Transliteration

Vay'khal Moshe midabeir itam vayiten al panav masveh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְכַ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִדַּבֵּ֖ר אִתָּ֑ם וַיִּתֵּ֥ן עַל־פָּנָ֖יו מַסְוֶֽה׃
וַיְכַ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֔ה מִדַּבֵּ֖ר אִתָּ֑ם וַיִּתֵּ֥ן עַל־פָּנָ֖יו מַסְוֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 34:33) describes Moshe Rabbeinu placing a masveh (veil) over his face after speaking with Bnei Yisrael. This occurs after Moshe descends from Har Sinai with the second set of Luchot, his face radiant from encountering the Divine Presence.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 34:33) explains that Moshe would remove the veil when speaking with Hashem or conveying His words to Bnei Yisrael, but would cover his face afterward. The veil was necessary because the people were afraid to approach him due to the intense radiance (keren or) of his face (Shemot 34:30).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:37), Rambam suggests that Moshe's radiant face symbolized his supreme prophetic level. The veil served both as a physical barrier for those unprepared to witness this holiness and as a metaphor for the concealed depths of Torah wisdom that not all can perceive directly.

Talmudic Insights

  • Yevamot 49b describes Moshe's face as resembling the sun in its full strength, while other prophets' faces were like the moon - reflecting a lesser degree of Divine illumination.
  • Nedarim 38a notes that Moshe was unique in being able to speak with Hashem "face to face" while remaining fully conscious, unlike other prophets who would faint from the experience.

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 37) compares Moshe's radiant face to a lantern - when lit, it illuminates for others, but must be covered when not in use. This teaches that Divine wisdom must be shared appropriately according to the recipient's capacity.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar (2:99a) interprets the veil as representing the pargod (heavenly curtain) that separates different levels of spiritual reality. Moshe's ability to remove and replace the veil demonstrated his mastery over both revealed and hidden aspects of Torah.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 115) derives from this episode the importance of showing proper reverence for holy matters, as exemplified by Bnei Yisrael's awe before Moshe's radiant countenance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 49b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about Moses' practice of wearing a veil after speaking with the Israelites, highlighting the distinction between his direct communication with God and his interactions with the people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe put a veil on his face after speaking to the people?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 34:33), Moshe wore a veil because his face shone with a divine radiance after speaking with Hashem. The people were afraid to approach him, so he covered his face except when speaking to Hashem or teaching Torah to the people.
Q: What is the significance of Moshe's shining face in this verse?
A: Moshe's shining face (called 'karan or' in Hebrew) symbolizes the divine wisdom and closeness to Hashem he attained at Mount Sinai. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 47:6) teaches that this radiance was a reward for Moshe's humility and dedication to receiving the Torah.
Q: Did Moshe wear the veil all the time?
A: No, the Talmud (Yevamot 49b) explains that Moshe only wore the veil when not speaking to Hashem or teaching Torah to Bnei Yisrael. When communicating with Hashem or instructing the people in Torah, he removed the veil.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe putting on the veil?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:37) teaches that this teaches us about humility - even though Moshe had reached the highest spiritual level, he modestly covered his radiance when not engaged in holy matters. It also shows consideration for others who were overwhelmed by his spiritual greatness.
Q: Why didn't Moshe's face shine before receiving the Torah?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 37) explains that this divine radiance was a special gift Moshe received after his second 40 days on Mount Sinai. His face absorbed holiness from being in Hashem's presence, just as a vessel absorbs the qualities of what it contains.