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Exodus 34:35 - Divine radiance concealed temporarily

Exodus 34:35 - שמות 34:35

Hebrew Text

וְרָאוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־פְּנֵי מֹשֶׁה כִּי קָרַן עוֹר פְּנֵי מֹשֶׁה וְהֵשִׁיב מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶה עַל־פָּנָיו עַד־בֹּאוֹ לְדַבֵּר אִתּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el saw the face of Moshe, that the skin of Moshe’s face shone: and Moshe put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Transliteration

V'ra'u vnei-Yisra'el et-pnei Moshe ki karan or pnei Moshe v'heshiv Moshe et-hamasveh al-panav ad-bo'o l'daber ito.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְרָא֤וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־פְּנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֔ה כִּ֣י קָרַ֔ן ע֖וֹר פְּנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֑ה וְהֵשִׁ֨יב מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶה֙ עַל־פָּנָ֔יו עַד־בֹּא֖וֹ לְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְרָא֤וּ בְנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶת־פְּנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֔ה כִּ֣י קָרַ֔ן ע֖וֹר פְּנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֑ה וְהֵשִׁ֨יב מֹשֶׁ֤ה אֶת־הַמַּסְוֶה֙ עַל־פָּנָ֔יו עַד־בֹּא֖וֹ לְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Radiance of Moshe's Face

The verse describes how the skin of Moshe's face shone (karan or penei Moshe) after receiving the Torah from Hashem. Rashi explains that this radiance was a physical manifestation of the divine light Moshe absorbed while communing with Hashem on Har Sinai. The word karan (קָרַן) is related to the word keren (קֶרֶן), meaning "horn," but here it signifies beams of light, as horns protrude outward like rays.

Moshe's Use of the Veil (Masveh)

Moshe placed a veil over his face when not speaking to Hashem or conveying His words to Bnei Yisrael. Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that this was out of humility—Moshe did not wish to display his elevated spiritual state unnecessarily. The Talmud (Berachot 7a) further explains that the veil served as a separation between Moshe's supreme level of prophecy and the people, who were not yet ready to constantly behold such holiness.

Spiritual Implications of the Radiance

  • Divine Connection: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 47:6) teaches that Moshe's radiant face was a reward for his selfless dedication to Hashem and Klal Yisrael. Unlike other prophets who received divine communication in visions or dreams, Moshe spoke with Hashem "face to face" (panim el panim), leaving a lasting imprint of kedushah.
  • Symbol of Torah's Light: The Zohar interprets this radiance as a reflection of the Torah's illuminating power. Just as Moshe's face shone after receiving the Torah, so too does Torah study enlighten the soul of one who engages in it sincerely.
  • Temporary vs. Permanent Radiance: The Kli Yakar notes that the light faded over time, requiring Moshe to return to Hashem to renew it. This teaches that spiritual elevation requires constant effort and renewal through mitzvot and Torah study.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

The Sforno emphasizes that Moshe's decision to veil himself teaches the importance of modesty (tzeniut)—even a person of great spiritual stature should not flaunt their closeness to Hashem. Additionally, the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 115) derives from this episode the principle that one must respect and protect the sanctity of divine encounters, ensuring they are approached with proper reverence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a
The verse is discussed in relation to the radiance of Moses' face and the concept of divine communication.
📖 Yevamot 49b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the unique qualities of Moses' prophecy compared to other prophets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe's face shine?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 34:29), Moshe's face shone because he had been speaking with Hashem on Mount Sinai and absorbed some of the Divine radiance. The Talmud (Berachos 7a) explains this was a physical manifestation of the spiritual connection Moshe achieved through his prophecy.
Q: Why did Moshe cover his face with a veil?
A: The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 47:6) teaches that Moshe veiled his face out of humility, not wanting to show off the Divine radiance. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:37) adds that constant exposure to this holy light might have overwhelmed the people, so Moshe covered it except when teaching Torah or speaking with Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Moshe's shining face?
A: The Kli Yakar (Exodus 34:29) teaches that this shows how connecting with Torah and Hashem transforms a person both spiritually and physically. Just as Moshe's face shone from Divine contact, our souls are elevated through Torah study and mitzvot, though not visibly like Moshe's unique experience.
Q: Did Moshe's face always shine after this?
A: Rashi (Exodus 34:35) explains that the radiance remained with Moshe throughout his life, but its intensity varied. It would glow most strongly after speaking with Hashem in the Tent of Meeting, then gradually diminish until the next encounter, which is why he kept the veil on between these Divine communications.
Q: Why is this detail about Moshe's face important in the Torah?
A: The Ramban (Exodus 34:29) explains this demonstrates Moshe's unique level of prophecy - no other prophet achieved this level of closeness to Hashem. The shining face served as visible proof to Bnei Yisrael that Moshe was Hashem's true messenger and that the Torah he brought was Divine.