Here is a short overview of Moses, a key figure in the Bible. Spotted an error? Drop us a line to let us know.
Also check out our full list of biblical names for people and places.
1. Name basics
- Name: Moses
- Pronunciation: MOH-ziz
- Name in Original Language: מֹשֶׁה (Hebrew)
- Meaning: Often understood to mean “drawn out,” referring to how Pharaoh’s daughter drew baby Moses out of the Nile River [Exodus 2:10].
- Alternate Names/Titles: No direct alternate name, but he is also known as the “Lawgiver of Israel” because he received the Ten Commandments from God.
2. Biblical role
- Who He Was: Moses was a Hebrew prophet and leader who helped free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
- Most Known For: Leading the Israelites out of Egypt in the Exodus and receiving God’s Law on Mount Sinai.
- Notable Relationships:
- Aaron: Moses’ older brother who served as his spokesperson before Pharaoh.
- Miriam: Moses’ sister who helped save his life when he was a baby and later led the Israelites in worship.
- Pharaoh: The king of Egypt who enslaved the Israelites and resisted Moses’ plea to let them go.
- Jethro (Reuel): Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite priest who gave him wise advice about leadership.
- Joshua: Moses’ assistant and eventual successor, who led Israel into the Promised Land.
3. Story summary
The Book of Exodus begins with the Israelites suffering in Egypt. Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed (Exodus 1:22), but Moses’ mother saved him by placing him in a basket on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket and raised Moses in the royal household (Exodus 2:3–10).
Later, Moses fled Egypt after he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11–15). He settled in Midian, married, and worked as a shepherd. One day, God spoke to Moses from a burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6) and commanded him to return to Egypt to free the Israelites.
With help from his brother Aaron, Moses confronted Pharaoh and warned of plagues if Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go (Exodus 4:21–23). Pharaoh’s stubbornness brought ten severe plagues upon Egypt. Finally, Pharaoh released the Israelites.
Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea, which God miraculously parted (Exodus 14:21–22). Afterward, they traveled in the wilderness. On Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments and the full Law that would guide Israel (Exodus 19–20). He led the people for 40 years, though he did not enter the Promised Land himself (Deuteronomy 34:4). Moses died on Mount Nebo, seeing the Promised Land from a distance.
4. Fun facts
- Did You Know? The Bible describes Moses as “very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3).
- Author of the Torah: Jewish and Christian tradition often credits Moses with writing the first five books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch).
- Miracles: Besides parting the Red Sea, Moses performed many signs and wonders for God, such as turning his staff into a snake (Exodus 7:10–12) and bringing water from a rock (Exodus 17:5–6).
5. Lessons from his life
- Obedience and Faith: Moses learned to trust God’s power instead of relying on his own strength. His obedience, even when he felt inadequate, reminds us that God can work through anyone who listens to Him (Exodus 4:10–12).
- Leadership and Responsibility: Moses assumed the role of a leader under challenging conditions. His life teaches us the importance of serving others and seeking wise counsel, as he did from Jethro (Exodus 18:17–24).
- Patience Through Trials: Moses endured constant challenges—from Pharaoh’s hardness of heart to the Israelites’ complaints. His perseverance shows us how patience, guided by God, can help us overcome trials in miraculous ways (Numbers 20:2–12).
- Humility: Despite his prominent role, Moses remained humble. Humility allowed him to stay close to God and serve others effectively (Numbers 12:3).
- God’s Faithfulness: Moses’ story shows that God keeps His promises. Even though the journey was long and difficult, God faithfully provided for the Israelites until they reached the edge of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 31:7–8).
