Moses

Moses Draws Water from the Rock (Francois Perrier, 1642, Capitoline Museums, Rome)
Meaning and Origin
The name Moses originates from the Hebrew root 'מֹשֶׁה' (Mōše), which is traditionally understood to mean 'drawn out' or 'Drawn Out of the Water.' This etymology is derived directly from the biblical narrative in Exodus 2:10, where Pharaoh's daughter says, 'I drew him out of the water,' explaining why she gave him this name. Linguistically, the name has connections to Egyptian roots as well, with 'msy' or 'mose' meaning 'child of,' often seen in names like Thutmose ('child of Thoth'). This dual linguistic heritage underscores Moses' unique position as a Hebrew raised within Egyptian culture. The name encapsulates his destiny as a deliverer, one drawn out to lead others to freedom, making it deeply symbolic in biblical tradition.

Moses Draws Water from the Rock (Francois Perrier, 1642, Capitoline Museums, Rome)
Name Moses in languages of the Bible
Hover or touch to magnify
Popularity Analysis
, "GLOBAL_PRESENCE_SECTION_START": "The name Moses enjoys widespread recognition and is found in 169 countries, with particular popularity in Nigeria, Uganda, and The Gambia. Its enduring appeal stems from its biblical roots and the universal resonance of Moses' story as a leader and liberator. In many cultures, Moses is venerated not only as a religious figure but also as a symbol of justice and deliverance, inspiring movements for freedom and equality. The name is common among Christians, Jews, and Muslims, reflecting its cross-cultural and interfaith significance. Famous individuals such as Moses Malone (basketball player) and Moshe Dayan (Israeli defense minister) demonstrate its continued use and relevance in modern times, making it a timeless name associated with strength, leadership, and faith.
Country | Variant | Rank |
---|---|---|
Nigeria | Musa | 3 |
Uganda | Moses | 4 |
Gambia | Musa | 4 |
Eswatini | Musa | 8 |
Zambia | Moses | 10 |
Liberia | Moses | 16 |
Kenya | Moses | 18 |
Sierra Leone | Musa | 21 |
South Sudan | Moses | 21 |
Malawi | Moses | 23 |
Namibia | Moses | 29 |
Papua New Guinea | Moses | 32 |
Zimbabwe | Moses | 42 |
Israel | משה | 43 |
Botswana | Moses | 50 |
Showing top 15 of 169 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
, "SIGNIFICANCE_SECTION_START": "Moses is one of the most pivotal figures in Abrahamic religions, with a Divine Proximity Index of 99.9/100, reflecting his unparalleled closeness to God in scripture. As the Hebrew prophet and lawgiver, he is celebrated for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage in the Exodus, a foundational event in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. His Jesus Circle Score of 99.6/100 highlights his typological connection to Christ, as both are seen as deliverers and mediators of divine covenants. In Christianity, Moses is often viewed as a foreshadowing of Jesus, with the law given through Moses preparing humanity for the grace and truth brought by Christ. Spiritually, Moses represents obedience, leadership, and intercession, embodying the ideal servant of God who faithfully carries out divine commands despite personal challenges and doubts.
Biblical Context
, "BIBLICAL_CONTEXT_SECTION_START": "Moses appears in over 1,000 biblical verses across the Old and New Testaments, solidifying his role as a central figure in salvation history. His narrative spans four books of the Bible—Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—detailing his miraculous birth, divine calling at the burning bush, and leadership during the Exodus. He is the recipient of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, establishing the moral and ceremonial laws that define the covenant between God and Israel. In the New Testament, Moses is frequently referenced by Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing his significance as the lawgiver and prophet who pointed toward the coming of Christ. His inclusion in events like the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–4) further cements his importance in biblical theology, bridging the Old and New Covenants.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 25.18 | Percentile: 99.94
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 11.93 | Percentile: 99.61
Biblical References
- Deuteronomy 32:5
- Exodus 7:10
- Deuteronomy 32:27
- Exodus 2:17
- Exodus 11:4