Question: I am researching the myth concerning non-Jews belief that Jews have horns. I understand it has something to do with Moses coming down with the ten commandments. where does this myth come from and do you know any sources I could read up on to better understand how it started and developed through the centuries?
Answer: The belief that Moses had horns has its roots in Exodus 34:29 and 34:35. The Hebrew root in this verse, karan, means "shine" as in "ray of light" but was depicted in the work of classical painters and sculpters as a horn based on a mistranslation by the Vulgate, a Latin translation of the Hebrew Bible. You can find more information in the Jewish Enclyclopedia volume VI page 463 (found online at JewishEncyclopedia.com), or on the following web sites:
