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H7161 · Hebrew · Old Testament
קֶרֶן
qeren
Noun, feminine
horn, ray of light, strength

Definition

Literally an animal horn; symbolically, power and glory. God 'exalts the horn' of his anointed (1 Sam 2:10). Moses' face 'shone' (qaran from same root) after meeting God (Exod 34:29).

Usage & Theological Significance

Horns on the altar were sacred (sanctuary for those who grabbed them). Lifting or breaking someone's horn meant rising or falling power. Daniel's horns in apocalyptic represent successive empires.

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 2:10 He will exalt the horn [qeren] of his anointed.
Psalm 75:4-5 Do not lift up your horn [qeren]; do not speak with haughty neck.
Luke 1:69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.

Word Study

Luke 1:69 ('horn of salvation') directly echoes the OT horn idiom. The 'horn of David's house' is Messiah — the one whose power God has exalted. Horn symbolism in Revelation (the Lamb with seven horns) draws on this tradition.

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External Resources

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