Moses is one of the most significant figures in ancient history, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments. His life spanned different cultures, experiences, and encounters that make his linguistic background intriguing.
Several languages were spoken during his time, and Moses, moving between Egyptian royalty and Hebrew roots, was exposed to more than one language. This article will confidently explore why Moses spoke Egyptian, Hebrew, and possibly other languages.
Why Scholars Believe Moses Spoke Egyptian
Moses spent a significant portion of his life in Egypt. During this time, Egypt was a dominant cultural force, and the Egyptian language was widely used in administrative and religious settings. Given that Moses grew up as part of the Egyptian royal household, it is undeniable that Egyptian was one of the languages he would have spoken fluently.
Pharaoh’s Daughter Adopts Moses
The story of Moses begins with him being adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter after being found in a basket in the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter raised Moses in the royal palace, which automatically placed him within Egypt’s highest societal ranks. In the palace, Egyptian was the dominant language, spoken by royalty, servants, and scholars alike.
Growing up in this environment, Moses was immersed in the Egyptian language from a young age. His early upbringing in Pharaoh’s household made it impossible for him not to acquire proficiency in Egyptian, which was used for communication and education.
Moses May Have Stayed in Touch with His Biological Family
Though Moses was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, the Bible mentions that he still had some connection to his Hebrew heritage. His biological mother acted as his nursemaid, which suggests he also learned Hebrew as a child.
This connection would have kept him familiar with the Hebrew language spoken by his people. It’s likely that his knowledge of Hebrew remained throughout his life, especially as he later led the Israelites out of Egypt. While Egyptian was dominant in his royal upbringing, Hebrew held a crucial place in his cultural identity.
Moses Received An Egyptian Education
Being raised in Pharaoh’s household meant that Moses received an elite education. The education system in Egypt during Moses’ time was renowned for its focus on wisdom, science, and communication. Royal children, especially those considered potential leaders, were trained in various aspects of governance, warfare, and religious rites.
Egyptians Instructed Moses
Egyptian education placed great importance on language and literacy, especially in administrative roles. Moses would have been instructed by Egypt’s finest scholars and scribes, mastering the hieroglyphic script. This type of education was essential for understanding the intricacies of governance, religion, and diplomacy in Egypt.
Hieroglyphics were the official script, used in monumental inscriptions and religious texts, while Demotic Egyptian, a simplified form of the script, was used in everyday administrative and legal affairs. Moses, educated in Pharaoh’s court, would have mastered these languages to navigate his environment effectively.
Moses Learned the Wisdom of Egypt
The Bible states that Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. This phrase reflects more than just general knowledge; it points directly to an in-depth and comprehensive education. Egyptian wisdom extended into astronomy, medicine, and literature.
But at the core of this knowledge was the ability to communicate effectively in Egyptian. Moses would have had to speak, read, and write in the language to be considered truly wise by Egyptian standards. His knowledge of the Egyptian language was therefore not just conversational but intellectual and academic.
Was Moses a Good Speaker or Not?
There is a debate about Moses’ speaking abilities, particularly because of a passage where he expresses hesitation about speaking to Pharaoh. In the book of Exodus, Moses tells God that he is “slow of speech.”
Some interpret this as a speech impediment or lack of eloquence. Others suggest it could refer to anxiety about speaking in front of Pharaoh after years away from the Egyptian court.
Despite this hesitation, Moses’ overall communication skills, especially in Egyptian, were undoubtedly advanced. He grew up in the royal court, where public speaking and communication were valued highly.
Whether or not Moses was naturally eloquent, his extensive education ensured he had the tools to communicate effectively when needed.
Did Moses Complain to God About His Language Competency?
When Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites, he expressed concern about his speaking ability. In the book of Exodus, Moses tells God that he is “slow of speech and tongue.” This phrase has been interpreted in different ways, but it raises interesting questions about Moses’ language competency.
Some scholars argue that Moses’ reluctance to speak before Pharaoh was due to his long absence from Egypt. After fleeing to Midian, where he lived for many years, he may have lost some fluency in Egyptian.
Alternatively, his complaint could stem from a lack of confidence in addressing the Egyptian court, where eloquence and precision were highly valued. Regardless of the exact reason, Moses’ eventual leadership and ability to communicate both with the Israelites and Pharaoh demonstrate that he was fully capable of speaking multiple languages effectively.