Moshe

This name derives from the Hebrew “mšh > Mōšéh > Moše (Arabic: Mūsā),” of unknown origin. It is possible derives from the Egyptian term “ms,” meaning “child,” from “msj,” meaning, “to give birth, to form, to create, to produce,” perhaps also as part of a theophoric name; alternatively, it could mean “liberate, save” in Hebrew. The meaning suggested in the Old Testament of “drew out,” from Hebrew “moshé” is probably an invented etymology. Moses was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the Qur’an, and Baha’i scripture, a religious leader, lawgiver, and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed. Also called “Moshe Rabbenu,” he is the most important prophet in Judaism; he is also a famous prophet in Christianity and Islam, as well as many other faiths. Moses is depicted in several U.S. government buildings because of his legacy as a lawgiver. In the Library of Congress stands a giant statue of Moses alongside a statue of the Apostle Paul. Moses is one of the 23 lawgivers depicted in marble bas-reliefs in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives in the United States Capitol.