The Name of Moses in an Egyptian Context—A Hypothetical Etymology

Abstract

The etymological origins of the name “Moses” have been unclear, but an Egyptian candidate is the most likely hypothesis. In this article, a new proposal is given that finds the best candidate as the Demotic word, mšꜥ, but only in the late Persian period or later would it fit the Hebrew Mōše. Evidence from Greek orthography and testimony from Manetho provide a stronger basis for this proposal over prior candidates. However, this results in a Hellenistic-era inclusion of “Moses” into the Exodus narrative.