κέρας

a horn

Definition

In the New Testament, κέρας (keras) primarily means 'a horn,' referring literally to the horn of an animal, such as in the symbolic vision of the Lamb with seven horns in Revelation 5:6, representing perfect power. It also denotes the 'horns of the altar,' the horn-like projections at its four corners which were a place of refuge and sacrifice (e.g., Revelation 9:13). Most significantly, the word is used metaphorically as a symbol of strength, power, or a kingdom, drawing from Old Testament imagery, as seen in the 'horn of salvation' in Luke 1:69 and the horns on the beasts in Revelation 12:3 and 13:1, which symbolize oppressive political powers.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 10 times, exclusively in Luke and Revelation. In Luke 1:69, it appears in Zechariah's prophecy, using the metaphorical 'horn of salvation' for the Messiah's power. In Revelation, its usage is almost entirely symbolic within apocalyptic visions: horns represent the power of divine beings (the Lamb in Revelation 5:6), the power of altars (Revelation 9:13), and especially the political-military power of evil empires and beasts (Revelation 12:3, 13:1, 13:11, 17:3, 17:7).

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek noun κέρας (keras), meaning 'horn.' It is a common Indo-European root, with cognates in Latin 'cornu' and English 'horn.' The word's meaning naturally extended from the physical horn of an animal to objects shaped like a horn (e.g., altar projections) and then to the metaphorical concept of strength and power, as the horn was a weapon and symbol of an animal's might.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects the power of God's salvation in Christ (Luke 1:69) with the imagery of divine judgment and earthly power struggles in Revelation. Understanding 'horn' as a symbol of power enriches reading by showing how the New Testament uses Old Testament symbolism (e.g., from Psalms 18:2 and Daniel 7-8) to communicate Christ's supreme authority versus the destructive, yet limited, power of earthly kingdoms. It highlights the cosmic conflict between God's kingdom and the powers of evil.

In the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman world, horns were universally recognized symbols of strength, potency, and honor, as seen in animals like bulls and rams. The 'horns of the altar' (Exodus 27:2) were culturally significant as points for binding sacrifices and, in some traditions, places of asylum (1 Kings 1:50-51). The metaphorical use of 'horn' for political or military power was well-established in Hebrew poetry and prophecy (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:10, Daniel 7:24), a context the New Testament authors and readers would have understood.

δύναμις (dynamis, G1411) — emphasizes inherent power or ability, whereas κέρας is a concrete symbol of that power. ἰσχύς (ischys, G2479) — denotes bodily strength or force, while κέρας is a metaphorical emblem for such strength, often of a kingdom.

Word Details

Scripture References