Original Word: κέρας
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: keras
Pronunciation: KEH-ras
Phonetic Spelling: (ker'-as)
KJV: horn
NASB: horns, horn
Word Origin: [from a primary kar "the hair of the head"]

1. a horn
{literally or figuratively}

horn.

From a primary kar (the hair of the head); a horn (literally or figuratively) -- horn.

2768 kéras– properly, an animal horn; (figuratively) an instrument of power, i.e. that overcomes by displaying overpowering strength.

[2768 /kéras ("horn") symbolizes the strength of (horned) bulls (see Ps 132:17).]

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a horn
NASB Translation
horn (1), horns (10).

STRONGS NT 2768: κέρας

κέρας, κερατος, plural κέρατα, genitive κεράτων (Winers Grammar, 65 (63); Buttmann, 15 (13)), τό (from Homer down), Hebrew קֶרֶן, a horn;

a. properly: of animals, Revelation 5:6; Revelation 12:3; Revelation 13:1, 11; Revelation 17:3, 7, 12, 16.

b. Since animals (especially bulls) defend themselves with their horns, the horn with the Hebrews (and other nations) is a symbol of strength and courage, and is used as such in a variety of phrases (Psalm 88:18 (); Psalm 131:17 (); ; 1 Samuel 2:10; Sir. 47:5, 7, 11; 1 Macc. 2:48, etc.; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus, iii., p. 1238; (B. D. under the word )); hence, κέρας σωτηρίας (of God, Psalm 17:3 (); 2 Samuel 22:3), equivalent to a mighty and valiant helper, the author of deliverance, of the Messiah, Luke 1:69.

c. tropically, a projecting extremity in shape like a horn, a point, apex: as, of an altar, Revelation 9:13; (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:7, 18; Leviticus 16:18; Amos 3:14; Psalm 117:27 ()).

Overview

In Scripture, a “horn” connotes vigorous strength, kingly authority, and the projection of power in both salvation and judgment. Strong’s Greek 2768 (keras, plural kerata) appears eleven times in the New Testament, anchoring Luke’s opening chapter to the climactic visions of Revelation. These occurrences frame redemptive history: the Messiah arrives as the prophesied “Horn of salvation,” and history concludes with rival horns—earthly and demonic authorities—finally broken under His reign.

Old Testament Background and Symbolism

• Physical horns were the most formidable feature of bulls, rams, and wild oxen, naturally becoming a pervasive emblem of might (Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalm 92:10).
• Altars in Tabernacle and Temple each had four horns at the corners (Exodus 27:2); blood was applied to these horns on the Day of Atonement, linking them to atonement, mercy, and sanctuary (Leviticus 16:18–19; 1 Kings 1:50).
• Prophetic literature uses horns for kingdoms or kings (Daniel 7–8; Zechariah 1:18–21), preparing the symbolic vocabulary later employed in Revelation.
• Messianic expectation connected Davidic power to a “horn” exalted by God (1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 132:17).

Luke 1:69 – The Horn of Salvation

Zechariah blesses God for raising up “a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David” (Luke 1:69). Here keras depicts:

1. Fulfillment of covenant promise: the Davidic lineage secured by divine initiative.
2. Saving power: not merely rescue from political foes but redemption “in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days” (Luke 1:75).
3. Anticipation of ultimate victory: the singular Horn stands in antithesis to the multiple horns of the apocalyptic beasts.

Revelation – Apocalyptic Imagery of Horns

1. Heavenly Throne (Revelation 5:6) – The Lamb has “seven horns and seven eyes,” symbolizing complete power and omniscience. The once-slain Son exercises limitless authority.
2. Altar of Incense (Revelation 9:13) – A voice comes “from the four horns of the golden altar before God,” recalling the earthly altar’s horns and emphasizing that even judgments proceeding from heaven are anchored in sacrificial atonement.
3. Dragon and Beasts (Revelation 12:3; 13:1; 13:11) – Satan’s dragon (seven heads, ten horns) and the two beasts mimic divine sovereignty yet fracture it into many horns, portraying counterfeit authority that is derivative and limited.
4. Scarlet Beast and Harlot (Revelation 17:3, 7, 12, 16) – Ten horns are explicitly interpreted as “ten kings” who “receive authority for one hour with the beast” (17:12). They ultimately “will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them” (17:14), confirming Daniel’s pattern of transient kingdoms smashed by God’s everlasting rule.

Theological and Ministerial Insights

• Christological Primacy: The singular horn in Luke and the seven horns on the Lamb set Jesus’ power above all created might.
• Eschatological Clarity: Horns in Revelation crystallize the contest between legitimate and illegitimate rule. Earthly alliances, however formidable, are allotted brief, divinely-limited tenure.
• Sacrificial Foundation: The horns of the altar (Revelation 9:13) remind believers that judgment and mercy converge at the cross; every later act of divine wrath is just, flowing from the same altar where atonement was proclaimed.
• Pastoral Warning and Comfort: Churches facing persecution can read the multiplying horns of the beast as assurance that oppressive regimes are foreseen, limited, and doomed. Believers need not compromise, for the Lamb possesses perfect, eternal horns.

Application for Believers

1. Worship: Acknowledge Christ as the exalted Horn who alone merits absolute allegiance.
2. Perseverance: Recognize that worldly powers, no matter how many horns they sport, cannot thwart God’s kingdom.
3. Proclamation: Preach the “horn of salvation” that delivers from sin and from “fear, to serve Him” (Luke 1:74).
4. Hope: Await the day when “the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15), when every counterfeit horn is shattered.

εκεράτιζες εκερατίζετε καρατίζοντα κερας κέρας κέρασιν κέρασμα κεράσματος κεράστου κερατα κέρατα κέρατά κέρατι κερατιεί κερατιείς κερατίναι κερατίναις κερατίνας κερατίνη κερατίνης κερατιούμεν κερατίση κερατων κεράτων keras kéras kerata kérata keraton keratōn keráton kerátōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts