The Bible itself uses the term “archangel” two times referring to the angel Michael only in the New Testament. The Bible does not mention a particularhierarchy of angels in any detail aside from this. The word is usually associated with theAbrahamic religions and many offshoots they are historically associated with.
Archangel is derived fromGreekarchángelos (ἀρχάγγελος), with the Greek prefixarch- meaning 'chief'. In Catholic theology, archangels constitute the second-lowest rank of angel; much of modernized imaging of Archangels as we have today likely stems from the etymology of their name, as well as their presentation inJohn Milton'sParadise Lost.[4]
In many offshoots ofJudaism, with the oldest text coming from Enoch 1, the highest ranking angels such asMichael,Raphael,Gabriel andUriel, who are usually referred to as archangels inEnglish, are given the title ofśārīm (Hebrew:שָׂרִים 'princes';sing.שָׂרśār), to show their superior rank and status.[5] Two examples of this can be seen inDaniel 10:13 and 12:1, where Michael, Chief of theHeavenly Host, is referred to asʾaḥaḏ haśśārīm hārišōnīm (אַחַד הַשָּׂרִים הָרִאשֹׁנִים 'one of the chief princes') in the former, andhaśśar haggāḏōl (הַשַּׂר הַגָּדוֹל 'the great prince') in the latter.[6][7][8][9]
An increasing number of experts in anthropology, theology and philosophy believe thatZoroastrianism contains the earliest distillation of prehistoric belief in angels.[15]
TheAmesha Spentas (Avestan: Aməša Spəṇta, meaning "beneficent immortals")[16] of Zoroastrianism are likened to archangels. They individually inhabit immortal bodies that operate in the physical world to protect, guide, and inspire humanity and the spirit world. TheAvesta explains the origin and nature of archangels or Amesha Spentas.[15]
To maintain equilibrium, Ahura Mazda engaged in the first act of creation, distinguishing his Holy Spirit Spenta Mainyu, the Archangel of righteousness. Ahura Mazda also distinguished from himself six more Amesha Spentas, who, along with Spenta Mainyu, aided in the creation of the physical universe. Then he oversaw the development of sixteen lands, each imbued with a unique cultural catalyst calculated to encourage the formation of distinct human populations. The Amesha Spentas were charged with protecting these holy lands and through their emanation, also believed to align each respective population in service to God.[17]
TheHebrew Bible uses the term מלאכי אלהים (malakhey Elohim; Angels of God),[19] The Hebrew word for angel is "malakh", which means messenger, for the angels מלאכי יי (malakhey Adonai; Angels of the Lord) are God's messengers to perform various missions - e.g. 'angel of death';[20] בני אלהים (b'nei elohim; sons of God) and הקדושים (ha-q'doshim; the holy ones) to refer to beings traditionally interpreted asangelic messengers. Other terms are used in later texts, such as העליונים (ha-elyonim,the upper ones, orthe supreme ones). References to angels are uncommon in Jewish literature except in later works such as theBook of Daniel, though they are mentioned briefly in the stories ofJacob (who according to one interpretation wrestled with an angel) andLot (who was warned by angels of the impending destruction of the cities ofSodom and Gomorrah).Daniel is the first biblical figure to refer to individual angels by name.[21] It is therefore widely speculated that Jewish interest in angels developed during theBabylonian captivity.[22] According toRabbiSimeon ben Lakish ofTiberias (230–270 A.D.), specific names for the angels were brought back by the Jews fromBabylon.
There are no explicit references to archangels in thecanonical texts of theHebrew Bible. Inpost-Biblical Judaism, certain angels came to take on a particular significance and developed unique personalities and roles. Though these archangels were believed to have ranked amongst theheavenly host, no systematic hierarchy ever developed.Metatron is considered one of the highest of the angels inMerkavah andKabbalist mysticism and often serves as a scribe. He is briefly mentioned in the Talmud,[23] and figures prominently in Merkavah mystical texts. Michael, who serves as a warrior and advocate for Israel,[24] is looked upon particularly fondly. Gabriel is mentioned in the Book of Daniel[25] and briefly in the Talmud,[26] as well as many Merkavah mystical texts. The earliest references to archangels are in the literature of the intertestamental periods (e.g., 4Esdras 4:36).
TheNew Testament makes over a hundred references toangels, but uses the word "archangel" only twice, in1 Thessalonians 4:16 ("For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first",KJV) andJude 1:9 ("Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee", KJV).
These three are commemorated together liturgically onSeptember 29. Each formerly had his own feast.
The latter of these identifies himself in Tobit 12:15(NAB) thus: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord."
TheFourth Book of Esdras, which mentions the angelUriel (and also the "archangel"Jeremiel), was popular in the West and was frequently quoted by Church Fathers, especiallyAmbrose, but was never considered part of the Catholicbiblical canon.[29]
The Catholic Church gives no official recognition to the names given in some apocryphal sources, such asRaguel,Saraqael andRemiel (in theBook of Enoch) or Izidkiel, Hanael, and Kepharel (in other such sources).[30]
Michele Tosini, Archangels Raphael, Michael and Gabriel, showing their attributes in Catholic art
In 1851Pope Pius IX approved theChaplet of Saint Michael, based on the 1751 apparition of theArchangel Michael experienced by the Carmelite nun Antonia d'Astonac, which includes prayers with specific invocations to the Archangels and each of the nine Choirs of Angels.[31][32]
Of the three major archangels in the Catholic hierarchy of angels, all normally with large wings,Archangel Michael is easy to recognize, in armour with a weapon (sword or spear), often standing on a winged man or a dragon representing Satan, and he may carry a pair of scales to represent his role in theLast Judgement.[33]Gabriel carries a stem of lilies, traditionally part of theiconography of theAnnunciation, his most significant work as the messenger of God.[34] Theiconography ofArchangel Raphael derives from the story from theBook of Tobit ofTobias and the Angel. Especially in the Renaissance, Tobias, his dog and the fish he carries may all appear, otherwise Raphael holds a walker's staff, may wear sandals, and may carry a small container (for the healing organs from the giant fish Tobias caught).[35]
Eastern OrthodoxTradition mentions "thousands of archangels".[36] OnlySeven Archangels are venerated by name.[13][37] Three are the same as mentioned in Catholicism; namely Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Uriel is included. The other three or four are most often namedSelaphiel,Jegudiel,Barachiel and (sometimes)Jeremiel.[38] The Orthodox Church celebrates theSynaxis of the Archangel Michael and the OtherBodiless Powers onNovember 8 of theEastern Orthodox liturgical calendar (for those churches which follow theJulian Calendar, November 8 falls on November 21 of the modernGregorian Calendar). Otherfeast days of the Archangels include the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel on March 26 (April 8) and July 13 (July 26), and theMiracle of the Archangel Michael atColossae on September 6 (September 19). In addition, every Monday throughout the year is dedicated to the Angels, with special mention being made in the church hymns of Michael and Gabriel. In Orthodoxiconography, each angel has a symbolic representation:[38]
Michael in the Hebrew language means "Who is like God?" or "Who is equal to God?" Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear with which he attacksLucifer/Satan, and in his left hand a green palm branch. At the top of the spear, there is a linen ribbon with a red cross. The Archangel Michael is especially considered to be the Guardian of the Orthodox Faith and a fighter against heresies.
Gabriel in Hebrew means "God is my strength" or "Might of God". He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially theIncarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. He is depicted as follows: In his right hand, he holds a lantern with a lighted taper inside, and in his left hand, a mirror of greenjasper. The mirror signifies the wisdom of God as a hidden mystery.
Raphael is a Hebrew name which means "It is God who heals" or "God Heals".[39] Raphael is depicted leadingTobias (who is carrying a fish caught in theTigris) with his right hand and holding a physician'salabaster jar in his left hand.
Uriel in the Hebrew language means "God is my light", or "Light of God" (II Esdras 4:1, 5:20). He is depicted holding a sword in his right hand, and a flame in his left.
Sealtiel means "Intercessor of God". He is depicted with his face and eyes lowered, holding his hands on his bosom in prayer.
Samuel means "Glorifier of God". He is depicted bearing a golden wreath in his right hand and a triple-thonged whip in his left hand.
Barachiel means "Blessed by God". He is depicted holding a white rose in his hand against his breast.
Jerahmeel means "God's exaltation". He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of exalted thoughts that raise a person toward God (2 Esdras 4:36). As aneighth, he is sometimes included as an archangel.
TheProtestant Bible provides names for two angels, "Michael the archangel" (Jude 1:9), the angel Gabriel, who is called "the man Gabriel" in Daniel 9:21, which are considered part of the standard New Testament canon and Old Testament canon respectively. It omitsRaphael, who is mentioned inTobit 12:15, which falls in theApocrypha section of the Catholic Bible, and it omitsUriel (2 Esdras 4:1 and 2 Esdras 5:20) andJerahmeel (2 Esdras 4:36), which are contained in2 Esdras, neither are included in the Protestant Bible. Among Protestant communities, theAnglican traditions recognize three to five angels as archangels:Michael the Archangel andGabriel the Archangel, as well asRaphael the Archangel,Uriel the Archangel andJerahmeel the Archangel.[43][12][44]Lutherans only recognise Michael, Gabriel, and sometimes Raphael (not Uriel or Jerahmeel, because Esdras books are not included in the Lutheran apocrypha). Statuary of these angels can be found in Lutheran churches,[44] and a depiction of seven archangels in stained-glass windows can be found in some Anglican churches. In this case, in addition to the aforementioned angels,Chamuel,Jophiel andZadkiel are variously depicted. They are commemorated on 29 September, "Michaelmas", in the church kalendar of the Lutheran and Anglican churches (cf.Calendar of saints (Lutheran) andCalendar of saints (Anglican)).[45][12]
In the view of the Baptist evangelistBilly Graham, Sacred Scripture explicitly described one being as an archangel—Michael—in Jude 1:9.[46][47]
Seventh-day Adventists hold that the titles "Michael" and "archangel" are references to Jesus. In the Adventist view, they only signify his role as chief of angels and make no reference to his divine nature. Adventists credit nonconformist ministerMatthew Henry as supporting this view.[48]
Jehovah's Witnesses, citing a reference to "the voice of the archangel" at1 Thessalonians 4:16, also believe that "Michael" is another name forJesus in heaven. They believe Jesus is an archangel in the true sense of the word—the supreme leader of angels.[49]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) interprets the term "archangel" as meaning "Chief Angel",[50] Michael is the only individual so designated in theLatter Day Saints canon.[51] It is believed that he is the head of all of the angels.[50] LDS Church doctrine also states that the archangelMichael was the first man,Adam.[52] Though no other being is identified as an "archangel",Joseph Smith taught that the angelGabriel was known in mortality asNoah[53] and the angelRaphael is a being of significant standing, even though he has never been identified with any mortal prophet.[54]
InIslam, the mentioned archangels[55] (Karubiyin)[56] in the Islamic exegetical traditions are:
Gabriel (Jibrāʾīl or Jibrīl in Arabic). Gabriel is said to be the archangel responsible for transmitting God's revelations to all prophets, including revealing theQuran to Prophet Muhammad and inducing him to recite it. Varioushadiths (traditions) mention his role in delivering messages from "God the Almighty" to the prophets.
Michael (Mīkāʾīl or Mīkāl in Arabic). Michael is often depicted as the archangel of mercy who is responsible for bringing rain and thunder to Earth.[57]
Raphael (Isrāfīl or Rafāʾīl in Arabic). The name is not mentioned in the Quran. Considered in Islam by some to be the angel of the trumpet responsible for signalling the coming of Judgment Day.[58]
Azrael (ʿAzrāʾīl in Arabic, also called Malak al-Mawt, literally "angel of death"). Taking the soul of the dead to heaven or hell in the intermediary realm (Barzakh).
Occultists sometimes associate archangels in Kabbalistic fashion with various seasons or elements, or even colours. In some Kabbalah-based systems ofceremonial magic, the main four (Gabriel, Michael, Raphael and Uriel) are invoked to guard the four quarters (directions) and their corresponding colours are associated with magical properties.[61] In thelesser ritual of the pentagram, the invocation includes: "Before me Raphael; Behind me Gabriel; On my right hand Michael; On my left hand Uriel."[62]
^TheBook of Tobit is considered to be part of theOld Testament in the Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Persian Churches; in the Catholic Church, it is deemed one of thedeuterocanonical books. In traditional Protestantism, such as the Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches and Anabaptist Churches, the Book of Tobit is an intertestamental book, being a part of theApocrypha.[10][11]
^2 Esdras is considered to be part of theOld Testament canon in theEthiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, while in traditional Protestantism, such as the Lutheran Churches, Anglican Churches and Anabaptist Churches, 2 Esdras is an intertestamental book, being a part of theApocrypha.
^McInerny, Ralph M. (1998).Selected writings of Thomas Aquinas. p. 841.ISBN978-0-14-043632-7.
^Pseudo-Dionysius, the Areopagite (1987).Pseudo-Dionysius : the complete works. Colm Luibhéid, Paul Rorem. New York: Paulist Press. pp. 161–173.ISBN0-8091-0383-4.OCLC15282383.
^Quaker Life, Volume 11. Friends United Press. 1970. p. 141.Even though they were not placed on the same level as the canonical books, still they were useful for instruction ... These– and others that total fourteen or fifteen altogether- are the books known as the Apocrypha.
^Wesner, Erik J. (8 April 2015)."The Bible". Amish America. Retrieved23 May 2021.
^abParry, Ken; Melling, David J.; Brady, Dimitri; Griffith, Sidney H.; Healey, John F. (8 November 2000).The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. John Wiley & Sons. p. 30.ISBN978-0-631-18966-4.
^"Theology: ANGELS".dgmedhanealem.org. Retrieved12 April 2019.The notable seven Archangels are: St. Mikael, St. Gebriel, St. Rufael, St. Uriel, St. Ramuel, St. Phanuel, St. Raguel.
^ab"Devotions: The Invocation of Angels".ethiopianorthodox.org. Retrieved12 April 2019.Devoutly are kept the feasts of all Angels including St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. […] Uriel, Regel, Remiel and Phanuel are other revered angels.
^Armentrout, Don S. (1 January 2000).An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. Church Publishing, Inc. p. 14.ISBN9780898697018.
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