Written by Julia Blum
The Holy Names in Angels
When we hear the word “angel” many of us think about adorable babies sitting on clouds in heaven. But in fact, the true angels of the Bible are busy messengers shuttling between heaven and earth. Some of these angels even have names. Do you know the true meaning of these sacred names?
The Divine Messengers
The Bible is full of stories in which God communicates with human beings through spiritual emissaries known as “angels.” In Hebrew the word for angel is malakh (מלאך) which means “one who is sent.” Most of the Biblical angels are unidentified, but the most important archangels have names: Michael and Gabriel. Do you know what these Hebrew names actually mean?
Four Sacred Hebrew Names
Michael is comprised of two Hebrew words: Mi (מי) + Ka-El (כאל) meaning, “Who is like God?”. Gabriel is also comprised of two Hebrew words: Gavar (גבר) + El (אל) meaning, “God is mighty”. Outside the Bible, the apocryphal tradition adds two more angelic names. Uriel which comes from the words Uri (ארי) + El (אל) means “Light of God”. Raphael from the word Refa (רפא) + El (אל) means “God heals”.
Receive the Scriptures as God intended
What do these names have in common? The ending “El” – one of the most sacred names of God in Hebrew. This is fitting because the role of an angel is to serve as God’s messenger, bringing good tidings.
Israel Institute of Biblical Studies
