Who are the Seven Archangels: Name, Meaning, Origin, Power
The concept of the Seven Archangels appeared in some early Jewish literature and Christianity. In these texts, there are seven Archangels, all considered powerful servants of God who play crucial roles both in the heavenly realms and in human affairs. So, who are the Seven Archangels?
You will find that the answer to this question is not clear, different denominations give different names. For example:
- In the Catholic Church, seven archangels are usually venerated, three have names: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The other four have no names.
- In parts of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, eight archangels may be honored, including Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jecundiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel.
- While in Coptic tradition, they are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Surael, Sedakiel, Sarathael, and Ananael.
- There are other names such as Raguel, Phanuel, and Remiel also mentioned.
It’s so confusing, so today, I will take a closer look at these archangels and organize the definitions of their names and powers as different denominations.
What is the origin of the Seven Archangels?
The origins of the Seven Archangels are not necessarily exclusive. They also known as the Watchers, are mentioned in the Revelation and the Book of Tobit.
In Revelation 16:1:
1And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
In Tobit 12:15:
15I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him.
However, the word “Archangel” appears only in 1 Thessalonians 4 and Jude, where it is used of Michael. So, when asked who the archangel is, we said St. Michael. But when asked who the archangels are, we say other names including Michael.
What are the names and meanings of the Seven Archangels?
The names of the seven archangels vary by Christian tradition, here is a form:
Michael: Also known as St. Michael, Saint Michael the Archangel. The name Michael is of Hebrew origin and means “Who is like God?”. It appears in the Book of Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21, Daniel 12:1, Jude 1:9, and Revelation 12:7. For more information, refer to Archangel Michael: Spiritual Meaning, Origins, and Characteristics.
Gabriel: Widely known for appearing in the story of the Annunciation. His name means “God is my strength” or “a hero of God”. It is mentioned in the Book of Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21, Luke 1:19, Luke 1:26.
Raphael: Raphael’s name means “God heals” or “Divine Healer.” He is believed to be the “angel of healing” mentioned in John 5:4, though he is not named Raphael clearly. He is also mentioned in the Book of Enoch 20, the Book of Tobit.
Uriel: Whose name means “God is my light” or “flame of God”. His name doesn’t appear in the Bible but in the Second Book of Esdras and the Book of Enoch 20.
Selaphiel (Saraqael): Also called Saint Selaphiel, Sealtiel, Selathiel. His name means Prayer of God” or “Intercessor of God”. Selaphiel appears in Conflict of Adam and Eve 31:6 and the Book of Enoch 20.
Jehudiel: The name Jehudiel is of Hebrew origin and means “praise of God”. His name is not mentioned in the Bible. But in tradition, He is considered to be one of the seven angels that archangel Raphael describes in Tobit 12:15.
Barachiel: Means God has blessed” in Hebrew, also known as Barakel. Mainly mentioned in the Third Book of Enoch and Almadel of Solomon.
Jeremiel (Remiel.): Whose name means “God’s mercy” or “God shall have mercy”. Mainly mentioned in the 2 Esdras 4:36.
Raguel: Also known as Akrasiel, Raguil, Raquel, Rakul and Reuel. His name means “God shall pasture”. He appears in the Book of Enoch 20 and 2 Enoch.
Phanuel: The name Phanuel means “face of God” or “vision of God”. In the Book of Enoch, he is the fourth angel to stand before God, after Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel.
Where are the 7 archangels mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible only mentions two archangels by name: Michael and Gabriel. Other archangels are mentioned in apocryphal texts.
Book of Daniel 10:13:
13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Daniel 10:21:
21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.
Daniel 12:1:
1At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.
Jude 1:9:
9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
Revelation 12:7:
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
Daniel 8:16:
16 And I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.”
Daniel 9:21:
21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.
Luke 1:19:
19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.
Luke 1:26:
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee
John 5:4:
4Some manuscripts include here, wholly or in part, paralyzed—and they waited for the moving of the waters. 4 From time to time an angel of the Lord would come down and stir up the waters. The first one into the pool after each such disturbance would be cured of whatever disease they had.
Book of Enoch 20:
1 These are the names of the angels who watch.
2 Uriel, one of the holy angels, who presides over clamor and terror.
3 Raphael, one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of men.
4 Raguel, one of the holy angels, who inflicts punishment on the world and the luminaries.
5 Michael, one of the holy angels, who, presiding over human virtue, commands the nations.
6 Sarakiel, one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of the children of men that transgress.
7 Gabriel, one of the holy angels, who presides over Ikisat, over paradise, and over the cherubim.
8 Remiel, one of the holy angels, whom God set over those who rise.”
Conflict of Adam and Eve 31:6:
6And God commanded Suriyel and Salathiel to bear up Adam and Eve, and bring them down from the top of the high mountain, and to take them to the Cave of Treasures.
Tobit 12:15:
15 I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him.
2 Esdras 4:36:
36 And Jeremiel the archangel answered them and said, ‘When the number of those like yourselves is completed;[a] for he has weighed the age in the balance
What is the power of each Seven Archangel?
Archangel Michael
- Protector and Warrior: Michael is known as the leader of the heavenly armies, often depicted as a warrior archangel who fights against evil forces.
- Defender of Faith: He is considered the patron saint of soldiers and police officers, symbolizing protection and justice.
- Judge of Souls: Michael is believed to weigh souls on Judgment Day, signifying his role in the final judgment and resurrection.
- Symbol of Courage: Represents strength, courage, and integrity.
Archangel Gabriel
- Messenger of God: Gabriel is primarily known for delivering important messages from God to humans, such as announcing the birth of Jesus to Mary.
- Revelation and Prophecy: Associated with revealing divine visions, prophecies, and insights to prophets and seers.
- Communication: Symbolizes clarity, communication, and the power of God’s word.
Archangel Raphael
- Healer of God: Raphael is known for his healing powers, both physical and spiritual, and is often invoked for health and recovery.
- Patron of Travelers: Provides protection and guidance to those on journeys, ensuring safe passage and successful ventures.
- Restorer of Relationships: Aids in healing emotional wounds and restoring harmony in relationships.
- Symbol of Compassion: Represents mercy, empathy, and the healing light of God.
Archangel Uriel
- Light of God: Uriel is associated with wisdom, enlightenment, and insight, often bringing divine light and understanding to complex situations.
- Guide in Transformation: Helps navigate change and transformation, providing clarity and foresight.
- Angel of Repentance: Encourages forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation with God.
- Symbol of Truth: Represents divine truth and the uncovering of hidden knowledge.
Archangel Selaphiel (Saraqael)
- Intercessor of Prayers: Known for his role in presenting prayers to God, acting as an intermediary between humans and the divine.
- Guide in Worship: Inspires devotion, worship, and spiritual discipline.
- Angel of Contemplation: Encourages meditation and reflection, aiding in spiritual growth and awareness.
- Symbol of Devotion: Represents piety, reverence, and the deepening of one’s spiritual practice.
Archangel Jehudiel
- Patron of Work: Supports individuals in their professional and vocational endeavors, promoting diligence and perseverance.
- Giver of Rewards: Known to reward those who work hard and serve God faithfully.
- Guide to Leaders: Provides support and guidance to leaders and those in positions of authority.
- Symbol of Encouragement: Represents motivation, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
Archangel Barachiel
- Provider of Blessings: Known for bestowing blessings and prosperity upon individuals and families.
- Guardian of Family and Marriage: Protects households and strengthens marital bonds, promoting harmony and love.
- Angel of Good Fortune: Associated with good luck, abundance, and the manifestation of positive outcomes.
- Symbol of Generosity: Represents kindness, benevolence, and the sharing of blessings with others.
Archangel Jeremiel (Remiel)
- Angel of Hope: Offers hope and encouragement during difficult times, helping individuals see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- Guide in Life Review: Assists souls in reviewing their lives and understanding their spiritual journey.
- Facilitator of Visions: Provides prophetic dreams and visions, helping individuals gain insight into their future.
- Symbol of Reflection: Represents introspection, self-evaluation, and the pursuit of personal growth.
Archangel Raguel
- Angel of Justice: Known for his role in maintaining harmony and fairness among angels and humans.
- Mediator of Conflicts: Helps resolve disputes and restore peace in relationships and communities.
- Guardian of Harmony: Ensures the balance of divine order and the alignment of celestial beings.
- Symbol of Vengeance: Represents righteous justice and the protection of the innocent.
Archangel Phanuel
- Angel of Repentance and Hope: Encourages repentance and transformation, guiding souls towards redemption.
- Guardian of Truth: Protects against deception and falsehood, promoting honesty and integrity.
- Guide in Spiritual Awakening: Assists in the realization of one’s true spiritual path and purpose.
- Symbol of Renewal: Represents new beginnings, spiritual awakening, and the light of divine truth.
Conclusion
These heavenly guardians stand as symbols of hope, strength, and divine love, offering comfort and guidance to those who call upon them in times of need. Whether seen as protectors, messengers, healers, or guides, these celestial beings continue to inspire and captivate the hearts of those who seek a deeper connection with the divine.