Archangel

A chief or principal angel, higher in rank than ordinary angels. Archangels serve as messengers, warriors, and leaders in the celestial hierarchy across all three Abrahamic traditions.

Etymology

The term “archangel” comes from the Greek archangelos (ἀρχάγγελος):

• arche = chief, principal, first
• angelos = messenger, angel

The word indicates a position of leadership and authority among angels.

In Judaism

Jewish tradition recognizes four principal archangels, each with distinct roles:

The Four Archangels

1. Michael (Mikha’el) - “Who is like God?”

   • Guardian of Israel
   • Warrior and protector
   • Advocate before God

2. Gabriel (Gavri’el) - “Strength of God”

   • Divine messenger
   • Interpreter of visions
   • Associated with judgment

3. Raphael (Rafa’el) - “God heals”

   • Angel of healing
   • Guide and protector of travelers
   • Appears in the Book of Tobit

4. Uriel (Uri’el) - “God is my light”

   • Angel of wisdom and light
   • Interpreter of prophecy
   • Associated with repentance

In Jewish Mysticism

Kabbalistic tradition places archangels around God’s throne, each associated with a cardinal direction:

• Michael (south) - fire, mercy
• Gabriel (north) - water, strength
• Raphael (east) - air, beauty
• Uriel (west) - earth, foundation

In Christianity

Christian tradition builds upon Jewish angelology while developing its own understanding:

Named Archangels

Different Christian traditions recognize varying numbers of archangels:

Catholic/Orthodox (officially recognized):

• Michael - warrior, protector
• Gabriel - messenger
• Raphael - healer

Eastern Orthodox (in some traditions, seven archangels):

• The above three, plus:
• Uriel - light/wisdom
• Selaphiel - prayer
• Jegudiel - glorification
• Barachiel - blessings

Biblical References

The New Testament mentions archangels sparingly:

• “The voice of the archangel” at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
• Michael as “the archangel” (Jude 1:9)
• Michael leads angels in heavenly warfare (Revelation 12:7)

In Christian Hierarchy

In Pseudo-Dionysius’s nine-choir hierarchy, archangels are the second-lowest order (eighth of nine), yet this refers to the order itself. The named archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael) are understood to hold high individual positions as chiefs of the angelic host.

In Islam

Islamic tradition recognizes four principal archangels:

The Four Great Angels

1. Jibril (Gabriel) - “Strength of God”

   • Brings revelation
   • Delivered the Quran to Muhammad
   • Most honored angel

2. Mikail (Michael)

   • Provides sustenance
   • Controls nature and weather
   • Dispenses provisions by Allah’s command

3. Israfil

   • Will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day
   • Leads angels in glorifying Allah
   • Closest to Allah’s throne

4. Azrael (Izrail)

   • Angel of Death
   • Takes souls at their appointed time
   • Known as Malak al-Maut in the Quran

Islamic Understanding

• Angels were created from light
• They have no free will (unlike humans and jinn)
• They obey Allah perfectly
• Belief in angels is one of the six articles of Islamic faith

Roles and Functions

Across traditions, archangels typically serve in these capacities:

Messengers

• Deliver divine revelations and announcements
• Interpret visions and prophecies
• Communicate God’s will to prophets and humanity

Warriors

• Fight spiritual battles
• Protect the faithful
• Defeat demons and evil forces

Guardians

• Watch over nations and communities
• Protect individuals
• Guard sacred places and objects

Servants of Divine Will

• Execute God’s judgments
• Facilitate divine purposes
• Govern aspects of creation

Theological Significance

The concept of archangels reflects several theological principles:

Divine Transcendence

God uses angelic intermediaries, emphasizing His holiness and otherness

Ordered Creation

The hierarchy of angels reflects divine order and governance of the cosmos

Divine-Human Communication

Archangels bridge the gap between the eternal and temporal realms

Spiritual Warfare

Their battles represent the cosmic struggle between good and evil

In Popular Culture vs. Tradition

It’s worth noting that popular culture often treats “archangel” as simply meaning “powerful angel,” while traditional theology views it as a specific rank or category with defined roles and named individuals. The conflation of rank with power has led to some confusion about the proper place of archangels in the celestial hierarchy.