Angel
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Seraphim

Also known as: Seraph

Seraphim

The highest order of angels in Jewish and Christian angelology. Seraphim are celestial beings who dwell in the immediate presence of God, described most famously in Isaiah’s vision.

Biblical Description

The prophet Isaiah provides the primary biblical description of seraphim in his throne room vision (Isaiah 6:1-7):

Physical Appearance

  • Six wings each:
    • Two wings cover their faces
    • Two wings cover their feet
    • Two wings for flying
  • Positioned above God’s throne
  • Appear in humanoid form (with faces and feet)

Role and Action

  • Call out to one another in constant worship: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory”
  • Their voices shake the foundations of the thresholds
  • The temple fills with smoke at their presence
  • One seraph touches Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal to cleanse him from sin

Etymology and Meaning

The Hebrew word “seraphim” (שְׂרָפִים) is related to the root word meaning “to burn”:

  • May indicate their fiery nature
  • Associated with purification and holiness
  • Possibly connected to the burning coal used to cleanse Isaiah
  • Some scholars link them to the “fiery serpents” mentioned elsewhere in Hebrew scripture

In Judaism

Jewish tradition regarding seraphim includes:

  • Highest order of angels in some hierarchies
  • Continuously praise God day and night
  • Guardians of God’s throne
  • Agents of purification
  • In later mystical tradition (Kabbalah), associated with the divine attribute of Gevurah (severity/strength)

In Christianity

Christian angelology developed the concept of seraphim:

Celestial Hierarchy

In the system attributed to Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (5th-6th century), seraphim occupy the highest rank:

  1. First Sphere (closest to God): Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
  2. Second Sphere: Dominions, Virtues, Powers
  3. Third Sphere: Principalities, Archangels, Angels

Attributes

  • Embody divine love and light
  • Continuously burn with love for God
  • Regulate the movement of the heavens as they emanate from God
  • Their cry of “Holy, holy, holy” (Trisagion) became central to Christian liturgy

In Art and Symbolism

Medieval and Renaissance Christian art depicts seraphim as:

  • Red-winged angels (symbolizing fire and divine love)
  • Sometimes shown as disembodied heads surrounded by six wings
  • Often placed at the top of painted altarpieces, closest to representations of God

In Islam

The Quran does not explicitly mention seraphim. However, Islamic tradition speaks of angels who constantly worship God and surround His throne, which may parallel the concept of seraphim.

Theological Significance

The seraphim represent several key theological concepts:

  • Transcendent Holiness: Their threefold cry of “Holy” emphasizes God’s absolute holiness
  • Divine Glory: They proclaim that God’s glory fills all creation
  • Purification: Their role in cleansing Isaiah shows that encounter with the holy requires purification
  • Ceaseless Worship: They model perfect, eternal adoration of God