Uriel

One of the archangels in Jewish and some Christian traditions. Uriel’s name means “God is my light” or “Light of God” in Hebrew, associating him with divine illumination and wisdom.

In Judaism

Uriel appears in several Jewish texts:

• In 1 Enoch, he is one of the four presences set over all diseases and wounds of the children of men
• In 2 Esdras (4 Ezra), he serves as Ezra’s guide and interpreter of visions
• In rabbinic literature, he is sometimes identified with the cherub that guards the gates of Eden
• One of the four archangels surrounding God’s throne, traditionally associated with the north

Jewish mystical tradition associates Uriel with:

• Wisdom and enlightenment
• Interpretation of prophecy
• Repentance
• The element of earth

In Christianity

Uriel’s status varies among Christian denominations:

• Prominent in Eastern Orthodox and some Anglican traditions
• Not officially recognized in Catholic tradition (since the Council of Rome, 745 CE, restricted veneration to Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael)
• Often depicted carrying a book or scroll (symbolizing wisdom)
• Sometimes shown with a flame in his hand

In Christian angelology and art, Uriel is associated with:

• Divine light and illumination
• Warning Noah of the flood (in some traditions)
• Guarding the gates of Eden with a fiery sword
• Presiding over Tartarus (hell)

In Islam

Uriel is not mentioned in the Quran or mainstream Islamic tradition.

Roles and Attributes

Traditional roles associated with Uriel:

• Bearer of divine light and wisdom
• Interpreter of prophecies and visions
• Guide to truth and understanding
• Angel of repentance
• Watcher over thunder and terror (in some traditions)
• Guardian of the gates of the lost