Adjacent Words

Seraphim definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

SER'APHIM, n. [the Hebrew plural of seraph.] Angels of the highest order in the celestial hierarchy. [It is sometimes improperly written seraphims.]

Merriam Webster's

noun plural Etymology: Late Latin seraphim, plural, seraphs, from Hebrew ??r?ph?m Date: 12th century 1. an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy 2. singular, plural seraphim one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God • seraphic adjective • seraphically adverb

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Seraphim Ser"a*phim, n. The Hebrew plural of Seraph. Cf. Cherubim. Note: The double plural form seraphims is sometimes used, as in the King James version of the Bible, --Isa. vi. 2 and 6.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Seraph Ser"aph, n.; pl. E. Seraphs, Heb. Seraphim. [Heb. ser[=a]phim, pl.] One of an order of celestial beings, each having three pairs of wings. In ecclesiastical art and in poetry, a seraph is represented as one of a class of angels. --Isa. vi. 2. As full, as perfect, in vile man that mourns, As the rapt seraph that adores and burns. --Pope. Seraph moth (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of geometrid moths of the genus Lobophora, having the hind wings deeply bilobed, so that they seem to have six wings.

Hitchcock Bible Dictionary

burning; fiery

Easton's Bible Dictionary

mentioned in Isa. 6:2, 3, 6, 7. This word means fiery ones, in allusion, as is supposed, to their burning love. They are represented as "standing" above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of wings. (See ANGELS.) This word, in the original, is used elsewhere only of the "fiery serpents" (Num. 21:6, 8; Deut. 8:15; comp. Isa. 14:29; 30:6) sent by God as his instruments to inflict on the people the righteous penalty of sin.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ser'-a-fim (seraphim): A plural word occurring only in Isa 6:2 ff--Isaiah's vision of Yahweh. The origin of the term in Hebrew is uncertain. Saraph in Nu 21:6; Isa 14:29, etc., signifies a fiery serpent. A Babylonian name for the fire-god, Nergal, was Sharrapu. In Egypt there have been found eagle-lion-shaped figures guarding a grave, to which is applied the name seref. The equivalent English term is "griffin."

It is probable enough that popular mythology connected fire with the attendants of the deity in various ways among different peoples, and that burning lies at the base of the idea in all these suggested etymologies. It remains, however, that in Isaiah's use there is nothing of the popular legend or superstition. These seraphim are august beings whose forms are not at all fully described. They had faces, feet, hands and wings. The six wings, in three pairs, covered their faces and feet in humility and reverence, and were used for sustaining them in their positions about the throne of Yahweh. One of them is the agent for burning (with a coal off the altar, not with his own power or person) the sin from the lips of the prophet.

Seraphim are in Jewish theology connected with cherubim and ophanim as the three highest orders of attendants on Yahweh, and are superior to the angels who are messengers sent on various errands. As the cherubim in popular fancy were represented by the storm-clouds, so the seraphim were by the serpentine flashes of the lightning; but none of this appears in Isaiah's vision.

In the New Testament the only possible equivalent is in "the living ones" ("beasts" of the King James Version) in Re 4; 5, etc. Here, as in Isaiah, they appear nearest Yahweh's throne, supreme in praise of His holiness.

William Owen Carver

Moby Thesaurus

angel, angel of light, angel of love, angelology, angels, archangel, archangels, beatified soul, canonized mortal, celestial, cherub, cherubim, dominations, dominions, heavenly being, martyr, messenger of God, patron saint, powers, principalities, principality, recording angel, saint, saved soul, seraph, soul in glory, thrones, virtues