An angel is a supernatural being or spirit found in various religions and mythologies. In Abrahamic religions they are often depicted as servants of God and celestial beings who act as intermediaries between heaven and Earth.In Zoroastrianism and Native American religions angels are depicted as a guiding influence or a guardian spirit.
The English word "angel" is derived from the Greek ἄγγελος (angelos), a translation of מלאך (mal'akh) in the Tanakh; a similar term, ملائكة (Malāīkah), is used in the Qur'an. The Hebrew and Greek words in ancient times meant messenger, and depending on the context may refer either to a human messenger or a supernatural messenger. The human messenger could possibly be a prophet or priest, such as Malachi, "my messenger", and the Greek superscription that the Book of Malachi was written "by the hand of his messenger" ἀγγήλου. Examples of a supernatural messenger, are the "Mal'akh YHWH," who is either a messenger from God, an aspect of God (such as the Logos), or God Himself as the messenger (the "theophanic angel.")
The term "angel" has also been expanded to various notions of spirits found in many other religious traditions. Other roles of angels include protecting and guiding human beings, and carrying out God's tasks. The theological study of angels is known as angelology. In art, angels are often depicted with wings on their back, a halo, robes and various forms of glowing light.
Individual angels
- Michael (translation: who is like God?), performs acts of justice and power
- Gabriel (translation: the strength of God), performs God's kindness
- Raphael (translation: God Heals), God's healing force
- Uriel (translation: God is my light), leads us to destiny
- Samael (translation: the severity of God), angel of death—see also Malach HaMavet (translation: the angel of death)
- Sandalphon (translation: bringing together), battles Samael and brings humankind together
- Camael/Chamuel (translation: one who seeks God), expelled Adam from the Garden of Eden and punishes those who transgress against God
- Sataniel/Satan (translation: the adversary),[21] tempts humans, serves as an adversary, and brings people's sins before them in the heavenly court
- Metatron (translation is disputed, may mean "keeper of the watch", "guardian", or "he who sits behind the throne of Heaven"), God's heavenly scribe recording the deeds of all that is
Kinds of Angels
- Malachim (translation: messengers), general word for angel
- Seraphim (translation: the burning ones), sing and praise God
- Cherubim (translation: great, mighty), the chariot of the Lord
- Ophanim (translation: arbiters), Guardians of the Throne of God
- Chayot HaKodesh (translation: living beings)
- Destroying angel, Angel of the Lord
