Angel Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

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Angel Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of ANGEL. [count] 1. : a spiritual being that serves especially as a messenger from God or as a guardian of human beings. an angel from heaven.

An angel is a messenger of God, characterized as having human form with wings and a halo. The word suggests goodness, and is often used to refer to someone who offers comfort and aid to others in times of trouble. As a child, you looked like an innocent angel; appearances can be deceiving.

The word “angel” in the Bible is translated from the Hebrew word malach and the Greek word angelos, both meaning “messenger.” God sends angels to warn, comfort, and guide people by communicating his messages to them. In the Sodom and Gomorrah narrative, we see angels rescuing Lot's family (Gen. 19:1-15. Genesis 19:1-15.

Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God and humanity. Other roles include protectors and guides for humans, such as guardian angels and servants of God. Abrahamic religions describe angelic hierarchies, which vary by religion and sect.

If you describe someone as an angel, you mean that they seem to be very kind and good. [approval] Papa thought her an angel.

Angels are spiritual beings who serve God in various capacities. They are often depicted as messengers, guardians, and protectors. In many cultures, angels are also seen as symbols of hope, love, and light.

The name Angel comes from the Greek word for the heavenly being, Angelos, which means “messenger.” Angelus is the medieval Latin masculine name from which the name Angel was derived. In the Bible, the name Angel is used to describe "God's attendant" or "messenger of God."

The term mal'ākh therefore simply means the one who is sent, often translated as "messenger" when applied to humans; for instance, mal'ākh is the root of the name of the prophet Malachi, whose name means "my messenger". In Modern Hebrew, mal'akh is the general word for "angel".

In the Bible, there is one particular phrase that angels use whenever they show up. It is a sign that the angel is from God. The angel says, simply, “Do not fear.” It is the first thing the angel said to Mary.

Angels are not small gods but are messengers of the one God. Angels are creatures and angels are concerned for human creatures because their fulfilment is to do God's will and God is concerned for human creatures.

What is the metaphysical meaning of angels? ›

Metaphysical meaning of angel (rw) angel--A messenger of God; the projection into consciousness of a spiritual idea direct from the Fountainhead, Jehovah.

1. : a spiritual being serving God especially as a messenger or as a guardian of human beings. 2. : messenger, harbinger.

celestial being, divine messenger, God's messenger, heavenly being, holy being, spiritual being, supernatural being.

noun. one of a class of spiritual beings; a celestial attendant of God. In medieval angelology, angels constituted the lowest of the nine celestial orders (seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominations or dominions, virtues, powers, principalities or princedoms, archangels, and angels).

In Christianity and Islam, angels function mainly as God's messengers (mostly announcing births and deaths), but in modern times they function more as guardians. Indeed, the word "angel" has come to describe any hero or benefactor. Though angels, by their nature, serve God, they also serve mankind directly.

countable noun. You can call someone you like very much an angel in order to show affection, especially when they have been kind to you or done you a favour. [feelings] Thank you a thousand times, you're an angel. Synonyms: dear, ideal, beauty, saint More Synonyms of angel.

Each of these angels has different responsibilities: Michael is a warrior, Raphael is a guardian, and Gabriel is a messenger. But they share a common purpose: they act on behalf of God, helping His people and bringing Him glory.