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Seraph Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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seraph

[ˈsɛrəf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

angelic being

A seraph is a type of celestial or heavenly being mentioned in several religious texts, particularly within Christianity and Judaism. They are often depicted as having six wings and are considered to be part of the highest order of angels. Seraphim serve as attendants of God and are known for their close proximity to the divine. They play a role in praising God and are sometimes associated with fire, which symbolizes purification and divine presence.

Synonyms

angel, cherub, divine messenger, luminary.

Examples of usage

  • The seraph sang praises in the heavenly choir.
  • In the vision, a seraph flew with a burning coal.
  • The artist depicted a seraph descending from the clouds.
  • In the book, a seraph bore a message of hope.
  • The seraph's wings glowed with divine light.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • In Christianity, seraphim are often depicted as surrounding God’s throne, constantly praising Him.
  • In Islamic tradition, they are recognized as angels of the highest order who serve God's commands.

Art

  • Renaissance artists often depicted seraphim with multiple wings, emphasizing their ethereal and divine nature.
  • In literature and paintings, they are frequently portrayed as symbols of divine love and purity.

Pop Culture

  • Seraphim have appeared in various movies and series, often representing guardian angels or their battle against evil.
  • They are featured in video games, where they serve as powerful beings fighting for light against darkness.

Symbolism

  • Representing purity and enlightenment, seraphim are seen as messengers of divine truth.
  • In many cultures, they symbolize the aspiration towards a higher state of being or spiritual enlightenment.

Origin of 'seraph'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'seraph' comes from the Hebrew word 'saraph', meaning 'to burn', which relates to their fiery nature.
  • In Christian texts, 'seraphim' is the plural form, indicating a group of these heavenly beings.

The word 'seraph' originates from the Hebrew word 'śārāf', which means 'to burn'. It appears in the Hebrew Bible in the book of Isaiah, where seraphim are described as fiery beings that surround the throne of God. The root of the word reflects the seraphim's association with fire and purification. In Christian theology, the term has been adopted to refer to a specific order of angels positioned closest to God, emphasizing their role in worship and adoration. Over centuries, the depiction of seraphim has been influenced by various artistic and theological interpretations, leading to the common image of seraphim as radiant beings with multiple wings. This rich history illustrates the evolution of the concept of seraphim across religious and cultural contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,977 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.