Seraphim(seraphs)
“Burning ones, from the root meaning to burn”
Summary
Celestial beings described in Isaiah's vision as standing above God's throne, having six wings, and proclaiming His holiness.
☩Isaiah's Vision
The prophet Isaiah beheld seraphim in his vision of the Lord seated upon His throne in the Temple. Each seraph possessed six wings: two covering the face in reverence before God's holiness, two covering the feet in humble self-concealment, and two for flying in service. They appeared in human form, with faces, hands, and feet visible, yet their posture expressed profound worship. Standing above the enthroned Lord, they formed a double choir around the divine presence.
☩Ministry and Proclamation
The seraphim's primary occupation was twofold: proclaiming God's glory and serving as agents of communication between heaven and earth. They called to one another in antiphonal response: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This threefold ascription of holiness became foundational to Jewish and Christian liturgy, appearing in the Te Deum and the Preface of the Mass. When Isaiah confessed his unworthiness, one seraph flew to him bearing a live coal from the altar, touching his lips and declaring his sin purged—thus inaugurating him into prophetic office.
☩Name and Nature
The Hebrew name seraphim derives from saraph, meaning "to burn," suggesting their burning zeal and dazzling brightness. Some scholars connect the term to the fiery serpents of the wilderness narrative, though no serpentine form appears in Isaiah's description. Others derive the name from sar, meaning "prince," interpreting seraphim as exalted heavenly princes. They are distinguished from cherubim, who bear God's presence and guard sacred space, whereas seraphim stand as ministering servants in the heavenly court, particularly concerned with holiness and purity.
See Also
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Seraphim," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Seraphim," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Seraphim," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Seraphim," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XIII (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).