The archangels are the highest ranking angels who serve as messengers of God and defenders of heaven. According to Christian and Jewish traditions, there are 7 archangels who were created by God to fulfill specific roles and duties. Though there are some variations between different faiths, the 7 archangels are commonly known as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saraqael. Let’s take a look at each of the 7 archangels and their significance:
Michael
Michael is considered the leader of all angels and commander of the heavenly hosts. His name means “Who is like God?” in Hebrew. Michael is mentioned by name several times in the Bible. He is described as the archangel who led the battle against Satan and the fallen angels, driving them out of heaven.
In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament, Michael is named as the angel who protects Israel. He is also referenced as intervening and delivering messages on God’s behalf in the Book of Revelation. Because of his role as a protector and the leader of the angels against the forces of evil, Michael is often depicted in art and literature as a warrior wielding a sword.
Michael is also honored in Jewish tradition for destroying the army of Sennacherib outside Jerusalem. He is considered a saint and the patron of soldiers in Christianity. September 29th is celebrated as the Feast of Michael and All Angels in the Catholic Church.
Gabriel
Gabriel is best known as the angel of revelation, serving as a messenger from God. His name means “God is my strength” in Hebrew. Gabriel appears to several figures in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. He interprets visions and delivers important news and information.
In the Old Testament, Gabriel interprets the prophet Daniel’s vision and delivers news of the coming Messiah. In the New Testament, Gabriel visits Zechariah and foretells the birth of John the Baptist. Gabriel is also famous for appearing to the Virgin Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus.
Due to his role in revealing prophecies and the coming of the Messiah, Gabriel is honored as the patron angel of messengers, communicators, and postal workers. He is celebrated on September 29th along with the archangel Michael.
Raphael
Raphael means “God has healed” or “Divine healer” in Hebrew. He is cited in the Book of Tobit as the angel who healed Tobit’s blindness and delivered Tobit’s daughter Sarah from an evil demon. Raphael also guided Tobiah on his journey and helped him recover treasure.
Because of his healing powers, Raphael is known as the angel who takes care of human health. He is associated with healing the spirit as well as physical illnesses. Raphael is also considered an angel who helps guide people in finding their purpose and path in life.
In art, Raphael is often portrayed holding a flask or bottle as a symbol of medicine and healing. He is honored as the patron of physicians, healers, travelers, matchmakers and Catholic priests.
Uriel
Uriel means “Light of God” or “Fire of God” in Hebrew. Though he is not named directly in scripture, Uriel appears in several apocryphal texts and mystical Jewish writings, such as the Book of Enoch. He is described as an angel of wisdom who imparted knowledge and warnings to prophets.
In 2 Esdras, Uriel is sent to warn Noah about the Great Flood and aid him in building the ark. As an angel of illumination, Uriel helps people receive revelations, warnings and insights from God. He is often depicted holding a book or scroll, representing wisdom.
Due to his association with warnings of divine wrath and punishment, Uriel is considered an angel of repentance. He reminds people of their sins so they can seek forgiveness. Uriel is celebrated as the patron of sacred art, poetry and literature.
Raguel
Raguel, sometimes spelled Raguil, is mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch as one of the 7 main archangels. His name means “Friend of God.” Although he is not mentioned directly in canonical scripture, Raguel is believed to be an angel of justice, fairness and harmony.
In the Book of Enoch, Raguel is credited with taking Enoch on a tour of Heaven and teaching him the movements of the planets and stars. He is sometimes equated with the angel of the same name who appears in the Book of Tobit as a guide and protector on Tobiah’s journey.
As an overseer of fairness and justice, Raguel is associated with guiding relationships between people, bringing harmony, and overseeing oaths. He is the patron of travelers and relationships.
Remiel
Remiel, sometimes spelled Jeremiel, does not appear directly in canonical scripture, but is named as one of the 7 archangels in apocryphal texts. His name means “Mercy of God.” Remiel is believed to be an angel of hope, mercy, and deliverance.
According to legend, Remiel stood by the souls of the righteous in Heaven when Samael brought accusations against them. Remiel helped deliver the souls from condemnation. He is believed to be the angel who leads souls to judgment after death.
As an angel of mercy, Remiel is celebrated as the patron of those seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy. He is also associated with guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife.
Saraqael
Saraqael, also called Sariel or Suriel, is named as one of the 7 archangels in the Book of Enoch and other apocryphal texts. His name means “Command of God.” Saraqael is believed to be an angel of death and the afterlife.
According to legend, Saraqael was the angel who separated the souls of the righteous from sinners after death. He then escorts the souls of the righteous to Heaven. He is also sometimes described as the angel who punished the sins of the wicked.
As the angel of death, Saraqael is associated with helping souls accept death and transition peacefully to the afterlife. He is celebrated as the patron of those seeking a righteous and just death.
Conclusion
In summary, the 7 main archangels according to tradition are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saraqael. Each has distinct roles and responsibilities as messengers and servants of God:
- Michael is the leader of the angels, protector and warrior prince.
- Gabriel appears to prophets and delivers news of God’s revelations.
- Raphael is a healing angel who protects travelers.
- Uriel imparts wisdom, warnings and insights from God.
- Raguel oversees justice, fairness and relationships.
- Remiel offers hope, mercy and deliverance.
- Saraqael guides souls to the afterlife.
Though archangels feature more prominently in biblical apocrypha and Jewish mystical texts than canonical books of the Bible, they remain important figures in the traditions surrounding angels. They serve as heavenly protectors, healers, guardians, teachers and guides for humanity.
| Name | Meaning | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Michael | Who is like God? | Leader of the angels, warrior prince |
| Gabriel | God is my strength | Messenger of revelations |
| Raphael | God has healed | Healing and protector |
| Uriel | Light of God | Imparts wisdom and insights |
| Raguel | Friend of God | Oversees justice and fairness |
| Remiel | Mercy of God | Offers hope and deliverance |
| Saraqael | Command of God | Guides souls after death |