What does seraphim mean?
Seraphim are angelic beings prominent in Jewish and Christian traditions, especially in biblical descriptions and later religious art. They are commonly represented with six wings and as attendants who stand in the presence of God. In English, the word is used almost entirely in the plural, with seraph serving as its rarer singular form. Seraphim can denote either an individual member of the angelic order or, collectively, the whole host of such beings. The term has a strongly elevated and sacred register, appearing in scripture, theology, devotional writing, poetry, and visual art. It is more specific than the general word angels and should not be used as a straightforward substitute for that broader term. In Christian tradition, seraphim are commonly placed among the highest orders of angels, although classifications vary. Their imagery of brilliant, many-winged attendants has made them a recognizable symbol of heavenly worship, power, and unapproachable divine glory.
plural nounSeraphim are a class or order of angelic beings described in Jewish and Christian tradition as having six wings and serving as attendants before God. The word is used almost exclusively in the plural, although seraphim can also refer collectively to the angelic beings of that order.
- Angelic beings or a heavenly order associated with six wings and service before God, especially in biblical, religious, and literary contexts.
"A choir of seraphim filled the celestial hall with song."
"The prophet described seeing the seraphim standing beside the throne of God."
"In the painting, golden seraphim hover above the gathered saints."
Seraphim is already a plural form, derived from the singular seraph. It normally takes plural agreement, although the singular seraph can occasionally be used collectively.
"The seraphim proclaimed the majesty of the Lord."
With six wings—two covering the face, two covering the feet, and two used for flight—the seraphim are among the most visually distinctive figures in biblical angelology.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of seraphim
The word comes from the plural Hebrew form śərāp̄, commonly interpreted as “burning ones,” probably referring to their radiance or fiery appearance. It entered Greek as seraphim in the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible and later passed into Latin and English religious usage. The related singular seraph and the adjective seraphic were subsequently established in English.
Related word forms
How seraphim is actually used
Seraphim is a plural form and is normally used with plural agreement. The singular is seraph, but it is less common in ordinary usage; in some religious contexts, seraph can also be used as a collective singular.
Easily confused with seraphim
Seraphim are traditionally associated with six wings, purity, and service before God, whereas cherubim are described as guarding the approach to God and, in some artistic traditions, as having a child's face.