Talk:Seraph

Is this quote saying that Lucifer was counted among the seraphim correct ? I have seen an exact copy of this sentence on alot of sites, so I don't know if it originated here or if it was copied from somewhere else. I believe Lucifer is an Archangel. If any reference for this is needed, take a look at the following site : http://www.steliart.com/angelology_fallen_archangel.html

Searching for more references shouldn't be more difficult.

-- Luisfelipe

Lucifer, as far as the Tanakh is concerened, doesn't exist. What christians call Lucifer is Helel Ben Shachar, or son of the mourning star (aka the light bringer). This is located in Isaiah 14:12 only, and concerns a worship of another God (Phaëton).

As far as christian mythology goes, Jerome's Vulgate translation of Isaiah 14:12 has made Lucifer the name of the principal fallen angel, who must lament the loss of his original glory as the morning star. This image at last defines the character of Lucifer; where the Church Fathers had maintained that lucifer was not the proper name of the Devil, and that it referred rather to the state from which he had fallen; St. Jerome transformed it into Satan's proper name. SF2K1

Lucifer is a specifically Christian concept. I understand (I don't know this) Lucifer is regarded as a Seraph in the Christian angelarchy, but Lucifer does not appear in the Jewish angelarchy as a Jewish angel (at all). This is one of a number of differences between the two religions's perspectives on angels. Judaism doesn't interpret Isaiah 14:12 as a reference to Lucifer, this interpretation is a Christian one. Best, --Shirahadasha 04:18, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Merge this article with Hierarchy of angels

Some of this material could be used to amplify a section on seraphim in the Heirarchy of Angels article.

The linked list there links the reader here. --Wetman 21:56, 21 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Oppose merge. The Hierarchy of Angels article describes a specifically Christian angelarchy. But there's a Jewish angelarchy. Seraphim appear in both Judaism and Christianity, and are somewhat different in each, although with overlap. The Seraphim article mentions both Jewish and Christian (as well as New Age) perspectives. --Shirahadasha 04:13, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

To re-affirm: there is no hierarchy in a choir!

Wheels within wheels

B9 hummingbird hovering ^{(talk • contribs)} 09:09, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

I worked too hard on this article for it to be merged! --206.72.25.210 (talk) 19:57, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

It mixes new age with classical tradition

The phrase:

The Seraphim are primarily concerned with vibrational manifestations which keep Divinity in perfect order. They have been described as being the angels of love, light and fire.

They help to carry positive energy through the orders of the angels to us in the physical realms.

Implies new age connotations to the biblical seraphim that do not actually exist. In a specialized section pertaining to the Christian doctrine of seraphim, this is out of place.

I agree, and the statement: "Seraphim, as classically depicted, can be identified by their having six wings radiating from the angel's face at the center" is just as bogus. What "classical" depiction is being thought of here? An album cover I imagine. --Wetman 00:13, 24 Apr 2005 (UTC)

• Interestingly enough, Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologica offers a description of the nature of the Seraphim:

The name "Seraphim" does not come from charity only, but from the excess of charity, expressed by the word ardor or fire. Hence Dionysius (Coel. Hier. vii) expounds the name "Seraphim" according to the properties of fire, containing an excess of heat. Now in fire we may consider three things.

First, the movement which is upwards and continuous. This signifies that they are borne inflexibly towards God.

Secondly, the active force which is "heat," which is not found in fire simply, but exists with a certain sharpness, as being of most penetrating action, and reaching even to the smallest things, and as it were, with superabundant fervor; whereby is signified the action of these angels, exercised powerfully upon those who are subject to them, rousing them to a like fervor, and cleansing them wholly by their heat.

Thirdly we consider in fire the quality of clarity, or brightness; which signifies that these angels have in themselves an inextinguishable light, and that they also perfectly enlighten others. (Emphasis added)

The objectionable quote referenced "angels of love, light and fire." Aquinas directly mentions (note the bold text above) the nature of Seraphim being "fire" and "light," and he utilizes the term "ardor" which references intense love. (Run a quick [dictionary.com] search on ardor.)

Further, Aquinas references a penetrating action which rouses, clenses, and enlighten those subject to them; that sounds an awful lot like "carry[ing] positive energy" and "keep[ing] Divinity in perfect order."

Aquinas, beyond being a well respected figure in Christianity, can by no means be described as "new age." The Summa is certainly an acceptable reference, and I think the quote, with some revision, can successfully be integrated. Essjay 08:50, May 31, 2005 (UTC)

Seraphim in popular culture

I reverted a deletion of this section because I believe deletion of a section like this should be discussed first. However, as things presently stand there is some reason to support such a deletion. The section is essentially unsourced. It consists of little more than lists of characters named or called "Seraph" who appear in various video games, with no discussion. No evidence that Seraph is anything more than a name (Analogy: characters named "Smith" and "Miller" aren't necessarily examples of the role of millers in popular culture.) --Shirahadasha 19:09, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

Absolutely. I was too precipitate in deleting this list of largely unlinked and irrelevant cruft. Seraphim in popular culture would make a neat package. We'll give it a header paragraph, repeat that paragraph here, with a link to Seraphim in popular culture --and "open the pod bay door Hal". Then those who want to diddle about with it may do so, and we don't have to watch. --Wetman 20:50, 12 January 2007 (UTC)

The section seems rather long and rather pointless, I am in favor of deleting it.68.211.221.93 02:35, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

Unsourced material

Hello, removed this material to this talk page pending sources. Note that a similar list was removed in the Cherub article. Want to make sure that each entity is identified as a Seraph by some source, and that we identify the POV involved. The identity and nature of Biblical figures and angelic beings can be controversial so WP:A and WP:NPOV is especially important. Best, --Shirahadasha 19:44, 18 March 2007 (UTC)

• ===Names attributed to this angelic order===
• According to various Jewish and Christian traditions, several angels and demons are of this rank:
  • Michael
  • Seraphiel
  • Nathanael
  • Jehoel
  • Chamuel (Kemuel, Shemuel)
  • Lucifer
  • Satan
  • Abaddon
  • Asmodeus
  • Astaroth
  • Leviathan
  • Samael
  • Semyazza
  • Metatron

Etymology

could we please get some modern, scientific and theologically neutral etymological information on the word seraph? ive come across some claims elsewhere that it means something about fiery serpents. im sceptical and would appreciate any illumination. ƒaustX 19:39, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

Just wanted to say that I agree. There doesn't appear to be any other etymology listed on the Internet than that 'seraph' is from srp = to burn FreezBee 17:38, 8 November 2007 (UTC)

The word seraphim appears with the word nachashim (serpents) in Numbers (21:6) and Deuteronomy (8:15); to describe venomous snakes. In Numbers (21:8), seraph is used alone, in place of the word nachash to describe the image of a snake that Moses creates. So, while seraphim is certainly derived from 'srp'-'to burn' it did seem to acquire an association with snakes (especially venomous snakes), and on occasion became a synonym for the same. This was possibly due to the agony ("burning") of snake bites. Apart from the vision of the heavenly court, Isaiah uses the word Seraph twice (14:29 and 30:6), both times to describe a flying monster and both times in close association with words to describes snakes ('Nachash'-serpent, in 14:29, and 'Efeh'-viper, in 30:6). So, the association with serpents is not without merit, though this is probably not the origin of the word.ElijahBenedict 17:57, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

Blessings to Godde[ss] Serendipity

"Definitions: 'The Seraphim srpym (fiery winged serpents) are no doubt connected with, and inseparable from, the idea "of the serpent of eternity - God," as explained in Kenealy's Apocalypse. But the word cherub also meant serpent, in one sense, though its direct meaning is different; because the Cherubim and the Persian winged gruphes "griffins" - the guardians of the golden mountain - are the same, and their compound name shows their character, as it is formed of kr (kr) circle, and avb "aub," or ob - serpent - therefore, a "serpent in a circle." And this settles the phallic character of the Brazen Serpent, and justifies Hezekiah for braking it. (see II. Kings, 18,4). [....]' [Based on: T.S.D. Vol. 1, by H.P. Blavatsky (1999 edition), p. 364 (+ footnote)]. Associated spellings/words: srpym." Source: [1] (accessed: December 27, 2007)

NB: B9~hummingbird~hovering of naga totem offers this edit to the titans of primordial chaos, the Asura/Æsir. Left-handed Hummingbird is of the Old Gods. 108 svaha.

The Principality of Serendipity
B9 hummingbird hovering ^{(talk • contribs)} 09:04, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

bizarre band description

it's right at the bottom of the page, should this really be here? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.108.6.19 (talk) 21:44, 7 January 2008 (UTC)

Trisagion vs. Sanctus

I corrected the article to say that the hymn that Seraphim chant is the "Sanctus" -- it had said "Trisagion," but this wasn't quite right, given that the Sanctus is the name for the hymn that quotes Ezekiel and Revelation and begins "Holy, Holy, Holy," whereas the Trisagion (as per the article on it) is somewhat similar but quite distinct, beginning "Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One . . ."113.22.49.31 (talk) 15:39, 7 February 2010 (UTC)