Seraph
/ˈsɛr.əf/noun
A seraph is a highest-ranking angel in biblical and later Jewish and Christian tradition.
Did you know?In the Hebrew Bible, the related word *seraphim* can describe fiery, serpent-like beings, which is why the name carries both angelic and dangerous, flame-born energy.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
PSem
*śrp
“to burn, scorch”
Biblical Hebrew
Heb
śārāf / śerāfîm
“burning one(s); fiery beings, and also venomous serpents in some passages”
Septuagint Greek
Grk
σεραφείμ (serapheím)
“seraphim, the heavenly beings of Isaiah”
Late Latin
Lat
seraphim
“seraphim, angelic beings”
Middle English
Eng
seraph
“a seraph, an angel of the highest order”
Modern English
Eng
seraph
“a seraph, a highest-ranking angel”