Seraphim
/ˈsɛr.ə.fɪm/noun
The seraphim are the highest order of angels in some Jewish and Christian traditions.
Did you know?The Hebrew root behind seraphim is tied to burning and even venomous serpent imagery, which is why ancient readers could hear both fire and danger in the same word.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
PS
*śrp
“to burn, scorch”
Biblical Hebrew
Heb
śerāfîm
“burning ones; fiery heavenly beings”
Septuagint Greek
Grk
σεραφίμ (seraphím)
“seraphim, the fiery angelic beings”
Late Latin
Lat
seraphim
“seraphim; highest angels”
Middle English
Eng
seraphin
“a seraph; one of the highest angels”
Modern English
Eng
seraphim
“the seraphim, highest-ranking angels in some traditions”