Seraphism
/ˈsɛr.ə.fɪ.zəm/noun
The doctrine, quality, or state of being seraphic; angelic or fervently spiritual character.
Did you know?The root behind seraphism traces to Hebrew serāfîm, often linked to “burning ones,” so the word carries a built-in image of celestial fire rather than soft holiness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Heb
śerāfîm
““Burning ones,” a name for fiery heavenly beings in biblical tradition.”
Late Antiquity
Greek
seraphim
“A transliterated plural form used in Jewish and Christian religious texts for the fiery angelic beings.”
Late Latin
Latin
seraphim
“The biblical angelic beings, preserved as a learned religious term.”
Middle English
English
seraphy / seraphim
“A seraph or the angelic order of seraphs; later a poetic or theological term for angelic purity.”
18th–19th Century
English
seraphism
“The quality, state, or doctrine of being seraphic; angelic fervor or exalted spirituality.”