Jophiel
Jewish and Christian·Archangel
Jophiel is an archangel recognized in Jewish and Christian angelology, celebrated as the angel of beauty, art, craftsmanship, and wisdom. Often depicted with a flaming sword, Jophiel is associated with divine judgment and the guardianship of wisdom, having taught numerous languages at creation according to some traditions. The name Jophiel itself signifies "Beauty of God."
Key Facts
- ›Jophiel is an archangel in Jewish and Christian angelology.
- ›Their primary domains include beauty, art, craftsmanship, and wisdom.
- ›Jophiel is associated with divine judgment and the guardianship of the Torah.
- ›Some traditions describe Jophiel as having taught 70 languages at the dawn of creation.
- ›Iconographically, Jophiel is often depicted holding a flaming sword.
Iophiel, Iofiel, Jofiel, Yofiel, Youfiel, Zophiel, Zuriel, Dina
Angel of Beauty, Angel of Art, Angel of Craftsmanship, Angel of Wisdom, Guardian of the Torah, Teacher
Flaming Sword
Revelation of Moses, Zohar, Calendarium Naturale Magicum Perpetuum, the Veritable Clavicles of Solomon, Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, Paradise Lost
Beauty, Art, Craftsmanship, Wisdom
Metatron, Ham, Japheth, Shem
- Stained Glass At St Michael's Church In Brighton
- Stained Glass At St Peter and St John's Church In Kirkley
- Stained Glass At Holy Trinity Church In Coventry
- Mural At St. John's Episcopal Church In Memphis, Tennessee
- John Milton's Paradise Lost
About Jophiel
The angel Jophiel is a significant figure in both Jewish and Christian angelology, recognized primarily as the archangel of beauty, art, craftsmanship, and wisdom. The name Jophiel itself derives from Hebrew, meaning "Beauty of God" (Yōp̄īʾēl), though other names and transliterations such as Zophiel ("God is my watchman") and Zuriel ("God is my rock") are also associated with this celestial being.
Beliefs and Roles
According to the pseudepigraphal text, the Revelation of Moses, Jophiel is also known as Dina and is described as an angel of the seventh heaven. In this capacity, Jophiel is portrayed as a guardian of the Torah and wisdom itself, having imparted knowledge of 70 languages to souls at the dawn of creation. Later texts, such as the Zohar, list Jophiel as a Great Angel Chief overseeing 53 legions, responsible for supervising Torah readings on the Sabbath. Jophiel is also noted as a teacher of prominent figures like Ham, Japheth, and Shem in certain traditions.
Iconography and Associations
In religious art and iconography, Jophiel is often depicted holding a flaming sword, a symbol that appears in various ecclesiastical settings, including stained glass windows and murals. Within Kabbalistic traditions, Jophiel is sometimes linked to the Sephira Binah. Different historical and magical texts attribute Jophiel to celestial bodies or spheres, with Agrippa linking Jophiel to Saturn and Paracelsus assigning them to Jupiter. Some sources, like those derived from the Calendarium Naturale Magicum Perpetuum, list Jophiel as the angel of Binah, and in the context of the Shemhamphorasch, Jophiel is said to be in charge of specific angels.
Gender and Tradition
While traditional theological views posit angels as genderless beings, historical references to Jophiel frequently describe the angel with female characteristics. This is noted in contexts discussing historical references where Jophiel is most often referenced as female rather than male.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the name Jophiel?
The name Jophiel is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Beauty of God" (Yōp̄īʾēl). Other transliterations and related names include Iophiel, Iofiel, Jofiel, Zophiel, and Zuriel.
What are Jophiel's primary roles and responsibilities?
Jophiel is recognized as the archangel of beauty, art, craftsmanship, and wisdom. They are also associated with divine judgment and are considered a guardian of the Torah in some traditions.
How is Jophiel depicted in art and iconography?
Jophiel is frequently depicted in art holding a flaming sword. This imagery appears in various stained glass windows and murals in churches.
What is Jophiel's connection to the Torah and wisdom?
According to the pseudepigraphal Revelation of Moses, Jophiel is a guardian of the Torah and wisdom itself. They are also credited with teaching 70 languages to souls at the beginning of creation.
Is Jophiel associated with any specific celestial bodies or divine attributes?
In some Kabbalistic systems, Jophiel is associated with the Sephira Binah. Agrippa attributed Jophiel to Saturn, while Paracelsus assigned them to Jupiter. Rudd linked Jophiel to the Zodiac.
Who are some other angels or figures associated with Jophiel?
Jophiel is said to be a companion to the angel Metatron. In some texts, Jophiel is credited with teaching Ham, Japheth, and Shem. Robert Ambelain places Jophiel in charge of specific Cherubim, including Haziel, Aladiah, and Lauviah.
Related Angels
Barachiel
Barachiel, meaning "God has blessed," is an Archangel revered in Judaism, Byzantine Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions. He is primarily known as the Archangel of Blessings and is associated with bestowing divine favor, particularly upon families and converts. Iconographically, he is often depicted with symbols of blessing, such as roses or a bread basket.
Cassiel
Cassiel is an angel venerated in extracanonical Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mystical traditions. He is often identified as one of the Seven Archangels and is associated with the planet Saturn. Cassiel's roles include guardian, angel of death, and presider over the deaths of young men, wielding powerful weapons against those unfit to behold the divine.
Gabriel
Gabriel is an archangel venerated in Abrahamic religions, primarily serving as God's messenger. He is known for announcing divine will and significant events, such as the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Gabriel plays a crucial role in interpreting visions and is considered a guardian angel in some traditions.