Uriel
Uriel is recognized as an archangel in various Jewish, Christian, and esoteric traditions. He is often associated with divine wisdom, knowledge, and truth, and is sometimes depicted as an angel of repentance or the angel of God's presence. Across different texts, Uriel plays roles ranging from instructing prophets to guarding sacred places and intervening in earthly events, cementing his importance in angelology.
Key Facts
- ›Uriel's name translates to 'God is my Flame' or 'God is my Light'.
- ›He is considered one of the seven major archangels in Russian Orthodox and folk Catholic traditions.
- ›Uriel is often identified as the angel of wisdom, knowledge, and truth.
- ›He is depicted as guarding the Gate of Eden with a fiery sword.
- ›In some traditions, Uriel is associated with the element of Earth and the North.
- ›Uriel is sometimes equated or confused with other angelic figures like Phanuel, Nuriel, and Azrael.
Auriel, Oriel, Urielle, Eurielle, Orielle, Urial, Nuriel, Uryan, Jeremiel, Vretil, Sariel, Suriel, Puruel, Phanuel, Azrael, Raphael, Usiel, Uzziel
Master of Knowledge, Archangel of Wisdom, Angel of Repentance, Angel of Truth, Angel of the Divine Presence, Guardian of the Gate of Eden
Flame, Light, Earth, Sun
Fiery Sword, Book, Papyrus Scroll, Greek Ionic Column, Staff Topped With the Sun, Chalice Filled With Blood
Second Book of Esdras, Book of Enoch, Revelation of Esdras, Apocalypse of Peter, Life of Adam and Eve, Isaiah 63:9
Wisdom, Knowledge, Truth, Repentance
Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Enoch, Ezra, Noah, Adam, Abel, John the Baptist, Saint Elizabeth, Yaldabaoth, Nefilim, Grigori, Samyaza, Azazel
- Leonardo Da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks
- Thomas Heywood's Hierarchy of Blessed Angels
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Golden Legend
- Benjamin Camfield's A Theological Discourse of Angels
- Bogomilism Rituals
- Exorcism Rituals
- Psychedelic Rock Band Uriel
- Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
- Lucifer
- the Dresden Files
- Warframe
- the Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Supernatural
- Good Omens
About Uriel
Uriel: Angel of Wisdom and Divine Flame
Uriel is a prominent archangel recognized in Rabbinic tradition and various Christian denominations, as well as in esoteric and occult literature. His name, derived from Hebrew, carries the meanings 'God is my Flame' or 'God is my Light,' reflecting his association with divine illumination, wisdom, and truth. While not mentioned in the canonical Hebrew Bible or New Testament, Uriel features significantly in apocryphal texts and later theological and mystical writings.
Role and Significance
Across different traditions, Uriel is often identified as the archangel of wisdom, knowledge, and truth. He is sometimes described as the angel of repentance, guarding the Gate of Eden with a fiery sword, or as the angel of God's presence. In the Book of Enoch, Uriel plays a crucial role, warning Noah of the coming deluge and serving as a guide to Enoch himself. He is also credited with checking the blood marks on Egyptian doors during the plague and is believed to hold the key to the pit during the end times.
Traditions and Recognition
Uriel holds particular significance in the Russian Orthodox tradition and folk Catholicism, where he is considered one of the seven major archangels. Anglicanism also recognizes him as a fourth archangel, often venerating him as the patron saint of confirmation and the arts and sciences. In Ethiopian Orthodox iconography, he is uniquely depicted carrying a chalice filled with the blood of Christ. Despite his veneration in various Christian branches, Uriel was excluded from the official list of angels eligible for veneration in the Roman Catholic Church by a synod in 745 CE.
Esoteric and Cultural Depictions
In esoteric and occult circles, Uriel is often associated with the element of Earth and the North, and is sometimes known as Auriel. His association with wisdom and light has led to his patronage of the arts. Uriel has also appeared in various works of literature, art, and popular culture, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Virgin of the Rocks," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Golden Legend," and in modern media such as the TV series "Lucifer" and "Supernatural," and the video game "Warframe."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Uriel mean?
Uriel's name has Hebrew origins and can be translated as 'God is my Flame' (ʾŪrīʾēl) or 'God is my Light' (ʾÓrīʾēl). This reflects his association with divine illumination and truth.
What are Uriel's primary roles and associations?
Uriel is primarily known as the archangel of wisdom, knowledge, and truth. He is also associated with repentance and is sometimes depicted as the angel of God's presence. In some traditions, he is seen as a guardian of the Gate of Eden.
In which religious traditions is Uriel mentioned?
Uriel is mentioned in Rabbinic tradition and various Christian traditions, including Russian Orthodox, folk Catholicism, and Anglicanism. He also appears in apocryphal, kabbalistic, and occult works.
What is Uriel's role in the Book of Enoch?
In the Book of Enoch, Uriel is named as one of the holy angels, often described as being 'over the world and over Tartarus.' He is depicted as warning Noah about the impending flood and acts as a guide to Enoch.
Is Uriel recognized in Catholic scripture?
Uriel is not mentioned by name in the canonical books of the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. While he appears in apocryphal texts like the Second Book of Esdras, he was later removed from the list of venerated angels in the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Zachary in the 8th century.
How is Uriel depicted in art and iconography?
Uriel is often depicted carrying a book or a papyrus scroll, symbolizing wisdom and knowledge. In Anglican iconography, he may hold a Greek Ionic column and a staff topped with the sun. In Ethiopian Orthodox iconography, he is sometimes shown carrying a chalice filled with Christ's blood.
Related Angels
Gadreel
The Book of Enoch details the fall of the Watchers, angels who fathered the Nephilim, and describes Enoch's heavenly journeys and revelations. It provides unique insights into the origins of demons, the moral necessity of the Genesis flood, and the future reign of the Messiah. While not canonical in most Jewish and Christian traditions, it holds significance for the Beta Israel and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Jerahmeel
Jerahmeel is a name appearing in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), meaning "He will obtain mercy of God" or "God pities." The name is associated with at least three distinct individuals: a descendant of Judah, a Levite appointed by King David, and a royal official under King Jehoiakim. Additionally, the name Jerahmeel is linked to a people inhabiting the Negev region, and in some apocryphal texts, it refers to an archangel.
Sandalphon
Sandalphon is an archangel prominent in Rabbinic Jewish and early Christian mystical traditions, though not explicitly mentioned in scripture. He is often depicted as gathering prayers and presenting them to God, and is sometimes identified with the prophet Elijah or as the twin brother of Metatron. Sandalphon holds various roles, including a guardian of unborn children, a master of heavenly song, and a figure associated with the sephirah Malkuth in Kabbalah.