Primary Study
Grafted Bible Dictionary
Definition
Seraphim are heavenly beings appearing explicitly in Isaiah 6 around God's throne.
The Hebrew term is related to burning.
Isaiah 6
Isaiah sees the LORD enthroned in the Temple.
Seraphim stand above Him, each having six wings.
They proclaim:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts."
The Hebrew term is related to burning.
Isaiah 6
Isaiah sees the LORD enthroned in the Temple.
Seraphim stand above Him, each having six wings.
They proclaim:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts."
Function
The seraphim participate in:
• worship
• proclamation of God's holiness
• purification of Isaiah
One touches Isaiah's lips with a burning coal from the sacrifice, offering, worship, or memorial encounter with God.">altar.
• worship
• proclamation of God's holiness
• purification of Isaiah
One touches Isaiah's lips with a burning coal from the sacrifice, offering, worship, or memorial encounter with God.">altar.
Fiery-Serpent Connection
The same Hebrew root can refer elsewhere to fiery serpents.
This has generated discussion about whether seraphim possess serpentine or fiery imagery.
Isaiah 6 itself emphasizes their heavenly and worshipful role.
This has generated discussion about whether seraphim possess serpentine or fiery imagery.
Isaiah 6 itself emphasizes their heavenly and worshipful role.
Theological Significance
The seraphim highlight the overwhelming holiness of God.
Isaiah's immediate response is recognition of his own uncleanness.
Isaiah's immediate response is recognition of his own uncleanness.