Among the many heavenly beings described in Scripture, the Seraphim stand out as creatures of immense glory and holiness. These beings are not frequently mentioned in the Bible, but when they do appear, their presence is overwhelming. Understanding the Seraphim requires examining their name, their appearance, and their function in God’s divine order.
The Meaning of Seraphim
The word “Seraphim” (שְׂרָפִים, seraphim) comes from the Hebrew root “saraph” (שָׂרַף), which means “to burn” or “to set on fire.” The name itself means “burning ones,” suggesting that these creatures radiate with the consuming fire of God’s holiness.
This same Hebrew root is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe fiery serpents (Numbers 21:6-8, Deuteronomy 8:15, Isaiah 14:29), which has led some to speculate that the Seraphim have a serpent-like form. However, their description in Isaiah suggests a much more complex and majestic appearance.
Where Do We See the Seraphim?
The Seraphim are only directly mentioned in one passage of Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7. Isaiah records his vision of the Lord on His throne, surrounded by these celestial beings:
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’ And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.”
(Isaiah 6:1-4)
This passage gives us the clearest picture of what these beings look like and their role in heaven.
What Do the Seraphim Look Like?
Isaiah describes the Seraphim as having six wings:
Two wings cover their face – signifying their humility and reverence before the holiness of God. Even in their sinless state, they cannot look directly upon the fullness of His glory.
Two wings cover their feet – possibly symbolizing their submission and unworthiness to stand in the presence of the Almighty.
Two wings allow them to fly – indicating their readiness to serve and move according to God’s will.
The Seraphim are not described with multiple faces like the Cherubim in Ezekiel, but their burning nature and their function in worship set them apart from other angelic beings.
What Do the Seraphim Do?
They Worship the Lord Continually
The Seraphim proclaim the holiness of God in an eternal song:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”
(Isaiah 6:3)
This threefold declaration of “Holy” emphasizes the absolute purity and transcendence of God. This same phrase is echoed by the four living creatures in Revelation 4:8, which could indicate a connection between them and the Seraphim.
They Serve as Ministers of Purification
After Isaiah cries out in despair at his own sinfulness, a Seraph approaches him:
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.’” (Isaiah 6:6-7)
The Seraphim are involved in Isaiah’s cleansing, showing that they are not only worshippers but also agents of God’s purification. This act of burning away sin aligns with their fiery nature and their name, “burning ones.”
Are the Seraphim Mentioned Anywhere Else?
Though the word “Seraphim” is only used in Isaiah 6, some scholars believe they might be the same as the “fiery serpents” (seraphim) in the wilderness (Numbers 21:6-9) and the “four living creatures” in Revelation 4.
The Fiery Serpents in the Wilderness
In Numbers 21:6, the Lord sent “fiery serpents” (seraphim) to punish Israel. Some have speculated that these could be connected to the Seraphim in Isaiah, but there is no clear biblical evidence linking them directly.
The Four Living Creatures in Revelation 4
In Revelation 4:6-8, John describes four living beings around God’s throne, each with six wings and continuously crying out, “Holy, holy, holy.” This is strikingly similar to the Seraphim’s description in Isaiah. These creatures, however, also have multiple faces (lion, ox, man, eagle), which makes them more like the Cherubim described in Ezekiel 1.
While we cannot say with certainty that the four living creatures are Seraphim, the similarities suggest that they may serve a similar function.
Seraphim and Their Heavenly Role
The Seraphim dwell in the highest presence of God, always surrounding His throne. Unlike other angels who act as messengers or warriors, the Seraphim’s primary role seems to be that of worship and purification. They never leave the throne room, and their sole focus is magnifying the holiness of the Lord.
Their function as “burning ones” aligns with many descriptions of God’s presence:
The burning bush in Exodus 3:2
The pillar of fire in Exodus 13:21
The fiery throne of God in Daniel 7:9-10
They are heavenly beings who exist in the intensity of God’s glory without being consumed.
My Final Thoughts
The Seraphim give us a glimpse into the heavenly worship that continually surrounds God’s throne. Their name, “burning ones,” reflects both their radiant glory and their role in purification. Unlike angels who are messengers or warriors, the Seraphim exist to worship and proclaim the holiness of God.
Their presence in Isaiah’s vision reminds us that no one can stand before the Lord without being cleansed. Just as Isaiah needed the burning coal to purify him, we too need the purifying work of Christ. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, has made a way for us to enter the presence of a holy God.
The Seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy,” because there is no one like our God. May our worship reflect the same awe and reverence, for we serve the King of kings, high and lifted up, whose glory fills the earth!
“Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure!” (Psalm 103:21)
