Seraphim

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew śerāfîm (שְׂרָפִים), “burning ones,” highlighting their fiery or radiant depiction in the vision
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (prophetic era; Isaiah’s ministry)
• Main References: Isaiah 6:1–7
• Key Connections: Isaiah’s temple vision; the holiness proclamation around YHWH’s throne

Who was Seraphim?

Seraphim are celestial beings seen by the prophet Isaiah in a temple-throne vision.
They are portrayed with six wings, attending YHWH and calling out a threefold declaration of holiness.
In the scene, one seraph uses a burning coal from the altar to address Isaiah’s ritual impurity.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: They stand above the Lord and continually proclaim God’s holiness in Isaiah’s vision.
• Event 2: Their call causes the thresholds to shake and the temple to fill with smoke.
• Event 3: One seraph touches Isaiah’s mouth with a coal from the altar, declaring his guilt removed.

Life Lesson & Legacy

The seraphim underscore that Israel’s God is depicted as supremely holy and approached with reverence and purification.

Key Verse

"And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”" — Isaiah 6:3, ESV