What is the Name of Each Archangel?

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The word “archangel” is commonly found in Christian thought and literature. Christ is often described as returning during the Second Coming “with the archangel’s call and with God’s trumpet.” However, for all the importance of and Christian fascination with archangels they are mentioned very rarely in the Scriptures.

Depending on the translation used, the word “archangel” will only appear in the Bible once, twice, thrice or not at all. As such, the actual number of archangels is disputed and evidence is often pulled from tradition or the Apocrypha.

The Apocrypha are the books of the Bible that were either included in some version of the canonical Bible or were never included in the official canon but nonetheless shed light on important biblical events or the Bible’s history. Such books are often sited in discussions concerning archangels and can be used to construct a rough list of the names of heavenly archangels.

Michael

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Michael is the archangel whose status is least in dispute. In many translations of the Bible, Michael is the only archangel identified as such. The book of Jude identifies Michael as “the archangel Michael” in verse 9. The book of Daniel also references the archangel Michael, but does not identify him as such. Instead, Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes” in Daniel 10:13 and as “Michael, your prince.”

With Michael’s name canonically associated with the word “archangel,” most Christian denominations recognize him as an archangel. In some cases, he is believed to be the only archangel. Such traditions tend to reference how Jude 1:9 refers to Michael as “the archangel,” interpreting the verse as stating that Michael is the only archangel in existence. Other traditions hold that Michael is the only confirmed archangel. They hold that there may be others, but that it is best not to presume and declare that other angels are archangels without confirmation in the Scriptures.

Gabriel

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Gabriel is one of the only angels identified by name in the Bible. He appeared to Daniel and foretold of the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem. Gabriel had previously interpreted one of Daniel’s visions. For all his importance in the Old Testament, Gabriel is most often remembered for his role in the conception and birth of Jesus. Gabriel is the angel who appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her that she would be the mother of the Son of God.

Given his importance to the biblical story, Gabriel is commonly believed to be an archangel. Many Christians refer to him as “the archangel Gabriel” and are surprised to discover that the Scriptures never actually identify him as such.

The Orthodox Church identifies Gabriel as one of seven archangels, and the book of Enoch, one of the apocryphal books, names Gabriel in two lists of archangels. Between apocryphal references and church tradition, Gabriel’s status as archangel is commonly accepted. It is not, however, confirmed in the actual text of the Bible.

Raphael

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Raphael is another commonly named “archangel”, but, like Gabriel, the canonical Bible never explicitly states that he is an archangel. His is, however, identified as such in the apocryphal book of Tobit. In Tobit, Raphael heals, protects and saves the virtuous Israelite Tobit, Tobit’s son Tobias and Sarah, the woman Tobias eventually marries. In the book, Raphael journeys with Tobias while pretending to be a relative named Azariah. When Raphael eventually reveals himself as an angel, he says that he is “Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.” This statement is sometimes translated as one of the seven archangels and is also frequently referenced as the text which indicates the number of archangels in heaven.

Many Christians are unaware that, like Gabriel, Raphael is not canonically listed as an archangel. Along with Gabriel and Michael, he is one of the angels most commonly called an archangel. Both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches officially recognize Raphael as an archangel. They both also agree with the line in Tobit that states there are seven such archangels.

Raguel and Remiel

Raguel and Remiel are two of the other archangels named in Enoch 20.

The archangel Raguel is said to take vengeance on the “world of the luminaries” who have rebelled against God’s laws. He punishes sinners, and some translations of the Bible identify Raguel as the angel who separates the souls of the faithful from the unfaithful. Beyond being judge and avenger, Raguel is associated with justice, fairness and redemption. He is also commonly accepted as an archangel among Catholics but has not been officially recognized as such.

Remiel is also often identified by Catholics as an archangel despite not holding that status officially. Remiel is considered to be the angel of hope and the one who guides faithful souls to heaven and watches over those who will be resurrected. In 2 Baruch 55:3 of the Apocrypha, it is also stated that Remiel “presides over true visions.”

Beyond the uncertainty of Remiel’s official status as archangel, Remiel’s name is actually in question. Some traditions hold that the archangel Remiel is actually Jeremiel or Uriel while others claim that Remiel is no longer an angel at all as some translations of the book of Enoch name a “Remiel” as a fallen angel who took a human wife. Remiel is usually seen as an angel of some sort, though, with the argument being made that there were two angels named Remiel, one who fell and one who did not.

Selaphiel, Jehudiel, and Barachiel

Selaphiel, Jehudiel and Barachiel are the remaining three archangels recognized by the Orthodox Church. Selaphiel is said to pray to God for mankind and is often depicted in a prayerful posture with his head down and hands folded. Some traditions hold that Selaphiel is said to be the angel in the book of Revelation who presents the prayers of mankind to God while others believe he is the angel who saved Adam and Eve from Satan after they were forced to leave Eden.

Jehudiel is said to encourage exertion for the glory of God and distribute the reward for those efforts. His depiction is somewhat more intricate than Selaphiel’s. Jehudiel is often shown holding a whip with three red or black thongs in his left hand and a golden crown in his right. Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his breast and is said to entreat God to have mercy on His people. Barachiel also distributes the blessings earned through good deeds.