Γαβριήλ
Gabriḗl
G1043 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Gabriḗl is used as a proper noun referring to a supernatural messenger or herald, named Gabriel. In the Greek Bible, this figure is consistently portrayed as one of the principal messengers (sometimes termed an 'angel' or 'archangel') who communicates divine messages, especially significant revelations regarding Israelite or Judean affairs. The name itself carries a sense of 'person (man/strength) of El (God),' but in Greek contexts refers specifically to this figure rather than functioning as a common noun.
Semantic Range
Gabriel (proper name of a supernatural messenger/angelic figure); name for a heavenly herald in apocalyptic or revelatory contexts; figuratively, sometimes the embodiment of divine communication or authority
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew גַּבְרִיאֵל (Gavri'el), meaning 'El (God) is my strong man/hero' or 'man of God.' The Greek form Γαβριήλ is a direct transliteration from the Hebrew, not formed from native Greek roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Γαβριήλ appears in the Septuagint (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and in the New Testament (Luke 1:19, 26) exclusively as a personal name for a supernatural figure who serves as a prominent messenger in apocalyptic and birth-annunciation narratives. In Jewish Second Temple literature, Gabriel is depicted as an angelic being of high rank and is associated with messages and mysterious visions; this tradition is preserved and developed in later Christian texts as well. The Greek rendering matches the Hebrew, preserving the unique personal designation rather than translating or adapting the meaning. Standard English translations use 'Gabriel,' following this transliteration tradition, but in biblical texts the figure functions primarily as a herald of supernatural revelation rather than as a generalized archangelic or angelic being. The Greek term is not used in a broader mythological or secular Hellenistic context outside of Jewish or Christian scripture.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (גַּבְרִיאֵל); Gabriel, an archangel:--Gabriel.
Root Family
Γαβριήλ (Gabriēl) — Gabriel, supernatural messenger, herald
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1043-01 |
Γαβριὴλ | gabriel | N NOM M SG |
Gabriel | Gabriel | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences