ἰσάγγελος
isángelos
G2465 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Like an angel in nature or status; having qualities or attributes associated with heavenly messengers (angels), especially regarding immortality, celestial existence, or exalted status. The core meaning centers on being comparable to or sharing likeness with angels, typically in terms of a transformed or glorified existence.
Semantic Range
like an angel, equal to angels in status or condition, sharing in immortality or heavenly existence, angelic
Root / Etymology
Compound formed from ἴσος (equal, alike) and ἄγγελος (messenger, 'angel'), meaning literally 'equal to an angel' or 'like an angel.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἰσάγγελος is a rare, postclassical coinage, unattested in earlier classical literature. It appears notably in Luke 20:36, describing the state of those deemed worthy of resurrection—the context emphasizes immortality and a transformed existence, not merely a moral or behavioral likeness to angels. In Hellenistic Greek, similar coinages (e.g., ἰσόθεος, 'like a god') conveyed comparative states. Contemporary LXX and Second Temple literature do not use this precise term, but the concept of human beings becoming like angels or immortals upon resurrection reflects broader Jewish and Hellenistic ideas. Standard translations like 'equal to the angels' are serviceable but can obscure the nuance that the comparison is focused primarily on sharing in the condition of immortality or status in the resurrection rather than functional equivalence to the beings known as angels.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἴσος and ἄγγελος; like an angel, i.e. angelic:--equal unto the angels.
Root Family
ἰσάγγελος (isangelos) — equal, alike, messenger
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2465-01 |
ἰσάγγελοι | isaggeloi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
equal to angels | angel-equal ones | equal to angels | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2465-01 |
Luke 20:36 | ἰσάγγελοι | isaggeloi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
equal to angels | angel-equal ones | equal to angels |