Μιχαήλ

Michaḗl

G3413 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Proper name, referring to the figure Michael, known from Israelite and post-exilic literature as a prominent angelic being. In Koine Greek contexts, Μιχαήλ designates the archangel Michael, a supernatural agent depicted as an advocate or protector of Israel/Judeans, and, in some texts, as a warrior in eschatological conflict.

Semantic Range

proper name referring to the archangel Michael in Israelite and Judean contexts; chief angelic figure; celestial protector of Israel/Judeans; leader in apocalyptic conflict

Root / Etymology

A direct transliteration from Hebrew מִיכָאֵל (Mîkhā’ēl), consisting of mi ('who?'), ka ('like/as'), and ’ēl ('God'): 'Who is like God?'. The Greek form is a loanword, not an original Greek formation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Septuagint and New Testament, Μιχαήλ refers to the extraordinary angelic figure first named in Daniel (LXX Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1), where Michael is described as 'one of the chief princes' and 'the great prince who stands guard over your people' (i.e., the Israelites/Judeans). In Second Temple literature and Jewish apocalyptic writings (e.g., 1 Enoch, Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs), Michael emerges as a leading angelic adversary against cosmic and historical forces of evil. In the New Testament, notably in Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7, Μιχαήλ is portrayed as the archangel who contends with antagonistic powers on behalf of God's people. The Greek term is always treated as an indeclinable proper name and never generalized to mean 'angel' or 'messenger.' English translations with 'Michael' reflect the transliterated nature of the name. There is no ethnic or regional association inherent in the Greek use beyond biblical tradition; the term consistently refers to the distinctive angelic/mythic character originating in Israelite religious tradition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (מִיכָאֵל); Michael, an archangel:--Michael.

Root Family

Μιχαηλ (Michaḗl) — proper name, angelic figure, supernatural protector

Root Μιχαηλ proper name, angelic figure, supernatural protector

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3413-01 Μιχαὴλ michael N NOM M SG Michael Michael Michael 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3413-01 Jude 1:9 Μιχαὴλ michael N NOM M SG Michael Michael Michael
G3413-01 Revelation 12:7 Μιχαὴλ michael N NOM M SG Michael Michael Michael