Ariel
Pronounced AIR-ee-el
- Meaning
- "Lion of God; Altar hearth"
- Origin
- Hebrew
Ariel means "lion of God" in Hebrew. In Scripture, it appears as a symbolic name for Jerusalem in Isaiah 29: "Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt!" Here it refers to the altar hearth — the place where the fire of God consumed the sacrifices — making Jerusalem the "hearth of God." The dual meaning — lion of God and altar hearth — creates a powerful image: Jerusalem is both the fierce, protective lion where God defends His people and the sacred hearth where worship rises as fire before the Almighty. Ezra 8:16 mentions a leader named Ariel whom Ezra sent as a messenger to find Levites to serve in the temple. This Ariel was a trusted leader whose name matched his mission — carrying the "fire of God" to recruit those who would serve at the altar. Ariel has become one of the most popular biblical-origin names, used for both boys and girls, appreciated for its beautiful sound and powerful spiritual imagery.
Spiritual meaning
Ariel — 'lion of God' — combines fierce strength with sacred fire. It reminds us that God's presence is both a consuming fire and a protective fortress.
Related verses (KJV)
"Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices."
Isaiah 29:1 (KJV) →"Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib... men of understanding."
Ezra 8:16 (KJV) →