What Are the Seraphim?
What Are the Seraphim? The seraphim are angelic beings seen by Isaiah in the temple, with six wings, crying 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.'
Key verse: Isaiah 6:2-3 (KJV)
The seraphim are angelic beings seen by Isaiah in the temple, with six wings, crying 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.'
The seraphim are angelic beings seen by Isaiah in the temple, with six wings, crying 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.'
"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." — Isaiah 6:2-3 (KJV)
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The Biblical Answer
Seraphim appear only in Isaiah's vision of God's throne. They are fiery, angelic creatures — the name comes from a Hebrew root meaning 'to burn' — surrounding the LORD's throne in the temple. Each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They called to one another, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.' At their cry the thresholds shook and the temple filled with smoke. One seraph flew to Isaiah with a burning coal from the altar, touching his lips and declaring his sin purged. The seraphim teach us the character of true worship: reverent posture (covering face and feet), swift obedience (flying), and ceaseless adoration of God's holiness. Their triple 'holy' is the only attribute of God raised to the superlative in Scripture — a Trinitarian hint and a declaration that God's holiness is absolute, infinite, and unapproachable apart from atonement.
Key Scripture References
"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
"Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged."
"And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Are the Cherubim?
Cherubim are angelic beings who guard the way to God's presence, first seen at Eden's entrance and represented on the ark of the covenant.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
What Does the Bible Say About Demons?
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan against God, who seek to deceive, oppress, and destroy humanity but are subject to God's authority and Christ's power.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside Isaiah. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Isaiah on day 185 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Are the Seraphim?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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