of Hebrew origin (מִיכָאֵל); Michael, an archangel:--Michael.
Transliteration:Michaḗl
Pronunciation:mikh-ah-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G3413}}` (Μιχαήλ, *Michaḗl*) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun `{{H4317}}` (מִיכָאֵל, *Mikha'el*). The Hebrew name is a rhetorical question meaning "Who is like God?" or "Who is like El?" This interrogative statement functions as an affirmation of God's unique and incomparable nature, implying that no one possesses the attributes or power of the Almighty. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific angelic being within the biblical narrative, rather than conveying a general concept or attribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Michael appears in the Old Testament (as `{{H4317}}`) and the New Testament (as `{{G3413}}`), consistently referring to the same high-ranking angelic figure.
* **Daniel 10:13**: Michael is introduced as "one of the chief princes" (שַׂר אֶחָד הָרִאשֹׁנִים), coming to assist the angelic messenger who was delayed by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia." This highlights his elevated status and active involvement in spiritual warfare on behalf of God's purposes.
* **Daniel 10:21**: He is further identified as "your prince" (שַׂרְכֶם), indicating a special guardianship over the nation of Israel.
* **Daniel 12:1**: Michael is called "the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people" (הַשַּׂר הַגָּדוֹל הָעֹמֵד עַל־בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ). This verse connects him directly to the time of the end and the deliverance of God's people, solidifying his role as a protector in eschatological events.
* **Jude 1:9**: In the New Testament, Michael is explicitly called "the archangel" (ὁ ἀρχάγγελος, `{{G743}}`). Here, he disputes with the devil over the body of Moses. Notably, Michael does not pronounce a railing judgment against the devil but rather defers to divine authority, saying, "The Lord rebuke you!" This demonstrates his humility and reliance on God's power rather than his own.
* **Revelation 12:7**: Michael and his angels are depicted waging war against "the dragon" (Satan) and his angels in heaven. This portrays Michael as a powerful military leader of the heavenly hosts, leading the forces of good to victory against evil.
Across these occurrences, Michael consistently emerges as a high-ranking angelic being, a special guardian of God's people, and a formidable leader in spiritual combat against the forces of darkness, particularly in contexts related to the end times.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Archangel (ἀρχάγγελος, `{{G743}}`):** This is the most direct conceptual link, as Michael is the only angelic being explicitly designated "the archangel" in the biblical canon. The term signifies a chief or ruling angel, indicating a position of leadership and authority within the angelic hierarchy.
* **Angel (ἄγγελος, `{{G32}}`):** Michael belongs to the broader category of angels, who serve as God's messengers and agents. His specific role as an "archangel" places him at the apex of this order.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** Michael's engagements with the "prince of Persia" (Daniel) and the "dragon" (Revelation) underscore the biblical reality of spiritual conflict. This concept involves unseen battles against demonic "principalities and powers" (e.g., [[Ephesians 6:12]]).
* **Eschatology:** Michael's prominence in the book of Daniel's prophecies concerning the "time of the end" and his role in the heavenly war of Revelation 12 firmly establish him as a significant figure in biblical eschatology, particularly concerning the final deliverance of God's people.
* **Guardian Angel/Prince:** His designation as "your prince" and "the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people" reflects the concept of angelic beings assigned to nations or individuals, acting as protectors.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Michael, the archangel, carries several profound theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Protection:** Michael's very name, "Who is like God?", serves as a constant theological declaration of God's unparalleled supremacy. His role as a protector of Israel and a warrior against evil demonstrates God's active involvement in the world and His unwavering commitment to defending His chosen people. Michael acts as an instrument of God's power, not an independent source of it.
* **Reality of Spiritual Conflict:** Michael's consistent portrayal as a combatant against demonic forces (the "prince of Persia," the "devil," the "dragon") affirms the biblical truth of an ongoing spiritual war. This provides both comfort—that God has powerful agents fighting on behalf of His people—and a sober warning about the existence of real, malevolent spiritual forces.
* **Angelic Hierarchy and Order:** The designation "archangel" and "chief prince" suggests an ordered structure within the angelic realm, reflecting God's nature as a God of order. Michael's specific role highlights that God delegates authority and responsibility even among His heavenly beings.
* **Humility and Proper Authority:** The account in [[Jude 1:9]], where Michael refuses to revile the devil but instead defers to the Lord's rebuke, offers a crucial lesson in humility and the proper exercise of authority. It teaches that even the most powerful created beings operate under God's ultimate authority and do not act on their own prerogative.
* **Eschatological Hope:** Michael's appearances in eschatological contexts (Daniel 12, Revelation 12) provide a glimpse into God's ultimate victory over evil. His leadership in the final battle assures believers that God's plan will culminate in the triumph of righteousness and the complete deliverance of His people.
### Summary
The Greek term `{{G3413}}` (Μιχαήλ), derived from the Hebrew meaning "Who is like God?", identifies the archangel Michael, a prominent and powerful angelic being in biblical revelation. Consistently portrayed as a "chief prince" and "the archangel," Michael serves as a divine protector of God's people, particularly Israel, and a formidable leader in spiritual warfare against demonic forces. His appearances in Daniel, Jude, and Revelation underscore his high rank, his unwavering commitment to God's will, and his active participation in the cosmic conflict between good and evil, especially in the context of the end times. Theologically, Michael's existence and actions affirm God's supreme sovereignty, validate the reality of spiritual warfare, illustrate the ordered nature of the angelic realm, model humble authority, and provide hope for God's ultimate triumph and the deliverance of His saints. His very name, "Who is like God?", serves as a perpetual testament to the incomparable majesty of the Almighty.
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