רַב־מַלְאָךְ
rav-mal'ákhmasculine
The English word "archangel" can be translated into Hebrew as רַב־מַלְאָךְ (rav-mal'ákh). If unsure, use רַב־מַלְאָךְ. Wiktionary also lists שר־מַלְאָכִים (sar-mal'akhím).
Meaning: angel who leads other angels (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| רַב־מַלְאָךְ | rav-mal'ákh | masculine |
| שר־מַלְאָכִים | sar-mal'akhím | masculine |
In Hebrew, these terms refer to an angel who leads other angels.
What does it mean word for word?
The term רַב־מַלְאָךְ is composed of the word 'rav' (chief/great) and 'mal'akh' (angel).
Which one should you use?
רַב־מַלְאָךְ uses a singular noun to denote a chief angel, whereas שר־מַלְאָכִים uses a plural noun to mean "minister of angels" or "prince of angels".
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms provided are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
rav-mal'ákh
Did you know?
- The term שר־מַלְאָכִים reflects a celestial bureaucracy where archangels are viewed as 'ministers' overseeing specific nations or divine departments.
- While רַב־מַלְאָךְ sounds highly formal or poetic, the component word רַב is the same root found in the word 'rabbi', which originally meant 'great' or 'master'.
- The word שַׂר used in שר־מַלְאָכִים is the exact same term used today for a high-ranking government official, such as a 'minister of finance'.
Examples in context
- הוא נחשב לְרַב־מַלְאָךְ חשוב.Hu nekhshav le-rav-mal'akh khashuv.He is considered an important archangel.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing religious figures in a museum.
- דניאל Danielדניאל, תסתכלי על הציור של רַב־מַלְאָךְ.Daniel, tistakli al hatsiyur shel rav-mal'akh.Daniel, look at the painting of an archangel.
- עגור Adiזה נראה מאוד מרשים, דניאל.ze nir'a me'od marshim, Daniel.It looks very impressive, Daniel.
- דניאל Danielאיזה רַב־מַלְאָךְ זה אמור להיות?eize rav-mal'akh ze amur lihyot?Which archangel is this supposed to be?
- עגור Adiאני חושבת שזה מיכאל.ani khoshevet sheze Michael.I think it is Michael.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “archangel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
