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Is there an archangel (or angel) named Uriel?

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The Bible does not name an angel or archangel called Uriel. It does use Uriel as the name of human beings, while it names Gabriel and Michael among heavenly beings. Michael is specifically called an archangel, but Scripture does not give that title to Uriel (Jude 1:9).

What Scripture says about Uriel

In the Bible, Uriel is a human name, not the name of an angel. First Chronicles includes a Levite named Uriel in a family line connected with the Kohathites (1 Chronicles 6:24). Another Uriel is mentioned as the father of King Abijah's mother (2 Chronicles 13:2).

So, if the question is whether the Bible identifies Uriel as an angel, the answer is no. The name itself has a biblical appearance, but the people carrying it are ordinary human figures in Israel's history.

The angels Scripture does name

Gabriel is named when he speaks with Daniel and later brings God's message to Zechariah and Mary (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26-27). Michael is named in Daniel as a chief prince who helps in a heavenly conflict (Daniel 10:13).

Jude gives Michael a particular title, calling him the archangel. The word means a leading or chief angel. Even there, Michael does not act independently. He appeals to the Lord's authority rather than speaking a judgement in his own name (Jude 1:9).

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Jude 1:9 (KJV)

Why people have heard of Uriel

Uriel is known from ancient Jewish and later Christian writings outside the books recognised as Scripture by most Protestants. Some traditions and works of art describe him as an angel, and sometimes as an archangel. That is why his name can sound familiar.

Christians do not all give the same weight to every ancient religious writing. Still, it helps to be clear about the distinction. Those later traditions may be historically interesting, but they do not change what the Bible itself says, or does not say, about Uriel.

A wise way to approach angels

The Bible shows angels as God's servants. They bring messages, protect according to God's command, and carry out his purposes. They are real, but they are never meant to replace God at the centre of our attention (Hebrews 1:14).

John's experience gives a helpful boundary. When he fell before an angel, the angel stopped him and directed him to worship God. Curiosity is fine. Worship belongs to God alone (Revelation 22:8-9).

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Revelation 22:8-9 (KJV)

Scripture referenced: 1 Chronicles 6:24 (KJV), 2 Chronicles 13:2 (KJV), Daniel 8:16 (KJV), Daniel 10:13 (KJV), Luke 1:19 (KJV), Luke 1:26-27 (KJV), Jude 1:9 (KJV), Hebrews 1:14 (KJV), Revelation 22:8-9 (KJV)

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