What is an angel? In English the word means a supernatural being with wings. By contrast, the words translated as “angel” in the Bible are “mal’ak” (Strong’s H4397) in Hebrew and “angelos” (Strong’s G32) in Greek, and both of these words have the same meaning: they mean messenger. What’s the difference? An angel is a messenger from heaven, right? Wrong. Both “mal’ak” and “angelos” are used of both human and divine messengers. Anyone from an envoy to a prophet can be one of these “angels.” The problem is neither of the original words had any spiritual or supernatural connotation; to add this connotation by use of a word such as “angel” is to add to the meaning of the text something never intended. In those places where the author means a human messenger, “angel” changes the meaning; In places where a divine messenger is clearly intended, context is enough for the reader, and the meaning is still changed, since not all biblical “angels” have wings and halos. Another problem is that using “angel” sometimes and “messenger” only in cases where a human is absolutely unequivocal is confusing and dishonest to the text. I say this because I would like to see more transparency in Bible translations, so more people could take responsibility and learn more. Please let me know your thoughts on this subject.
Sola Scriptura!
Copyright © 2011 David S. Robinson. Any part of this work may be transmitted, reprinted, or otherwise used in any form, so long as 1) I am clearly identified as the author, and 2) a link or URL to this site is included.
Sola Scriptura!
Copyright © 2011 David S. Robinson. Any part of this work may be transmitted, reprinted, or otherwise used in any form, so long as 1) I am clearly identified as the author, and 2) a link or URL to this site is included.
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