When you see names like Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, or Uriel, have you ever noticed they all end the same way, “-el”? That little two-letter ending is more than just coincidence. In the Hebrew Bible, El (אֵל) means God. It’s one of the oldest names for the Almighty, pointing to His might and power.
So when you see “-el” at the end of an angel’s name, it literally ties the angel’s identity back to God. Their whole being points to who God is and what He does. The first part of their names then reveals their role, their message, or the very character of God they reflect.
Let’s walk through some examples.
The Faithful Angels
- Michael – “Who is like God?”
Michael’s name is a challenge to pride and a declaration of God’s uniqueness. That’s why Michael is pictured in Revelation as the warrior who confronts the dragon.
📖 “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.” (Revelation 12:7) - Gabriel – “Strength of God”
Gabriel delivers messages that shake history, from Daniel’s visions to the announcement of Christ’s birth. His name speaks of God’s strength behind every word.
📖 “The angel Gabriel… said, ‘I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.’” (Luke 1:19) - Raphael – “God heals”
Tradition ties Raphael to healing, especially in the apocryphal book of Tobit. But healing is more than curing sickness, it’s about restoring what’s broken.
📖 “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14) - Uriel – “God is my light”
Uriel’s name points to God’s light and fire, illumination before judgment. Some traditions say he warned Noah of the coming flood.
📖 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) - Raguel – “Friend of God”
Mentioned in apocryphal writings as a bringer of justice and harmony. His name points us to reconciliation and right relationship with God.
📖 “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness, and he was called a friend of God.” (James 2:23)
The Fallen Names
Even the names of fallen angels carry “-el.” It’s like a scar — proof that they were made by God, even though their identity was twisted through rebellion.
- Azazel – “Strength against God”
In Leviticus 16, the scapegoat is sent “to Azazel” in the wilderness. In Enoch, Azazel is blamed for teaching mankind warfare, weaponry, and corruption.
📖 “Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and send it away into the wilderness… to Azazel.” (Leviticus 16:21–22) - Samael – “Poison / Blindness of God”
Often described as an angel of death in Jewish writings. A perversion of sight, what should give vision instead blinds. - Kokabel – “Star of God”
Once connected to the heavens, Kokabel is condemned in Enoch for teaching astrology and corrupting men with forbidden knowledge.
The Watchers of Mount Hermon
Most people have never heard these names unless they’ve read the Book of Enoch. These were the “Watchers,” angels who descended and took wives from among mankind. On Mount Hermon, they swore an oath together to carry out this rebellion.
A few of their names and meanings:
- Semjaza – “My name has seen” (leader of the rebellion).
- Asael (Azazel) – “God strengthens” twisted into corruption.
- Armaros – “Cursed one.”
- Baraqiel – “Lightning of God,” who turned his light into destruction.
- Chazaqiel – “Cloud of God.”
- Sariel – “Prince of God,” mentioned as one who fell.
These names mirror the same pattern, tied to God by the –el, but twisted by rebellion. What should have been light became darkness.
📖 “The sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.” (Genesis 6:2)
📖 “They took wives for themselves, and they began teaching charms and enchantments… and the earth was corrupted.” (1 Enoch 7:1–2, paraphrased)
The Lesson in the Names
The faithful angels’ names reveal God’s character, His strength, healing, light, and mercy.
The fallen names show how rebellion corrupts identity, strength becomes defiance, vision becomes blindness, light becomes idolatry.
The truth is simple: the “-el” is always there, because everything was created through God. But the prefix tells the story: are you aligned with Him, or turned against Him?
And here’s the part that matters most: just like the angels, our names will one day carry the story of our lives. Revelation promises that we will be given a “new name” written on a white stone (Revelation 2:17). That name will not carry , it will reflect Christ’s victory in us.
✍️ Final Thought
Michael’s name asks the question: Who is like God?
Gabriel’s says: God strengthens.
Raphael’s says: God heals.
Uriel’s says: God is my light.
Azazel’s shows the opposite: Strength against God.
What would your name say if it carried the story of your life?
Troy P Zehnder 
❤️❤️❤️
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