ἰσάγγελος (isangelos)
isangelos
like an angel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare adjective isangelos means "like" or "equal to" angels. It combines the words for "equal" and "messenger," creating a precise description of status rather than nature. In Scripture, it appears only once, in Luke 20:36, where Jesus describes the condition of those who are considered worthy of the age to come.
Jesus uses this term to explain that resurrected believers will not marry and will no longer die. They will share a likeness with angels in their immortal existence, though they remain distinct as children of God. This single usage highlights a unique aspect of eternal life: freedom from earthly institutions like marriage and the finality of death.
Because the word is so uncommon, it carries significant weight in its specific context. It does not suggest that humans become angels, but rather that they share certain characteristics with them in the resurrection. The term emphasizes a transformed state of being that transcends ordinary human limitations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word isangelos appears only once in Scripture, found in Luke 20:36. Jesus uses it to describe those who are considered worthy of the age to come. He explains that in the resurrection, believers will be like angels in one specific way: they will no longer die. This term highlights a profound shift in our existence, moving beyond earthly limitations into an eternal state.
It is important to understand that this likeness does not mean humans become angels. Rather, it points to a shared characteristic of immortality. While angels are spiritual beings created for a specific purpose, resurrected believers remain children of God. We retain our human identity but are freed from the cycle of death and decay that marks our current lives.
This promise offers great comfort. The fear of mortality is lifted for those who belong to God. We look forward to a future where we fully share in His life, unburdened by the fragility of our present bodies. This hope anchors our faith as we live today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like [the] angels1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰσάγγελοι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 20:36
For they can’t die any more, for they are like the angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.
This verse uses isangelos to specify that resurrected believers will share the angelic trait of immortality, being unable to die any more.