מִיכָאֵל (mi.kha.el)
mi.kha.el
Michael
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Miḵā’ēl translates to "who is like God," a rhetorical question that functions as a declaration of monotheism by denying any rival equals to the Creator. In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears in eleven verses, primarily within genealogical lists and historical records such as Chronicles and Daniel. Most instances refer to ordinary Israelites, including an Asherite spy (Numbers 13:13), Levitical ancestors, and military captains who supported King David.
Despite these common uses, the name carries significant theological weight in later Jewish and Christian tradition through its appearance in Daniel. In Daniel 10:13 and 12:1, Miḵā’ēl is identified as a chief prince or archangel who stands guard over Israel during times of cosmic conflict. This specific portrayal elevates the name from a simple personal identifier to a symbol of divine protection, marking it as one of the few angelic figures named in Scripture.
Translators consistently render Miḵā’ēl as Michael, preserving the phonetic structure while allowing the meaning "who is like God" to resonate with readers. The contrast between the numerous human bearers of the name and the single celestial warrior highlights a unique biblical pattern: ordinary names often acquire profound spiritual significance when applied to heavenly beings who intervene in human history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Michael means "who is like God," a phrase that serves as a powerful reminder of God's unique sovereignty. In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears frequently among ordinary Israelites—spies, ancestors, and military leaders. This pattern shows us that human names often carry deep theological weight, pointing to the reality that no created being rivals the Creator.
While most bearers of the name were faithful servants in historical records, the book of Daniel presents a striking shift. Here, Michael is described as a chief prince who stands guard over God's people during times of cosmic conflict. This portrayal offers comfort, suggesting that divine protection is active even when earthly circumstances seem overwhelming.
For your faith life, this word bridges the ordinary and the extraordinary. It reminds us that God uses everyday people for His purposes, yet He also provides heavenly assistance when we face trials. Whether in genealogies or apocalyptic visions, the name points to a God who is above all powers, offering hope and stability to those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Michael9×
- and/ Michael2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִֽיכָאֵ֡ל2×
- מִיכָאֵֽל\׃\ \ס1×
- מִיכָאֵֽל\׃1×
- מִיכָאֵ֛ל1×
- מִיכָאֵ֖ל1×
- מִֽיכָאֵ֜ל1×
- מִֽיכָאֵ֗ל1×
- מִֽיכָאֵ֑ל1×
- וּ/מִיכָאֵ֧ל1×
- וּ/מִיכָאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 12:1
“At that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time. At that time your people will be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.
This verse identifies Michael as the great prince who stands for Israel during unprecedented trouble, highlighting his role as a divine protector.
-
Daniel 10:13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Here Michael intervenes in a spiritual conflict against the prince of Persia, demonstrating his active role in heavenly warfare.
-
Numbers 13:13
Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
This early mention shows Michael as one of the spies sent to explore Canaan, illustrating the name's use among faithful Israelite leaders.