An Angel States His Name
The Bible tells us the names of only two angels: Gabriel and Michael. Of these two, Gabriel is usually the one sent to deliver good news to righteous people.
In the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, is serving as a priest in the Temple when he is visited by an angel with a special message. He learns that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son who will grow up to prepare the way for the Messiah. Given his old age, Zechariah doubts this news and asks for proof. The angel answers: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news” (Luke 1:16). Why does the angel state his name?
Discover the full richness of Scripture
Gabriel’s name is composed from two Hebrew words: Gavar גבר (“to be strong”) and El אל (God) - so it means, “God is my strength.” When Gabriel states his name, it is his certificate of authenticity. He knows that the only way to reassure Zechariah of the truth is to state that it was God, Himself, who sent him. It is hardly a coincidence that the only two angels who are named in the Bible, Gabriel and Michael, both have names that end with “El” – the name of the One God. Enroll in our live, online Biblical Hebrew course today and discover the full richness of Scripture with Hebrew on your side.