malakhim

Malakhim is a term of Hebrew origin, meaning "messengers" or "angels." In Jewish tradition, malakhim are celestial beings who serve as intermediaries between God and humanity. They are often depicted as spiritual entities that carry out divine commands, deliver messages, and offer protection.

The concept of malakhim appears throughout the Hebrew Bible and subsequent Jewish literature. They are described in various roles, from messengers delivering important news, as seen in the story of Abraham's visitors, to warriors fighting on behalf of Israel, such as the angel who destroyed the Assyrian army. Their nature is generally understood to be incorporeal, though they can sometimes manifest in physical forms to interact with the mortal world.

While often translated as "angels," the term malakh can also refer to human messengers. However, in theological contexts, it predominantly signifies these divine, supernatural beings. Different traditions within Judaism may have varying interpretations of their hierarchy and specific functions, but their fundamental role as God's servants and communicators remains consistent. They are not typically worshipped but are seen as agents of God's will, imbued with divine power and wisdom.