ἰσάγγελος

like the angels

Definition

The adjective ἰσάγγελος means 'like the angels' or 'equal to the angels.' It describes a state of being that shares the nature, qualities, or status of angelic beings. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Luke 20:36, it specifically refers to the resurrected righteous, who, being immortal and no longer subject to death, are made like the angels. This likeness primarily concerns their immortality and their exalted, spiritual existence in the age to come.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 20:36. It appears in Jesus's teaching on the resurrection, where he corrects the Sadducees. The context is a discussion about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus states that those who are considered worthy of the resurrection and the coming age 'neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels (ἰσάγγελοι).' Here, the word is used to describe the transformed, immortal state of the redeemed.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words ἴσος (isos, G2470), meaning 'equal,' and ἄγγελος (aggelos, G32), meaning 'messenger' or 'angel.' It is a compound adjective literally meaning 'equal to an angel' or 'angel-like.' The formation is straightforward, combining the idea of equality with the nature of angelic beings.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it provides a crucial detail about the nature of the resurrection body and eternal life. It underscores the discontinuity between the present, mortal life and the future, glorified existence. Being 'like the angels' means believers will share in the angels' immortality and spiritual nature, freed from physical limitations like death and procreation (Luke 20:36). This enriches the understanding of the 'spiritual body' promised in 1 Corinthians 15:44 and affirms the radical transformation that comes with redemption.

In the 1st-century Jewish context, angels were understood as immortal, spiritual beings who served God and did not marry. The Sadducees, who denied the resurrection (Acts 23:8), posed a hypothetical about marriage to challenge the concept. Jesus's use of ἰσάγγελος directly addressed their misunderstanding, affirming the resurrection by explaining it involves a transformation into a different order of existence, comparable to the angels they acknowledged.

ἴσος (isos, G2470) — means 'equal,' the root component emphasizing the state of being like another. ἄγγελος (aggelos, G32) — means 'messenger' or 'angel,' the other root component specifying what the equality is with.

Word Details

Scripture References