Samael
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Samael in the Bible?
The King James Version translates the Hebrew term as Salamiel, corresponding to the angel named Salamiel in other biblical traditions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this translation variance clarifies the distinction between the angel Salamiel and the later mythological figure Samael, aiding accurate interpretation of angelological references in scripture.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Samael. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Samael in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Samael clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Samael." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/samael/