Abdiel

/ˈæbdiəl/ noun

Definition

In Islamic and Jewish angelology, a divine messenger or angel; also the name of a specific angel who remained loyal to God in Milton's 'Paradise Lost'.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'Abdiy'el', composed of 'Abd' (servant) and 'El' (God), literally meaning 'servant of God'. The word entered English through religious and literary tradition.

Kelly Says

Abdiel is famous in Western literature because Milton made him the only angel who refused to join Satan's rebellion in 'Paradise Lost'—making the name a symbol of unwavering loyalty, which is why it appears in both biblical scholarship and poetry.

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