How Do You Spell OPHANIM?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒfanɪm] (IPA)

The word "ophanim" refers to mystical creatures with multiple wings that appear in ancient Jewish and Christian texts. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /əʊˈfænɪm/. The first syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound, followed by an open "o" sound. The second syllable starts with an "f" sound and ends with the "im" suffix, pronounced as a short "i" sound followed by an "m" sound. Overall, the spelling of "ophanim" accurately reflects its pronunciation in English.

OPHANIM Meaning and Definition

  1. Ophanim is a term derived from Hebrew mysticism and refers to a celestial being or angelic entity mentioned in the divine literature of ancient Jewish traditions, such as the Hebrew Bible and various apocryphal texts. The word 'ophanim' is of Hebrew origin, strongly associated with the Hebrew root word 'ofan', meaning "wheel" or "circle."

    According to mystical interpretations, ophanim are heavenly beings associated with the celestial hierarchy and are often depicted as angelic beings with multiple pairs of wings and wheels, suggesting their unique and powerful nature. They are believed to possess immense wisdom and serve as the attendants or guardians of God's throne. Their primary responsibility is to maintain cosmic order and facilitate the divine will through their various roles.

    In Jewish mystical traditions like Kabbalah, ophanim are often positioned within the third rank of the ten angelic ranks of Heaven, known as the 'Erelim'. They are considered to be the embodiment of divine justice, acting as intermediaries between God and humanity, ensuring that spiritual harmony is maintained.

    Furthermore, ophanim have been associated with prophetic visions and revelations, as they are believed to transmit divine knowledge to human prophets. Although ophanim are not explicitly mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, various visions recorded by prophets, such as Ezekiel, describe celestial beings with characteristics that align with the concept of ophanim.

    Overall, ophanim are angelic beings within Hebrew mysticism that are believed to possess great wisdom and serve as guardians of God's throne, ensuring cosmic order and transmitting divine knowledge to prophets.

Etymology of OPHANIM

The word "ophanim" has its roots in the Hebrew language. It is derived from the Hebrew noun "oph" (אוֹף), which means "wheel" or "galaxy". In Jewish mysticism, particularly in the context of Kabbalah, Ophanim refers to a class of celestial beings associated with the celestial chariot described in the biblical book of Ezekiel. These beings are often depicted as having multiple wings and wheels, hence the name "ophanim", which can be translated as "wheels" or "galactic beings".