Who is higher than the Seraphim?

Among the various orders of angels described in ancient texts, the Seraphim stand out as some of the most awe-inspiring and mysterious. Their depiction in scripture places them close to the throne of God, constantly singing His praises. But are there spiritual beings who are higher than the Seraphim?

The Seraphim: Closest Angels to the Throne

In the Book of Isaiah, the Seraphim are introduced in a dramatic vision: “Above him [the Lord] stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’” (Isaiah 6:2-3, ESV). This passage presents the Seraphim as beings of fiery purity, ever in the presence of God, engaged in perpetual worship. Their proximity to God and their role in praising Him have led many to consider the Seraphim as the highest order of angels.

The Angelic Hierarchy: Nine Choirs of Angels

The notion of a hierarchy among angels is not explicit in the Bible but was developed over time by theologians, most notably Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 5th and 6th centuries. According to his influential work, "The Celestial Hierarchy," angels are organized into nine choirs or orders, arranged in three triads:

1. First Triad: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
2. Second Triad: Dominions, Virtues, Powers
3. Third Triad: Principalities, Archangels, Angels

In this schema, the Seraphim occupy the highest position, followed by the Cherubim and Thrones. The Seraphim are described as the closest to God, embodying pure love and worship. The Cherubim are associated with knowledge and contemplation, while the Thrones symbolize divine justice.

Cherubim and Thrones: Higher or Lower?

While the Seraphim are placed at the top of the angelic hierarchy by Pseudo-Dionysius, some traditions and artistic representations elevate the Cherubim to an equal or even higher status. The Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis as guardians of Eden and appear in Ezekiel’s visions as powerful, multi-faced beings supporting the throne of God. However, in most accepted Christian angelologies, including those of Thomas Aquinas and later Catholic teaching, the Seraphim remain at the pinnacle.

The Thrones, also in the first triad, are described as the carriers of God’s justice and authority. Yet, their primary function is to serve as a foundation for God’s rule rather than to surpass the Seraphim in status or holiness. Thus, in the traditional hierarchy, neither Cherubim nor Thrones are considered higher than the Seraphim.

God: The Supreme Being Above All

When asking “Who is higher than the Seraphim?” it’s essential to recognize that all angelic beings, no matter how exalted, are created by God and serve at His command. In every Christian tradition, God alone is the supreme, uncreated Creator, infinitely transcending all spiritual beings—including the Seraphim. The holiness of the Seraphim is a reflection of God’s own holiness; their glory is derivative, not intrinsic. In other words, no angel, no matter how high, can approach the infinite majesty of God.

Jesus Christ: Higher Than All Angels

Christian theology teaches that Jesus Christ, as the eternal Son of God and the second person of the Trinity, is superior to all angels. The New Testament book of Hebrews opens with a powerful declaration: “So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’?” (Hebrews 1:4-5, NIV).

Christ’s supremacy is not only a matter of divine nature but also of redemptive work. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Christ accomplished what no angel could—reconciling humanity to God. The angels, including the Seraphim, worship Christ as Lord and serve according to His will. In Christian worship and doctrine, it is clear that Jesus stands infinitely above all angelic orders.

The Holy Trinity and the Angelic Orders

The doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—defines God as three co-equal, co-eternal Persons. Each is fully God, and together they are the one true God. All angelic beings, including the Seraphim, are subordinate to the Trinity. Thus, the answer to who is higher than the Seraphim is most fundamentally: God Himself—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Place of Angels in Christian Devotion

While the study of angels and their hierarchy is fascinating, Christian faith centers on God and the redemptive work of Christ. Angels, including the Seraphim, are honored as God’s servants and messengers, but they are not objects of worship. The Seraphim inspire awe by their devotion and purity, but Christian prayer and adoration are directed to God alone.

In liturgical traditions, references to the Seraphim appear in hymns and prayers, especially those describing the heavenly worship that believers join during the Eucharist. For example, the “Sanctus” (“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts”) echoes the song of the Seraphim from Isaiah, inviting worshippers into the mystery of God’s glory.