Nuriel
Angel of hailstorms, identified with Uriel under judgment.
Nuriel (Hebrew: נוּרִיאֵל Nūrīʾēl, meaning "El/God is my fire" or "El/God is my light") is a Jewish angel whose domain includes hailstorms. He is actually the archangel Uriel, but takes on the name Nuriel when his role shifts toward judgment. According to Jewish legend, Moses came across Nuriel in the second heaven. From the aspect of Chesed, he is called Uriel, but from the aspect of Gevurah—a burning fire referenced in Daniel 7:10 ("A fiery stream issued and came forth")—he is called Nuriel.
The Zohar also states that Nuriel governs the zodiac sign Virgo. He stands 300 parasangs tall (roughly 1,680–2,160 km), and commands an army of 500,000 angels (50 myriads), all "fashioned out of water and fire." Nuriel’s name appears on Hebrew and oriental amulets, especially those worn by pregnant women, as it is considered effective for warding off evil.
Outside Judaism, in the Syriac Book of Protection, Nuriel is listed alongside Michael, Shamsiel, Seraphiel, and other great angels as a "spellbinding power." In gnostic tradition, he is one of seven subordinates to Jehuel, the prince of fire.
- Field
- Angelology
- Known for
- Angel of hailstorms; identified with Uriel under judgment; governs Virgo; used in amulets against evil
- Height
- 300 parasangs (approx. 1,680–2,160 km)
- Army
- 50 myriads of angels (500,000) made of water and fire
Lore & Background
In Jewish legend, Moses encountered Nuriel in the 2nd heaven. He is called Uriel from the aspect of Chesed and Nuriel from the aspect of Gevurah, which is a burning fire, as written: 'A fiery stream issued and came forth' (Daniel 7:10).
Reader's Guide
Nuriel holds significance in Jewish angelology as a figure embodying divine judgment and protection. His dual identity with Uriel reflects a theological distinction between mercy (Chesed) and severity (Gevurah), with Nuriel representing the fiery aspect of judgment. His role in carrying evening prayers as an eagle in the Zohar underscores his function as a mediator between humanity and the divine. The practical use of his name on amulets, especially for pregnant women, highlights his perceived power to ward off evil, blending mystical tradition with folk practice. Outside Judaism, his inclusion in the Syriac Book of Protection and gnostic hierarchies demonstrates cross-cultural recognition of his authority. Nuriel's immense stature and command over elemental angels of water and fire emphasize his place in the celestial hierarchy, second only to Metatron and other high beings. His governance of Virgo links him to astrological symbolism, while his association with hailstorms ties him to natural phenomena as expressions of divine will. Overall, Nuriel represents a complex figure of judgment, protection, and cosmic order.
Did You Know?
- Nuriel is responsible for hailstorms in Judaism.
- Moses encountered Nuriel in the 2nd heaven according to Jewish legend.
- Nuriel is 300 parasangs (approx. 1,680–2,160 km) tall.
- His name is found on amulets worn by pregnant women to ward off evil.
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