Lexical Summary isaggelos: Equal to the angels Original Word: ἰσάγγελος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance equal unto the angels. From isos and aggelos; like an angel, i.e. Angelic -- equal unto the angels. see GREEK isos see GREEK aggelos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom isos and aggelos Definition equal to angels NASB Translation like angels (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical ContextThe single New Testament appearance of ἰσάγγελοι is found in Luke 20:36, where Jesus answers the Sadducees’ challenge about the resurrection: “In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. They are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection” (Berean Standard Bible). The term encapsulates the glorified condition of the redeemed after the resurrection—mortality replaced with an angel-like, death-immune existence in the presence of God. Resurrection Hope and the Believer’s Future 1. Immortality. Ἰσάγγελοι implies that resurrected believers share the angels’ incapacity for death (Luke 20:36; compare 1 Corinthians 15:53–54). Angel Comparisons and Human Destiny Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25 parallel Luke’s teaching, stressing a post-resurrection state “like angels in heaven.” Although these passages do not use ἰσάγγελοι, they illuminate its significance: earthly institutions such as marriage yield to a higher relational order centered on worship and service before God’s throne (Revelation 22:3–5). Ministry Implications • Pastoral Comfort. Assurance of death’s defeat (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18) encourages believers facing persecution or bereavement. Historical Interpretation Early fathers such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus cited Luke 20:36 to affirm bodily resurrection against Gnostic denial. Medieval theologians contrasted angelic likeness (immortality, incorruption) with continuing human distinctives (redeemed bodies). Reformers emphasized that glorification does not erase humanity but perfects it, aligning with Paul’s teaching of a “spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:44). Worship and Eschatological Praise Revelation portrays humans and angels joining in unified adoration (Revelation 5:11–13). The term ἰσάγγελοι anticipates that convergence, when redeemed humanity—now equal to angels in immortality—will forever magnify the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations ισαγγελοι ισάγγελοι ἰσάγγελοι isangeloi isángeloiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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