Is there an angel named Phanuel in the Bible?
Is There an Angel Named Phanuel in the Bible?
A Baptist Theological Response
(All Scripture quoted from the New King James Version – NKJV)
I. Is Phanuel an Angel in the Bible?
No. The Bible does not name any angel called Phanuel. The only two holy angels named in Scripture are:
Michael – called “the archangel” and protector of Israel
Daniel 10:13; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7
Gabriel – God’s messenger to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary
Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26
There is, however, a man named Phanuel mentioned briefly in the New Testament:
Luke 2:36 (NKJV):
“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age…”
This Phanuel is a human, not an angel, and his name appears nowhere else in Scripture.
II. Where Does the Idea of an Angel Named Phanuel Come From?
The idea of an angel named Phanuel originates from the apocryphal and non-canonical Book of Enoch, particularly 1 Enoch 40:9, which claims:
“The fourth [angel], who is set over repentance unto hope of those who inherit eternal life, is named Phanuel.”
In Enochian mythology, Phanuel is:
One of four angels said to stand before the throne of God (alongside Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael)
The angel of repentance and hope
A judge of wicked angels
Associated with the Ophanim, a speculative angelic order drawn loosely from Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 1:15–21)
These descriptions are not found anywhere in Scripture. They stem from Jewish mysticism, not biblical revelation.
III. What Is the Book of Enoch? Should It Be Trusted?
The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text that was never part of the Hebrew Bible and is not included in the Protestant canon. It contains mythological stories and speculative theology, including:
Elaborate angelic hierarchies and names
Descriptions of the Watchers (fallen angels) from Genesis 6:2–4
The origins of demons and the Nephilim
Fantastic details about heavenly journeys and judgments
While Jude 1:14–15 quotes Enoch regarding God's coming judgment, this does not validate the entire book. The apostle Paul quotes Greek poets (Acts 17:28), but that doesn't make their writings inspired. Only what is affirmed in the canon of Scripture is trustworthy.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV):
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”
2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV):
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him…”
IV. Final Verdict: Does Phanuel Exist as an Angel?
From a biblical and Baptist perspective:
Phanuel is not a biblical angel.
The name appears only in the Book of Enoch, a non-canonical and mythological text.
Any attributes or offices assigned to Phanuel are speculative and not divinely revealed.
Christ alone is our intercessor and hope—not any angel.
1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV):
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
John 17:17 (NKJV):
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
Elaborate angelology drawn from extra-biblical sources—like Phanuel, Raguel, or Gadreel—is not only unprofitable but can distract from the sufficiency of Scripture and Christ.
