In 3 Enoch
In 3 Enoch, the Ophannim are burning wheels of divine fire that move with endless energy. The text describes them as covered in countless eyes, with radiance shining in every direction. They encircle the Throne, and their fiery bodies are covered in flames that shine in all directions.
Rabbi Ishmael describes the fiery Ophannim among the highest angels who begin to question his presence. The Holy One tells the Seraphim, Kerubim, and Ophannim to turn their eyes away so that Ishmael will not tremble before them.
In Hekhalot Rabbati
In Hekhalot Rabbati, the ophanim stand yoked beneath the throne of glory alongside the cherubim and the holy beasts. The text also describes the ophanim carrying the throne together with beings of frost, mist, and flame. As servants on high who carry the throne, the ophanim, cherubim, and holy beasts sing with six distinct voices.
Streaming fires pour from the mouths of the ophanim, the cherubim, and the holy beasts, preventing creatures from approaching. The text also describes the sound of the ophanim's drums joining the living creatures' harps and the cherubim's cymbals.
In 1 Enoch
In 1 Enoch, the Ophanim stand around the throne of glory with the Seraphim and Cherubim. The passage describes these heavenly beings as never sleeping and always guarding the throne. Another passage names the Ophanim among the holy ones above, alongside the Cherubim, Seraphim, and angels of power and authority.
Where the Ophanim appear
- 3 EnochIn 3 Enoch, the Ophannim are burning wheels of divine fire, covered in eyes and surrounding the Throne. · The Complete Books of Enoch
- Hekhalot RabbatiIn Hekhalot Rabbati, the ophanim stand beneath the throne, carry it with other beings, and sing before Him. · The Complete Books of Enoch
- 1 EnochIn 1 Enoch, the Ophanim are sleepless heavenly beings who guard the throne of glory. · The Complete Books of Enoch
What the texts say, in their own words
“Around it stood the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Ophanim, heavenly beings that never sleep and always guard the throne of glory.”
“The burning Ophannim, wheels of divine fire, moved with endless energy, while the flashing Chashmallim sent out waves of glowing light and mystery.”
“Seeing this, the Holy One rebuked the Seraphim, Kerubim, and Ophannim, saying, “My servants, my Seraphim, my Kerubim, and my Ophannim, turn your eyes away from Ishmael, my son, my friend, my beloved one, and my glory, so that he will not tremble in fear before you.””
“For with six voices the servants on high, those who carry the throne of His glory — the cherubim, the ophanim, and the holy beasts — sing before Him; for each voice is lifted above its companions and differs from the voice that came before it.”
Questions
Who are the Ophanim?
In 1 Enoch, the Ophanim are heavenly beings who never sleep and always guard the throne of glory. They stand around it together with the Seraphim and Cherubim.
Are the Ophanim described as wheels?
In 3 Enoch, the Ophannim are described as burning wheels of divine fire moving with endless energy. The text also places the wheels of the Ophannim above the arches of the Bow.
What do the Ophanim do beneath the throne?
In Hekhalot Rabbati, the ophanim stand yoked beneath the throne with the cherubim and the holy beasts. The text names them among the servants who carry the throne and sing before Him with six voices.
Where is the Ophanim mentioned in the lost texts?
The Ophanim appears in 3 Enoch, Hekhalot Rabbati and 1 Enoch, in The Complete Books of Enoch.
