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Gabriel facts for kids

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Gabriel

Gabriel is an important angel mentioned in the Bible. His name means "God is my strength" or "man of God." He is known as an archangel, which means he is a chief or highest-ranking angel.

Many people know Gabriel from the prayer called the Ave Maria. This prayer starts with the words Gabriel said. In the Christian calendar, Archangel Gabriel is honored every year on September 29th. He is celebrated alongside other archangels, Michael and Raphael.

The name Gabriel is also used for people. It is a popular name in many countries. For example, in Hungary, it's Gábor, and in Italy, it's Gabriele. The girl's version of the name is Gabrielle.

Gabriel in the Bible

Gabriel first appears in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. He brought important messages to Daniel. One message was about a prophecy of "seventy weeks."

Gabriel is most famous for his role in the New Testament. He visited Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gabriel told her that she would have a son, Jesus. This special visit is called the Annunciation. The Catholic Church celebrates this event every year. The celebration happens nine months before Christmas.

The Bible does not say that angels have wings. However, Christian artists often show angels with wings in their paintings and sculptures.


Images for kids

  • Annunciation (van Eyck, Washington) Gabriel

    Annunciation of Gabriel by Jan van Eyck, 1434

  • 0 Venise, statue de l'archange Gabriel - Palais des Doges

    Statue of Archangel Gabriel (15th century), adorning the top of the northwest corner pillar of the Palazzo Ducale in Venice

  • Archangel Gabriel. Tsalenjikha fresco (Georgia, 14th c.)

    Archangel Gabriel. A fresco from the Tsalenjikha Cathedral by Cyrus Emanuel Eugenicus. 14th century.

  • Gabriel from Vysotsky chin (14c, Tretyakov gallery)

    Icon of Gabriel, Byzantine, c. 1387–1395 (Tretyakov Gallery)

  • Henry Ossawa Tanner - The Annunciation

    The Annunciation, Henry Ossawa Tanner (1898)

  • Llanbeblig Hours (f. 1r.) The Annunciation, Gabriel kneeling on one knee

    The Annunciation, Gabriel kneeling on one knee. Llanbeblig Book of Hours (f. 1r.).

  • Leonardo da Vinci Annunciazione (dettaglio)

    Detail of Gabriel from Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation (c. 1472–1475)

  • Titian - Polyptych of the Resurrection - Archangel Gabriel - WGA22785

    Angel of the Annunciation by Titian (1520–1522)

  • Gabor arkangyal

    Archangel Gabriel Millennium Monument at Heroes' Square in Budapest

  • Bermatingen St Georg Heiligenfigur

    Archangel Gabriel in the church of St. Georg in Bermatingen

  • Waldburg Pfarrkirche Verkündigung Engel

    Archangel Gabriel in the church of St. Magnus in Waldburg

  • Annonciation portail Reims

    Archangel Gabriel at the facade of the Cathedral of Reims

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arcángel Gabriel para niños

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