(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews
The archangel Michael is a dispenser of Justice, appearing in this role at the Last Judgement. He is traditionally depicted with sword and scales, closely resembling the personification of Justice as a cardinal virtue.
Michael or Micha'el is a given name that comes from , meaning "Who is like God?"; see Theophory in the Bible. There are various forms of the name: ; Latin: Michael; Septuagint or Mikhaēl; Portuguese or Spanish: Miguel; Russian: Михаил or Mikhail; Italian: Michele; Dutch: Michiel; Armenian: Միքայել or Mikayel.
Michael (Hebrew: מיכ×ל, Micha'el or MîkhÄ’ēl; Greek: Μιχαήλ, MikhaÃl; Latin: Michael or MÃchaël; Arabic: ميخائيل, Mika'il) is the archangel mentioned in the Book of Revelation 12:7; in the Old Testament Michael is mentioned by name in the Persian context of the post-Exilic Book of Daniel. There Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" (10:13) who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia, and is also described there as the advocate of Israel and "great prince who stands up for the children of your (Daniel's) people" (10:21, 12:1). The Talmud tradition rendered his name as meaning "who is like El (God)? (but literally "El's Likeness")" (compare the late prophet Micah), but according to Rabbi Simeon ben Lakish (AD 230–270), all the specific names for the angels were brought back by the Jews from Babylon, and many modern commentators would agree.
Michael is the title of an American fantasy motion picture released in 1996. The film stars John Travolta as the Archangel Michael, who is sent to Earth to do various tasks, including mending some wounded hearts. Contrary to popular depictions of angels, Michael is portrayed as a boozing, smoking, oversexed slob—but a character capable of imparting unexpected wisdom.