Angels according to the Bible, are messengers of God, created to serve and obey Him. The descriptions of angels in the Bible are diverse and often symbolic.
Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Psalm 103:20
While there are many misconceptions about angels, understanding what the Bible says about them can provide a clearer picture of their true nature.
Biblically Accurate Angels
Accurate angels from the Bible can be described as powerful spiritual beings, capable of carrying out God’s purpose. While they are not cute little babies or fairies with wings, a Biblically accurate angel can sometimes appear scary – as described in the first Chapter of Ezekiel.
And in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings. Ezekiel 1:5-7
While the above was a vision of Ezekiel in the Old Testament, the Bible also provides many examples of angels appearing to humans in the New Testament. One instance was when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus. And another angel also appeared at the tomb after Jesus was risen. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. Matthew 28:5
However, not all angels are benevolent, as the Bible also describes fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven.
And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. (Jude 1:6)
Understanding the role of angels in the Bible can provide insight into the spiritual world and the relationship between God and humanity.
Are Angels Real?
Many people wonder if angels are real and if they exist.
According to the Bible, angels are real and are involved in various aspects of God’s plan for the world.
There are also different types of angels with distinct roles and characteristics. While some angels are mentioned by name, such as Gabriel and Michael, others remain anonymous.
Overall, the description of angels in the Bible portrays them as real and integral parts of God’s creation.
Note: The Bible contains numerous references to angels, and their appearances and roles vary depending on the context. I believe the scripture is not 100% clear and conclusive on their ranking. So it is important to read the Bible and be led in the Spirit to understand the description and roles of these angels.
Biblical Description of Angels
The Biblical description of angels can be found in both the Old and the New testaments, created to serve God and His people.
Biblical Description of Angels in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, angels are described as powerful spiritual beings.
Their physical description often varies from having a human-like appearance to being depicted with wings, and have the ability to take on different forms.
Human-like appearance:
While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. Luke 24:4
According to the Bible, angels are able to communicate with humans through dreams and visions.
One of the most well-known descriptions of angels in the Old Testament is the Seraphim. These are described as having six wings and being in constant worship of God.
Angel with Wings:
Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. Isaiah 6:2
They are mentioned in Isaiah 6:3, where they are depicted as flying around the throne of God, crying out “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty.”
In the Old Testament, angels appear frequently as messengers of God. They interact with people such as Abraham, Daniel, and Isaiah.
The book of Genesis mentions angels guarding the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s expulsion.
In Exodus, an angel leads the Israelites out of Egypt, and the Ark of the Covenant is adorned with two golden cherubim. In Ezekiel we find the biblical description of some angels as living creatures with four faces and four wings.
Biblical Description of Angels in the New Testament
In the New Testament, angels are also described as powerful beings with wings and the ability to fly, having a human-like appearance and the ability to communicate with humans through dreams and visions.
One of the most well-known descriptions of angels in the New Testament is the Archangel Michael.
He is mentioned in the book of Revelation, where he is depicted as leading the battle against Satan and his followers.
He is also mentioned in the book of Jude, where he is described as disputing with Satan over the body of Moses.
In the New Testament, angels play a vital role in the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, announcing the Savior’s arrival to the shepherds and appearing to Mary and Joseph.
They also appear in the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. The book of Hebrews describes angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
The New Testament also mentions archangels, including Michael and Gabriel. In Luke, Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and the birth of Jesus to Mary. In Revelation, Michael leads the battle against Satan and his angels.
Luke 1:11-13
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.
Types of Angels
The Bible mentions several types of angels based on their rank and function in the divine order.
Some of the most common and well known angels that is often mentioned in the Bible are the Cherubims, Seraphims, Archangels, and the Gaurdian angels.
Cherubim
Cherubim are one of the highest-ranking angels in the hierarchy. They are depicted as creatures with four faces and four wings. They guard the throne of God and are associated with wisdom and knowledge.
Genesis 3:24
After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Ezekiel 1:5-9
And in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings, and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
Psalm 80:1
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the Cherubim, shine forth.
Isaiah 37:16
Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
Ezekiel 10:8
Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like human hands.
Psalm 99:1
The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.
Seraphim
Seraphim are also high-ranking angels in the hierarchy. They are described as having six wings and being on fire with love for God. They are associated with praise and worship and are often depicted as singing hymns to God.
Isaiah 6:2-3
Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Luke 2:13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Revelations 5:11-12
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Archangels
Archangels are messengers of God and have a special role in delivering important messages to humans. The Bible mentions the archangels Michael and Gabriel.
Luke 1:30-33
But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
Guardian Angels
These are angels who are assigned to protect and guide individual humans.
Psalm 91:11-12
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Daniel 6:22
My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.
Matthew 18:10
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Exodus 23:20
See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.
Fallen Angels
Matthew 25:41
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
2 Peter 2:4
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Overall, the Bible provides a rich and varied description of angels, each with a unique role and purpose.
Almighty God
One important thing to take note, is that Bible explains that we are not to worship angels.
We are to worship our Almighty God during praise and worship, to celebrate our happiness and joy. While the angels are messengers of God, the one to be given all the glory is God the Father.
I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” Revelation 22:8-9
Our Almighty God is higher than any power on heaven or earth.
In Matthew 24, where the hour of the end times is described, we see that neither the angels nor the Son of Man knows when that time or the day is, except for the Father. This clearly describes how powerful and mighty God is.
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36
Angels in the Bible
Here is a quick breakdown of the different books in both the Old and New Testament that talk about angels.
Angles in the Old Testament
The Old Testament of the Bible provides several descriptions of angels. These descriptions vary from one book to another, with some offering more detailed accounts than others. Here are some of the most notable mentions of angels in the Old Testament:
Genesis
The book of Genesis describes angels as messengers of God who carry out His will on earth. In Genesis 16:7, an angel appears to Hagar and tells her that she will have a son named Ishmael. In Genesis 19:1, two angels visit Lot in Sodom and warn him of the city’s impending destruction.
Exodus
In the book of Exodus, angels are depicted as protectors of God’s people. In Exodus 14:19, an angel of God leads the Israelites out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. In Exodus 23:20, God promises to send an angel ahead of the Israelites to protect them on their journey to the Promised Land.
Daniel
The book of Daniel provides some of the most detailed descriptions of angels in the Old Testament. In Daniel 10:10, an angel appears to Daniel in a vision and describes himself as “one of the chief princes.” The angel also tells Daniel about a battle between the forces of good and evil that is taking place in the spiritual realm.
Isaiah
In the book of Isaiah, angels are described as powerful beings who serve God. In Isaiah 6, the prophet sees a vision of angels surrounding God’s throne and singing His praises. In Isaiah 37:36, an angel of God strikes down the Assyrian army and saves the city of Jerusalem.
Psalms
The book of Psalms contains several references to angels, often describing them as messengers or servants of God. In Psalm 91:11, the psalmist writes that God will command His angels to protect those who trust in Him. In Psalm 103:20, the psalmist praises God for His angels, who carry out His will on earth.
Overall, the Old Testament provides a rich and varied description of angels. From messengers to protectors to powerful spiritual beings, angels play an important role in God’s plan for humanity.
Angels in the New Testament
The New Testament also includes descriptions of angels. In Matthew, Luke, and Revelation, angels are portrayed as divine messengers who bring important messages from God.
Matthew
In Matthew 1:20, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream to tell him that Mary’s son is the Son of God and that he should name him Jesus. Towards the end of the book in Matthew 28:5, an angel appears to the women who come to Jesus’ tomb to tell them that Jesus has risen from the dead.
Luke
In Luke 1:13, an angel appears to Zechariah to tell him that his wife Elizabeth will have a son who will prepare the way for the Lord. The same angel appears to Mary to tell her that she will give birth to the Son of God. Angels also appear to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.
Revelation
In Revelation, angels play a major role in the end times. They are described as powerful beings who execute God’s judgments on the earth. They also lead the faithful in worship and praise of God.
Overall, the New Testament portrays angels as important messengers of God who play a key role in the unfolding of God’s plan for humanity.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible
The appearance of angels can vary depending on their purpose and the message they are delivering. However, there are some common characteristics that are often associated with angels.
Wings
One of the most well-known features of angels is their wings. In the Bible, angels are often described as having wings that are used for flight. For example, in Isaiah 6:2, angels are described as having six wings – two to cover their faces, two to cover their feet, and two for flying. Similarly, in Revelation 4:8, angels are described as having six wings and being covered in eyes.
Eyes
Speaking of eyes, angels are often described as having multiple eyes. This can be seen in the aforementioned passage from Revelation 4:8. The eyes are said to be all over the angels’ bodies, suggesting that they are constantly watching and aware of their surroundings.
Shining
Angels are also often depicted as shining or radiating light. This is likely due to their divine nature and association with God.
Overall, the Bible description of angels can highlight features such as their wings, eyes, and shining light thereby providing a glimpse of their powerful nature.
Conclusion on Biblical Accurate Angels
In conclusion, the hierarchy of angels in the Bible is a complex and organized structure that reflects the divine order.
Each type of angel has a specific role and function and they work together to fulfil God’s plan.
They are powerful and heavenly beings with various appearances and roles. While they are not to be worshiped, they are to be recognized as messengers of God who are ready to fulfil His purpose.