The descriptions of angels in the Bible are far different from the beautiful and strong feminine-like figures complete with wings, which most of Christianity portrays as what an angel looks like. The cherub, usually shown as a curly-haired young boy, again with wings, is also far different from the descriptions of angels in the Bible. But the Bible does mention and describe angels, however, far differently than the descriptions we have come to know.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible — The Creation of Angels
Angels are created spiritual beings. God created angels just like He created all the other parts of the world and universe during the creation week, according to Exodus 20:11. “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day:” (KJV)
It appears to be obvious that angels fit into the clause “all that in them is.”
A clue to when God created angels during the creation week is found in Job 38:4-7:
4 “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 “Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 “Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 “When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (KJV)
These words, spoken to Job by Jehovah God, indicates that God created angels, beings of light, on the first day of creation when He created light, as recorded in Gensis1:3. This verse simply says, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (KJV)
This passage gives us a bit more detail about the first day of creation. After God formed and laid the foundation of the Earth, He then created light. Part of that first light appears to be angels. The term “sons of God” in the Old Testament, according to Bible scholars, always refers to angels, not humans.
This passage in Job utilizes Hebrews poetry, which rhymes similar thoughts rather than similar-sounding words, like in English. So verse 7 refers to “the sons of God” also as “the morning stars.”
This is not the only time where stars and angels are related. In this verse of the Book of Revelation, the stars that the Apostle John saw were angels.
“The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20 (KJV)
It is human-like to restrict angels into a few basic categories or think that all angels closely resemble each other. Yet, angelic beings may be as vast as the animal kingdom, with a vast variety of different types and sizes. Just as humans and animals may resemble each other but are individually unique, this may be also true of the angelic kingdom.
With this in mind, the Bible does give some description of specific angels.
The English word “angel” comes from the Hebrew word malawk,whose root word means to send as a deputy, a messenger. Therefore, holy angels are God’s messengers, and their primary role is to assist God.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible — Cherubims
The very first mention of angels in the Bible is in Genesis 3:24. “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” (KJV)
This incident occurred after the fall of man when God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. To prevent them from entering again, He placed cherubims — a kind of angel — to guard the entrance.
But from this first mention, the Hebrew word mikkem indicates both a plural and a masculine gender. Some linguistic scholars have said that adding the English “s” at the end of the word Cherubims is incorrect. They say the word should be “Cherubim,” which in Hebrew, the ending “m” makes it plural.
But what the English language has translated as “cherubims” both indicates the presence of more than one angel, and also identifies their gender as being male.
The next reference to Cherubim(s) occurs in the context of the tabernacle, specifically, carved images placed on top of the mercy seat, the lid that covered the Ark of the Covenant, in the most holy place where God’s glory dwelt. In this verse is the first mention of cherubims having wings.
Exodus 25:20 “And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.” (KJV)
Moses was allowed to see these spiritual beings in order to direct those who would fashion them that they would do so correctly, when he went up on Mount Sinai to be with God for 40 days and nights. (Exodus 25:40).
Description of Angels in the Bible — Angel of the LORD
The term “angel of the LORD” occurs 64 times in the Bible. The related term, “angel of God,” occurs nine time in the Bible in referring to a specific heavenly being. The “angel of the LORD” is a phrase referring to a specific holy angel whom God sent on a particular mission. Many times, but not always, this type of angel, when delivering God’s message to a human being, appeared as a man. The first mention of angels visiting a human, and appearing as humans themselves, occurred in the life of Abraham. Many times in the Old Testament, angels have appeared as human beings, but not always.
Genesis 18:1-2 “And the LORD appeared unto him [Abraham] in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,” (KJV)
Abraham saw three “men.” Yet, when reading the context, one was God Himself in human form, accompanied by two angels.
Later, in the next chapter, while the LORD talked with Abraham, the two angels went to Sodom in an effort to deliver Lot and his family from the coming destruction of Sodom. The two angels appeared to Lot as human beings. “And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;” Genesis 19:1 (KJV)
Later in the same chapter, the men of Sodom realized that Lot had visitors, and referred to them as “men.” The selfish and base reaction to these angelic beings by the men of Sodom is recorded in Genesis 19:5 “And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.” (KJV)
While these angels looked like men, both Lot and the men of Sodom realized there was something “otherworldly” about these strangers.
Even in this present day, angels may appear as human beings, according to the New Testament admonition in Hebrews 13:2. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (KJV)
Either angels can “shape shift” to appear as humans themselves, or there are a type or class of angels that closely resemble human beings.
Description of Angels in the Bible — Ezekiel’s Vision
But not all angels look like humans. A much more bizarre description of a type of angel, one which the Bible calls “living creatures,” comes from the vision that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 1:5-14.
5 “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
6 “And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
7 “And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.
8 “And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
9 “Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
10 “As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
11 “Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
12 “And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
13 “As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 “And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.” (KJV)
These particular angels that Ezekiel was privileged to see resembled a man to some degree. But, unlike a human, this type of angel had four different faces and four wings. Of their four faces, three were bestial and only one was human. The 3-to-1 ratio of these living creatures shows that angels are also part of the animal kingdom.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible — Seraphims
An article about descriptions of angels in the Bible would be incomplete without a mention of a class of angels called “seraphims.” According to the prophet Isaiah, this class of angels had six wings. Here is how he described them in Isaiah 6:2-4. “Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” (KJV)
In this case, the word “seraphims” is plural. This Bible word comes from the Hebrew word “saraph.” In Hebrew, this word also indicates a copper color. Also, saraph has the connotation of a serpent. If this is so, this type of angel may have a copper, sinuous body, like that of a snake.
Another area in the Bible where these covering, flying, angels that have six wings and declare the holiness of God is found in Revelation 4:8. This heavenly creature, filled with eyes, is similar in action to what the creatures in Isaiah 6 did — praise God.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible – Worshipping Angels
Angels are mysterious spirit beings, and as such, these powerful messengers of God are far greater in a lot of ways than humans. Therefore, it is of no surprise that it is a temptation to worship them. However, the Bible clearly states that God does not want His people to worship angels.
The Apostle John described a mighty angel in this way in Revelation 10:1. “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.” (KJV)
Later, during his vision that he recorded in the Book of Revelation, John was so overwhelmed he wanted to worship the angel who was showing him these great wonders. He recorded his actions and the angel’s rebuke in Revelation 22:8-9. “And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (KJV)
Prior to John’s vision, the Apostle Paul warned the Christians at the church in Colosse, and for us today also, against worshipping angels. Paul alluded that if Christians worship angels they are in danger of forfeiting heavenly rewards. His words are recorded in Colossians 2:18. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” (KJV)
Actually, worship and angels are connected. God commands the heavenly host (angels), like he does for humans, to worship Him.
“And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” Hebrews 1:6 (KJV)
God does not want His people praying to angels. Angels are His servants, and He uses them to help His people. God alone is to be worshipped, revered, and petitioned, not his created helpers.
Description of Angels in the Bible — Names of Angels
The Bible specifically mentions the names of only four angels. But since four angels have names, it is not a far stretch of the imagination to believe that every angel has their own personal name. All four of the angels named in the Bible are males.
The Angel Gabriel
The most famous angel in the Bible may be the angel Gabriel since he is associated with the Christmas story. The angel Gabriel carried the message to Mary telling her that God had chosen to bring His Son into the world.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.” Luke 1:26-27 (KJV)
The term “sixth month” refers to another event of which Gabriel was a part. Six months earlier, he had the privilege of telling another special couple that they, too, would have a surprise son.
The angel Gabriel first appeared to Zacharias to tell him that he and his aged wife would be the mother of John the Baptist. Gabriel said this to Zacharias in Luke 1:19b “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.” (KJV)
But Gabriel also appears as a messenger in the Old Testament as well. Two times in the Book of Daniel, Gabriel appears with a message for the prophet Daniel. In Daniel 9:21, Gabriel is referred to as a “man.”
“Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.” Daniel 9:21 (KJV)
The angel Gabriel must appear as a human being despite the fact that he, as an angel, can fly, and fly swiftly.
Michael the Archangel
The Bible specially mentions the archangel Michael by name five separate times. Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes” in Daniel 10:13. Also Michael is an angelic leader among holy angels as referred to in the Book of Revelation. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” Revelation 12:7 (KJV)
The mighty Michael, despite his power and his influence over other angels, showed his meekness when he encountered another strong angel. Michael and the devil fought over the body of Moses, yet Michael, despite his strength, simply told his former co-worker that their Master would rebuke him. This simple statement must have placed great fear into the devil. The Bible records this exchange in an intriguing verse, Jude 1:9. “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (KJV)
This verse reveals that God is in charge of the heavenly host. Even the angels are careful about addressing Satan. Also, and very important, God did not give authority to humans to order around His messengers.
Lucifer, Who Became Satan
God never created Satan, but He did create the covering cherub who He named Lucifer. The transition from Lucifer to Satan is alluded to in this passage in Ezekiel, which is addressed to the king of Tyrus. This passage is addressed not to the human king, but to the controlling, unholy entity, which God calls a “cherub” who controlled the king of Tyrus. The passages in Ezekiel 28:13-15 describe the fallen angel Lucifer.
“Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.” (KJV)
Lucifer was created by God when God created all of the angels. God gave the beautiful cherub Lucifer — which He created perfectly and without sin — the exalted position of being the covering angel. This passage also reveals that God gave angels a free will.
Lucifer, when he became Satan, influenced a third of the other heavenly host. Today, all of these unholy angels await future judgment in hell, according to what Christ Jesus said in Matthew 25:41b. “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” (KJV)
Other Bible verses that tells us Satan also has his angels are found in Revelation 12:7-9. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (KJV)
These Bible verses also reveal that at this present time, Satan and his angels are allowed to have at least some access into heaven.
Abaddon or Apollyon
Chapter 9 of the Book of Revelation also links a star with an angel. The first verse is, “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” Revelation 9:1 (KJV)
The star mentioned here uses the male pronoun “him,” showing that the star was a living being, an angel himself.
This angel unlocked the bottomless pit and out of this pit came horrible monsters. In verse 11, God gives the name of another angel that may or may not be another name for Satan in Revelation 9:11. “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (KJV)
If Abaddon is not Satan himself, then this unholy creature is one of Satan’s minions.
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible — Guardian Angels
The term “guardian angels” is not in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. But the concept may be a Biblical one, especially for the protection of small children. This is based on a verse in the Gospel of Matthew. “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10 (KJV)
Description of Angels in the Bible — Associated With Jesus Christ
There are many angelic appearances surrounding Jesus Christ. Here is a partial list where angels are associated with Jesus Christ.
Angels Appeared to Jesus’ Mother, Mary
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that God had chosen her to bring the human form of His Son into the world.
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35 (KJV)
Angels Explained His Virgin Birth to Joseph
Mary’s espoused husband, Joseph, obviously needed an explanation of Mary’s pregnancy. God sent an angel to explain what had happened to Mary, and to prepare Joseph for his role as a foster father to God’s only begotten Son.
“But while he [Joseph] thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:20 (KJV)
Angels Announced the Birth of Jesus to Shepherds
Heavenly angels appeared to shepherds and joyfully announced and praised God when Jesus was born.
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11 (KJV)
After the angel of the Lord made this great announcement, he was joined with others of the heavenly host.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13 (KJV)
Angels Directed Joseph to Keep Jesus Safe From Herod
King Herod, knowing that the King of the Jews had been born, tried to kill the baby Jesus. But God kept His Son safe using angels to direct Joseph.
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” Matthew 2:13 (KJV)
“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.” Matthew 2:19-20 (KJV)
Angels Ministered to Jesus After He Was Tempted By Satan
Before Christ Jesus’ public ministry, He fasted forty days in the wilderness. After this trial was completed, angels ministered to Him
“And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.” Mark 1:13 (KJV)
Angels Strengthened Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Facing the prospect of a horrible death, coupled with spiritual agony, was a terrible prospect. But God sent an angel to strengthen His Son for the tremendous task that He came to accomplish.
“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” Luke 22:43 (KJV)
Angels After Christ’s Resurrection
An angel removed the covering stone from the entrance of the tomb where the body of Jesus was buried.
“And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” Matthew 28:2 (KJV)
Angels Spoke About Christ’s Resurrection
Even though Jesus repeatedly told His disciples and His friends about both His coming death and His resurrection, they did not understand what He was saying. After He arose from the dead, angels appeared to give the good news of His resurrection.
“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.” Matthew 28:5 (KJV)
“And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.” Luke 24:23 (KJV)
“And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.” John 20:12 (KJV)
Angels Will Assist Christ Jesus in Judgement
Many times in the Gospels, Jesus spoke about His coming again, this time in judgement. He also said that at this time in the future, angels will be there to assist Him. Here are some of the statements Jesus said about His coming judgment and the assistant of angels.
“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity.” Matthew 13:41 (KJV)
“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Matthew 16:27 (KJV)
“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matthew 24:31 (KJV)
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” Matthew 25:31 (KJV)
“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 (KJV)
“And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” Mark 13:27 (KJV)
Description of Angels in the Bible — Book of Revelation
Angels are mentioned more in the Book of Revelation than any other book of the Bible.
Given By an Angel
The contents of the entire Book of Revelation were given to the Apostle John by an angel. The Holy Spirit made sure that this fact was repeated both at the beginning and end of the book. The first verse in Revelation mentions an angel as a heavenly messenger.
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” Revelation 1:1 (KJV)
The last chapter also repeats that Jesus sent an angel to tell John the contents of the Book of Revelation. The vision that God gave to John through an angel was to show all humanity would have the opportunity to be warned concerning future judgement.
“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” Revelation 22:6 (KJV)
“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16 (KJV)
In The Throne Room of God
The Book of Revelation gives its readers a glimpse into heaven, the throne room of God. This book shows these heavenly messengers in their “home.” When John saw into heaven, he saw many thousands of angels.
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” Revelation 5:11 (KJV)
Angels Will Bring Judgement
Just as Jesus said when He was on Earth, angels will have a great role to play in His coming judgement. Here are some verses that tell about angels’ role in future judgement.
“The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.” Revelation 8:7 (KJV)
“And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood” Revelation 8:8 (KJV)
“And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters” Revelation 8:10 (KJV)
“And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.” Revelation 8:12 (KJV)
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” Revelation 8:13 (KJV)
Later in the Book of Revelation, God says that He will send more terrible judgements on the Earth and will do so using angels. Here are some of what angels will do in helping God bring future worldwide judgement:
“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” Revelation 16:3 (KJV)
“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” Revelation 16:4 (KJV)
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” Revelation 16:8 (KJV)
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.” Revelation 16:10 (KJV)
Angels Will Give God’s Message of Life and Hope
Near the end of the Great Tribulation, when the number of humans still alive will be greatly reduced, the majority will not be God’s people, but God will make sure they get His message. This time, He will bring the message of “the everlasting gospel” by using an angel.
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Revelation 14:6 (KJV)
Descriptions of Angels in the Bible
There are no clear descriptions of angels in the Bible, but angels are an integral part of the world in which we live. Angels, like God, are now invisible to the human eye. Only eternity will reveal the true description of angels and their influence on the events of the world and individuals today.