Does the Bible say what angels look like?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible describes various appearances of angels, emphasizing their unique forms based on their roles. Archangels, like Michael, are depicted as warrior figures (Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7), while the living creatures have multiple wings and faces (Ezekiel 10:1–22), and seraphim also have multiple wings (Isaiah 6:1–7). Some angels are seen as ordinary men or beings of bright light (Genesis 18:1–2; Luke 2:13–14). Detailed descriptions, such as the one in Daniel 10:5–6, highlight their majestic and sometimes startling appearances. Overall, these varied forms illustrate the unseen spiritual dimensions around us, reminding us that God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of existence (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:16).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• There are many different kinds of angels, each looking unique based on what they are.
• We are not told exactly when angels were created or what they looked like at creation, but it is evident they were created prior to the Earth (Job 38:4–7).
• Archangels are high-ranking angels with significant roles in God's plan and are described as warrior angels (Daniel 10:13, 21; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7).
• Cherubim are guardians of the divine, often associated with the presence of God (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18–22; 36:8; Numbers 7:89; Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 37:16; Ezekiel 10:1–22). They are described as winged, and at least some have multiple faces (Ezekiel 10:20–21).
• The living creatures are beings that surround God's throne (Ezekiel 1; 10). In Ezekiel’s visions they appear with whirling wheels filled with eyes (Ezekiel 1:15–21; 10:9–13). Each has four faces—a cherub, a man, a lion, and an eagle. They had four wings and what looked like human hands under their wings (Ezekiel 10:20–22). Ezekiel identifies these as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:20), but it is unclear whether this is a special group of cherubim or a descriptor of all cherubim.
• Seraphim are described as beings with six wings (Isaiah 6:1–7). They are seen by Isaiah standing above the throne of God, covering their faces and feet with two sets of wings and flying with the other. They call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (Isaiah 6:3).
• Some angels are mentioned as having wings. This is true of the images of the cherub Moses was commanded to have made upon the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:20) as well as the seraphim in Isaiah 6 and the creatures who appeared to Ezekiel.
• One of the most detailed descriptions of what angels look like is given by Daniel in Daniel 10:5–6: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude."
• When angels are revealed to humans, their appearances vary. What is consistent is that they appear either as males or surrounded by bright light.
• In Genesis 18:1–2, three men, often understood to be angels or angels and a theophany, appeared as travelers to Abraham and Sarah.
• In Genesis 19:1, two angels appearing as men visited Lot.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In biblical accounts, angels often say, "Do not be afraid," to calm those to whom they appeared (Luke 1:11–13), revealing their startling appearance. In Luke 2 the shepherds saw angels singing to announce the birth of Jesus and were afraid, again revealing their startling appearance. The appearance of angels at the tomb of Jesus caused Roman soldiers to become like dead men (Matthew 28:4).
• Hebrews 13:2 references entertaining angels without knowing it. This reveals that angels can take human form.
• Joseph, husband of Mary the mother of Jesus, experienced three dreams that included an angel of the Lord who appeared to him and provided important information regarding Jesus, Mary, and their safety as a family. No description is given, but Joseph clearly regarded the visitor as an angel (Matthew 1—2).
• Angels could clearly communicate in the language of those they served as they shared spoken messages in many situations. They even sang in Luke 2:13–14.
• As the Old Testament also revealed, angels do not have an essential physical form; they are spirits who can take physical form. Hebrews 1:14 tells us: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"
• Confirming the Old Testament, the angels were created, as was the rest of creation, by Jesus Christ (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
• The four living creatures are mentioned in Revelation as praising God forever before His throne. They also hold "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 4:6). They have six wings, are filled with eyes, and continually extol the holiness of God (Revelation 4:8). In John’s vision, each has a different face—a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle (Revelation 4:7; cf. Ezekiel 10:14).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The diverse appearances and roles of angels in the Bible reveal that there are unseen spiritual dimensions surrounding us, which often operate beyond our immediate perception. The fact that angels can manifest in various forms—from the awe-inspiring to the seemingly ordinary—reminds us of the vast and intricate spiritual realm that exists alongside our physical world. This reality encourages us to recognize that the spiritual realm is alive and occurring all around us, even when it is not immediately visible. By acknowledging these unseen dimensions, we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's ongoing involvement in our lives and are open and prepared for the possibility of encountering divine intervention in everyday moments. Ultimately, it helps us recognize that what we see is not all there is (Ephesians 6:12) and that God is at work and sovereign over all, including the angels and spiritual realm around us (2 Kings 6:16–17; Colossians 1:16).

UNDERSTAND

• Angels have varied appearances reflecting their roles.
• When interacting with humans, angels can appear as ordinary men or as dazzling beings that often evoke fear.
• Angels are spiritual beings who can take on physical forms as needed, demonstrating their role as messengers and servants of God.

REFLECT

• How does understanding the diverse appearances of angels in the Bible influence your perception of the spiritual realm and its impact on your daily life?
• What does the appearance of angels reveal about God and His creation?
• How does the sovereignty of God over all spiritual and physical realms affect your trust and reliance on Him?

ENGAGE

• Popular culture often provides images of angels as people with wings, halos, robes, and harps. They are seen flying to the rescue of humans in crisis and singing praises to God. Across various cultures, angels serve roles as messengers, protectors, and intermediaries between the divine and humans.
• How can the biblical descriptions of angels help us recognize and be more mindful of the spiritual realm in our everyday lives?
• What does the idea of God’s sovereignty over both visible and invisible realms mean for how we approach prayer and spiritual practices as a community?