What angels look like according to the Bible

The appearance of angels according to the Bible is often very different from the popular depictions of gentle, winged humans dressed in white robes. In Scripture, angels are portrayed in a variety of forms, some beautiful and radiant, others awe-inspiring or even terrifying.

One of the most well-known types of angels in the Bible are the cherubim. These are first mentioned in Genesis 3:24, where God places them at the entrance of the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. The book of Ezekiel gives a more detailed description of cherubim. In Ezekiel 1:5-11, they are described as having four faces — that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle — and four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like those of a calf, and they sparkled like burnished bronze. This vivid and otherworldly image contrasts greatly with the soft and human-like portrayals seen in art.

Another type of angelic being described in the Bible is the seraphim, mentioned specifically in Isaiah 6:1-7. These beings are described as having six wings: two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two used for flying. They are seen in a vision surrounding the throne of God, calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” Their appearance emphasizes their reverence and their role in worship, as well as their separation from anything unholy.

The Bible also mentions more humanoid angels. When angels appear to humans in stories like those of Abraham (Genesis 18) or Lot (Genesis 19), they often appear as men — so much so that they are sometimes mistaken for ordinary travelers. These angels do not always have wings, and their divine nature is often only revealed through their actions or through the fear and awe they inspire. The angel who appears to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 and to the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14 is described more in terms of radiant glory than physical details.

The angel described in Daniel 10:5-6 offers another striking image: “a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold… his body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.” This depiction combines human and divine elements, overwhelming in majesty and power.

In the New Testament’s Book of Revelation, angels play important roles in God’s judgment and appear in varied forms, often accompanied by cosmic signs or terrifying appearances.

In summary, biblical angels are not merely gentle messengers with halos and feathered wings. They are powerful, diverse beings that reflect God’s glory, execute His will, and often leave humans in awe or fear. Their appearances range from radiant and humanoid to complex, multi-winged, and symbolic forms that defy easy imagination, highlighting the mystery and majesty of the heavenly realm.