What Are Angels?
Angels appear often, both in the Bible and in everyday speech, yet very different things are said about them. This page summarizes, neutrally, what the word "angel" means, how angels are described in the Bible and where they appear; it does not impose any particular interpretation but points you to read the relevant passages directly.
What does the word "angel" mean?
The word "angel" comes from the Hebrew "mal'ak" and the Greek "angelos," both meaning "messenger." At its most basic, then, an angel is a being that carries a message. In the Bible the primary role of angels is likewise, in many accounts, to deliver a message from God to people.
What do angels do in the Bible?
In the Bible angels appear with various functions: bringing news, giving guidance, protecting, or worshiping God. For example, an angel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1), proclaims the good news to shepherds (Luke 2), and explains visions to the prophet Daniel (Daniel). In these accounts angels are portrayed not as acting on their own but as beings carrying out the task for which they were sent.
Names and kinds of angels
The Bible names only a few angels; the best known are Gabriel and Michael. It also mentions beings described in different ways, such as "cherubim" and "seraphim." The text does not offer a detailed classification of these beings; the elaborate hierarchies of angels developed in later traditions are more a product of interpretation and tradition than of the Bible itself.
How do different traditions view angels?
Angels feature not only in Christianity but also in traditions such as Judaism and Islam, and each tradition treats the subject within the frame of its own sources. Even among Christian traditions the emphasis placed on angels can differ. This page does not choose between these differences; it simply reports what the biblical text says and leaves the reading to you.
How can I read about angels on this site?
You can read the passages where angels appear here, chapter by chapter, free and ad-free. You might start with the opening chapters of Luke for Gabriel's announcement, with Daniel for angelic visions, and with the first chapter of Hebrews for reflection on the place of angels in relation to Jesus. You can also click a verse reference such as "Luke 1:26" in a blog post to open the verse at once.
Start here
Guides
- What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
- What Are the Torah, Psalms (Zebur) and Gospel?
- The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
- How Many Books Are There in the Bible?
- Chapters and Verses: How to Read a Reference Like "John 3:16"
- Who Is Jesus Christ?
- What Is the Zebur (Book of Psalms)?
- What Is Baptism?
- How Did the Bible Reach Us? (Manuscripts and Translation)
- What Is Prayer and How Do You Pray?
- What Are the Ten Commandments?
- What Are the Parables of Jesus?
- What Are the Old and New Testaments?
- What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
- Who or What Is the Holy Spirit?
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
- What Is Christianity?
- What Is Sin (Günah)?
- What Are Angels?
- What Are Heaven and Hell?
- What Is a Prophet?
- What Is the Trinity?
- Satan and Evil According to the Bible
- How Do You Memorize Bible Verses?
- Kadıköy Kilise Translation (KKR): Sources and Revision Notes
What does "angel" mean?
The word "angel" comes from the Hebrew "mal'ak" and the Greek "angelos," meaning "messenger." In the Bible the primary role of angels is to deliver a message from God.
Which angels are named in the Bible?
The Bible names only a few angels; the best known are Gabriel and Michael. It also mentions beings such as cherubim and seraphim.
What do angels do?
In the biblical accounts angels bring news, give guidance, protect and worship God. For example, an angel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1).
Which chapters describe angels?
Luke 1–2 (Gabriel's announcement), the visions in Daniel and Hebrews 1 are frequently read passages about angels. You can read them here for free.
Does this page defend a particular view of angels?
No. This page only reports, neutrally, the meaning of the word "angel" and what the biblical text says; it does not choose between different traditions and interpretations.