Are There Different Types of Angels in the Bible?

　　The Bible tells us many things about God but surprisingly little about Angels. While angels and God often end up in a conversation about heaven and are often depicted in art. We know surprisingly very little about angels. However, the Scriptures that talk about angels give us some indications that different types of angels serve different purposes.

What Are the Different Types of Angels We See in the Bible?

　　In Genesis, we are introduced to cherubim set to guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). Cherubim (singular cherub) are described as creatures with two wings in Exodus. An article from MyJewishLearning.com compares “the Hebrew word keruv (“cherub”) to the Aramaic expression ke revaya meaning “like a child” (according to a statement of Rabbi Abahu in Sukkah 5b).” This is thought to be the reason cherubim are often depicted in art as ‘baby’ angels. But even in rabbinical communities, people debate the idea since Ezekiel 10:14 depicts cherubim as having a face of a man.

　　What most scholars do agree on is the cherubim’s role is guarding things that are holy both in heaven and on earth. Many of the decorative elements of both the early Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple included images of cherubim.

　　The angels mentioned in Scripture are found in Genesis 16, attending Hagar and telling Sarah of Isaac, then again in Genesis 18, when Abraham is visited by three men, one of which is later in Genesis 18:22, is identified as “the LORD.” This is often referred to as a theophany, an appearance of God to humans, usually considered Jesus before the incarnation.

　　The other two ‘men’ are sent to Sodom to carry out judgment and are referred to as angels in Genesis 19:1. In Genesis 16 and 19, these “men” are referred to as angels but are given no other physical qualities or titles.

　　Another type of angel mentioned is a Seraph or Seraphim. These types of angles are found in Isaiah 6. Isaiah describes what these angels look like in verse two, “Seraphs stood over him; each one had six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and they used the remaining two to fly.” They must have been an odd sight to see for Isaiah’s eyes.

　　In Psalm 91:11 and Matthew 18:10, angels referred to as guardian angels are mentioned.

　　The term archangel makes two appearances in Scripture in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9.

　　Contributor Whitney Hopler also states, “the Bible also tells us that some angels have fallen from the glorious way that God had originally designed them to be. While most angels remained holy and faithful to God (Revelation 5:11-12), some angels became corrupted by sin after participating in a rebellion led by one angel. That angel, known as Lucifer before the angelic fall and as Satan afterward, fell from heaven after trying to take God’s power for himself (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Do the Different Types of Angels Have Different Functions?

　　Archangels in Scripture are the ones in a battle for God.

　　The seraphim in Isaiah are said to be continually praising God.

　　Cherubim are often set as guards within Scripture. God places cherubim at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, and depictions of cherubim are used throughout the Tabernacle and Solomon’s temple. As well as being near God’s throne in Revelations.

　　Guardian angels, mentioned in Psalm 91:11 and by Jesus in Matthew 18:10, are said to protect and aid the saints in their prayers.

What Are Some Names We See for Different Types of Angels?

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　　Gabriel is another named angel that spoke with Zechariah, announcing John the Baptist’s birth. Then also to both Mary and Joseph concerning the birth and protection of Jesus. Gabriel makes an earlier appearance in a vision given to Daniel in Daniel 8:16 and Daniel 9:20. Some apocryphal books call Gabriel an archangel because he is given a name. Still, in canonical Scripture, Michael is the only named archangel. So, we don’t know Gabriel’s place in the angel hierarchy. But what is known is his role. Gabriel is a messenger of God sent to give direction and clarity to what God is doing.

　　The Bible text doesn’t list any other named angels. But in extra-biblical text, other angels are named. Raphael (Tobit 12:15-22) is considered an archangel who serves God in healing acts. Uriel (2 Esdras 4:1-8) gives wisdom to those growing in their relationship with the Lord. In an article on Archangels, Hope Bolinger also lists, “Jophiel: From Jewish and Kabbalistic lore, she is linked often with beauty and positivity. No Scripture or extracanonical text seems to mention her by name.”

　　Exodus 11-12 introduces us to the Angel of Death in the tenth plague. This angel of death is a common figure throughout history and has even been personified as the Grim Reaper with a black cloak and scythe to gather souls at the time of death. While the canonical and extra-biblical text does not give the angel a name, there is some archeological evidence as well as references in the Islamic text (Surah 32:11) and Jewish folklore to the angel of death being given the name Azrael or Ezra’el. In some Talmudic texts, the angel of death is also given the name Samael.

　　One name that many believe is a named angel in Scripture is Lucifer. Bible teacher Joseph M. Jordan says, “The name ‘Lucifer’ is not explicitly mentioned in most translations of the Bible. Still, the concept of a fallen angel or Satan is present, with the closest reference to “Lucifer” being found in Isaiah 14:12, where the Hebrew phrase “Helel ben Shachar” is used, which means “morning star, son of the dawn.” This phrase is sometimes translated to “Lucifer” in Latin translations of the Bible. However, there’s debate among scholars about whether this passage is referring to Satan or a Babylonian king.”

What Do the Different Types of Angels Tell Us about God?

　　Angels show us that God is creative. Though we are given only a few details about what some angels look like, they are creatures that stretch our human understanding. When you read Revelations 4: 6-9 and see the four bizarre creatures around the throne of God, there can be no doubt of the infinite creativity of God.

　　Angels and the actions of angels in the Bible also show us that God values his creations. All the different types of angels show us that God loves diversity. All his creations, heavenly and earthy creatures, have value and purpose.

　　When angels appear in Scripture, God is either seeking to protect his people or moving toward salvation in Jesus Christ that will return us to a right relationship with God.

　　Finally, they show us that order is important to God. The fact that angels have jobs, hierarchy, and purpose shows us that God seeks order, not chaos. Even in heaven, there is an order that shows us that God is more than a kid watching an ant farm. Jobs and purpose suggest a mission and a goal all are moving toward. A company’s CEO seeks the best for the company regarding its mission statement. And gives goals and tasks to their employees toward this goal. The same is true of God and his heavenly hosts. All are on a mission toward redeeming the world and the people God loves. We can join this mission with the gift of the Holy Spirit through salvation in Christ Jesus.