The Bible speaks of fallen angels who rebelled against God and their ongoing influence in the world. Today, we’ll uncover what Scripture says about these beings and their role in the spiritual battle.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Discerning Of Spirits
What Does The Bible Say About Fallen Angels
Genesis 6:1-4
“When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.’ The Nephilim were on the earth in those days–and also afterward–when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.”
This passage describes the interaction between fallen angels (referred to as the “sons of God”) and humans, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim. It reveals a rebellion and disobedience by the fallen angels, who pursued relationships with mortal women, leading to the corruption of mankind.
Isaiah 14:12-15
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
This passage refers to the fall of Lucifer, known as the morning star or Satan. It highlights his pride and desire to exalt himself above God, leading to his ultimate downfall and banishment from heaven. It serves as a warning against arrogance and the consequences of rebellious intentions against God.
Ezekiel 28:13-16
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So, I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones.”
This passage describes the fall of the King of Tyre and hints at the fall of Satan as well. It portrays Satan as a guardian cherub who was originally blameless but turned to wickedness. It reveals how his pride and involvement in violence led to his expulsion from the presence of God.
Revelation 12:7-9
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
This passage depicts a war in heaven between the archangel Michael and his angels and Satan and his angels. It emphasizes that Satan was defeated and cast down to the earth along with his angelic followers. It illustrates the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil and the eventual downfall of the fallen angels.
2 Peter 2:4
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;”
This verse asserts that God did not spare the fallen angels when they rebelled against Him. It implies that these angels were cast into hell and are now bound in chains of darkness, awaiting judgment. It serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the consequences of disobedience.
Jude 1:6
“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling–these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”
This verse emphasizes that the fallen angels, who abandoned their original positions of authority, are now held in darkness and bound with everlasting chains, waiting for judgment on the Day of Judgment. It underscores the gravity of their rebellion and the certainty of their future punishment.
Mark 5:8-9
“For Jesus had said to him, ‘Come out of this man, you impure spirit!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘My name is Legion,’ he replied, ‘for we are many.’”
In this account, Jesus encounters a man possessed by many demons, referred to collectively as “Legion.” While not explicitly referring to fallen angels, this verse suggests a connection between demonic possession and the presence of multiple entities. It serves as a reminder of the influence and activity of fallen angels in the spiritual realm.
Luke 10:18
“He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Jesus, in response to the seventy-two disciples returning with joy from their mission, declares that He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. This statement affirms the fall of Satan and his expulsion from the heavenly realm. It highlights the defeat and downfall of the enemy of God.
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This verse emphasizes that Satan, the fallen angel, disguises himself as an angel of light. It warns against deception and highlights the cunning nature of the enemy. It serves as a reminder to be discerning and cautious, recognizing that not everything that appears good or positive is truly aligned with God’s truth.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse acknowledges that in the future, some will abandon their faith to follow deceiving spirits and demonic teachings. It warns of the influence and deception of fallen angels in misleading people away from the truth. It cautions believers to diligently guard and hold fast to their faith.
James 2:19
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder.”
James points out that even the demons believe in the existence of God and recognize His authority. This verse highlights that mere belief in God is insufficient for salvation or righteousness. It underscores the importance of genuine faith accompanied by obedient actions, distinguishing true followers of Christ from the fallen angels.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse urges believers to be vigilant and clear-minded, highlighting the continuous presence of the enemy, Satan, who seeks to devour and destroy. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers that exist and the need for constant awareness and reliance on God’s strength to resist the schemes of the fallen angels.
John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Jesus identifies Satan as the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. This verse exposes the deceitful nature of the enemy and his role in leading people astray. It highlights the stark contrast between the fallen angels’ intentions and the truth of God, emphasizing the importance of discernment and grounding in the Word of God.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
John advises believers to exercise discernment and not blindly accept every spirit claiming to be from God. This verse acknowledges the existence of false prophets and deceptive spiritual influences, which may be connected to the fallen angels. It underlines the necessity to test and evaluate teachings and messages against the truth of God’s Word.
Colossians 2:18
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
This verse warns against indulging in false humility and the worship of angels, indicating that such practices can lead to disqualification. It cautions against becoming enamored with mystical experiences or teachings regarding angels that are not grounded in biblical truth. It encourages believers to remain focused on Christ and His teachings.
Hebrews 1:14
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
This verse affirms that angels, including fallen angels, are originally created to be ministering spirits, serving those who will inherit salvation. Although fallen angels have deviated from their intended purpose, it highlights the innate nature of angels to be agents of God’s work. It offers comfort and reassurance that believers have angelic assistance in their spiritual journey.
Acts 19:15
“One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’”
In this account, an evil spirit acknowledges knowledge of both Jesus and the apostle Paul. It demonstrates the awareness and recognition of fallen angels regarding divine authority and those who have spiritual power in Christ. It emphasizes that true disciples of Jesus possess authority over these fallen beings.
Matthew 25:41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
This verse depicts Jesus speaking on the Day of Judgment, distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. It reveals that the eternal fire is prepared not only for the devil but also for his angels, implying the condemnation and eternal punishment awaiting the fallen angels and those who followed their deceptions.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This verse reminds believers that their struggle is not merely against human adversaries but against spiritual forces of evil, including fallen angels, who hold authority and power in the spiritual realm. It highlights the necessity of spiritual warfare, relying on God’s strength and protection to resist the schemes of the enemy.
2 Thessalonians 2:9
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,”
This verse predicts the coming of the lawless one, a figure associated with Satan, in the end times. It describes how Satan operates by using signs, wonders, and displays of power to deceive people. It warns against being easily swayed by supernatural phenomena that do not align with the truth of God’s Word.
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
This verse advises readers to refrain from following the path of the wicked and to avoid association with evildoers. Although not specific to fallen angels, it encourages believers to distance themselves from any ungodly influences, including demonic entities. It promotes wisdom and discernment in choosing one’s companions and associations.
Job 1:6
“One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.”
This verse describes a scene where the angels present themselves before the Lord, including Satan among them. It indicates that fallen angels still have access to present themselves in the spiritual realm. It illustrates their ongoing existence and their role as spiritual beings with access to God’s presence.
Psalm 82:1
“God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the ‘gods.'”
In this verse, God is described as presiding over a great assembly and rendering judgment among the “gods.” While open to interpretation, some scholars suggest that it may imply the presence of fallen angels or beings with some form of authority in the spiritual realm. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting this verse definitively.
Luke 8:30-31
“Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Legion,’ he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.”
In this account, a man possessed by multiple demons, referred to as “Legion,” encounters Jesus. The demons acknowledge their collective presence and fear being sent to the Abyss. While not exclusively referring to fallen angels, this verse highlights the existence of demonic entities with knowledge of their ultimate fate and judgment.
Matthew 12:26
“If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?”
In response to the Pharisees accusing Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus poses a rhetorical question. He argues that if Satan were to oppose himself, it would lead to division within his own kingdom. This verse alludes to a hierarchy among fallen angels, emphasizing the organized structure of their opposition to God and the spiritual battle between good and evil.