Angels, celestial beings created by God, are messengers, protectors, and agents of His divine will. The Bible mentions angels in various contexts, offering insights into their role and significance in the spiritual realm.
Join me as we explore these verses, gaining a deeper understanding of the angelic realm and finding comfort in the knowledge that God’s heavenly messengers are at work in our lives.
Bible Verses about Angels
Hebrews 1:14
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?”
Angels are heavenly beings created by God to serve as ministering spirits. Their purpose is to carry out God’s will and provide assistance and support to those who are destined for salvation.
Psalm 91:11
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”
This verse highlights God’s promise of divine protection through the assignment of angels. They are given the responsibility to guard and watch over believers, ensuring their safety and well-being in every aspect of life.
Matthew 18:10
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, especially children. He reveals that each child has an angel in heaven who constantly beholds the presence of God, indicating the special care God has for the vulnerable and innocent.
Luke 15:10
“Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
This verse portrays the immense joy experienced in the heavenly realm when a sinner repents and turns back to God. Angels play a significant role in celebrating and rejoicing over each individual who comes to salvation.
Revelation 5:11-12
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!'”
This powerful scene in Revelation depicts a multitude of angels surrounding the throne of God, united in worship and proclaiming the worthiness of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. It showcases the exalted position of angels in heavenly worship and their acknowledgment of Christ’s sacrificial work.
Genesis 28:12
“Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”
In Jacob’s dream, he witnesses a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending upon it. This vision serves as a reminder of the continuous divine communication between heaven and earth, facilitated by angels as messengers and intermediaries.
Acts 12:7
“Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, ‘Arise quickly!’ And his chains fell off his hands.”
When Peter was imprisoned, an angel of the Lord appeared, bringing supernatural intervention and deliverance. This incident illustrates how angels can be dispatched by God to rescue and liberate believers from difficult and seemingly impossible situations.
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
This verse conveys the assurance that those who revere and honor the Lord are encompassed by His angelic protection. They are shielded from harm and bestowed with divine deliverance in times of trouble.
2 Kings 6:17
“And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
In a moment of crisis, Elisha’s servant’s eyes were opened to the spiritual realm, revealing the presence of angelic forces surrounding and guarding them. This account serves as a reminder that there are unseen heavenly hosts engaged in protecting and defending God’s people.
Daniel 6:22
“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me because I was found innocent before Him.”
When Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, God sent an angel to supernaturally close the mouths of the ferocious beasts. This miraculous intervention displayed God’s power over creation and the ability of angels to act as agents of protection.
Matthew 4:11
“Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”
After Jesus endured temptation in the wilderness, angels appeared to provide Him with care and support. This verse reveals that angels not only serve humanity but also minister to the Son of God, reinforcing their role as servants in the divine plan.
Acts 27:23-24
“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'”
In the midst of a perilous sea voyage, Paul received assurance and guidance from an angel, assuring him that his life and the lives of those with him would be spared. This incident highlights how angels can convey messages of divine guidance and protection.
Psalm 103:20
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.”
This verse calls for angels to bless and worship the Lord, emphasizing their strength and obedience in fulfilling His commands. It underscores the unwavering loyalty and commitment of angels in carrying out God’s purposes.
Matthew 26:53
“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?”
During Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, He declares His ability to call upon a vast number of angels for His defense if He desired. This verse demonstrates the magnitude of angelic power and their readiness to respond to the will of God.
Exodus 23:20
“Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.”
As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, God assured them of His presence through the sending of an Angel. This Angel would guide and protect them, leading them to the promised land. It signifies the role of angels as guides and guardians in fulfilling God’s plans.
Luke 2:10-11
“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'”
When announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, an angel delivered a message of hope, proclaiming the arrival of the long-awaited Savior. This event showcases angels as messengers of God’s good news, bringing joy and salvation to humanity.
Psalm 103:21
“Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.”
This verse calls upon the hosts of angels to bless and worship the Lord, acknowledging their role as ministers who carry out His divine will. It highlights their obedience and dedication to fulfilling God’s purposes.
Mark 8:38
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Jesus warns about the consequence of denying or being ashamed of Him and His teachings. He reveals that when He returns in His Father’s glory, accompanied by the holy angels, those who rejected Him will experience His disapproval. This verse emphasizes the significance of acknowledging Jesus and His message.
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
This verse encourages believers to show hospitality and kindness to strangers, as some have unknowingly encountered angels in human form. It illustrates the possibility of divine encounters with heavenly beings and the importance of extending love and hospitality to all.
Also Read: 27 Bible Verses about Starting Over Again (With Commentary)
Psalm 148:2
“Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts!”
This verse calls upon all angels and heavenly hosts to praise and worship the Lord. It underscores their role in glorifying God and joining in the eternal worship of His majesty.
1 Peter 1:12
“To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.”
The apostle Peter highlights the profound interest of angels in the message of the gospel. They eagerly desire to understand and comprehend the profound work of redemption revealed through the Holy Spirit. This verse reveals the angelic fascination with God’s redemptive plan.
Matthew 13:49-50
“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
Jesus explains the future role of angels in the final judgment. They will be instrumental in separating the wicked from the righteous, casting the unrepentant into eternal punishment. This verse highlights the angels’ role in executing God’s righteous judgment.
Luke 9:26
“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.”
Jesus warns about the consequence of denying or being ashamed of Him and His teachings. He reveals that when He returns in His own glory, alongside the holy angels, those who rejected Him will experience His disapproval. This verse emphasizes the significance of acknowledging Jesus and His message.
Psalm 103:20-21
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.”
This passage calls upon angels to praise and bless the Lord. It acknowledges their strength, obedience, and willingness to fulfill God’s commands. It serves as a reminder of their role as ministers who carry out His divine pleasure.
Revelation 22:8-9
“Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.'”
In the book of Revelation, John encounters an angel who reveals future events. Overwhelmed by the encounter, John falls down to worship the angel. However, the angel corrects him, emphasizing that angels are fellow servants of God and should not be worshipped. This verse highlights the importance of worshipping God alone.
Isaiah 6:2-3
“Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!'”
In Isaiah’s vision, he witnesses the majestic seraphim, angelic beings with six wings. They continuously proclaim the holiness of the Lord and declare the earth’s fullness of His glory. This passage illustrates the heavenly worship led by angels, exalting the greatness of God.
Jude 1:9
“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!'”
Jude references an incident involving the archangel Michael, who engaged in a spiritual battle with the devil over the body of Moses. Even in such a confrontation, Michael refrained from making slanderous accusations but instead relied on the Lord’s rebuke. This verse showcases the authority and wisdom of angels in their dealings with spiritual adversaries.
Matthew 18:10
“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, particularly children. He reveals that each child has an angel in heaven who constantly beholds the presence of God, signifying the special care and attention God provides to the vulnerable and innocent.
Psalm 91:11-12
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
This verse provides assurance of God’s protection through the ministry of angels. They are assigned to watch over and safeguard believers in all their ways. It emphasizes the divine care and intervention that angels offer in preserving the well-being of God’s people.
Acts 10:3-4
“About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, ‘Cornelius!’ And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, ‘What is it, lord?’ So he said to him, ‘Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.'”
In this account, Cornelius, a devout man, receives a vision of an angel. The angel commends Cornelius for his prayers and acts of kindness, assuring him that his devotion has been recognized by God. This passage reveals the role of angels in relaying divine messages and confirming God’s favor upon individuals.
What does the Bible say about Angels?
Angels play a significant role in the Bible and are mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments. In Christianity, angels are regarded as spiritual beings created by God to serve as messengers and intermediaries between heaven and earth. Here are some key points about angels based on biblical teachings:
- Created Beings: Angels are not human beings but are a distinct creation of God. They were created before the foundation of the world and are part of the heavenly realm.
- Messengers of God: The term “angel” itself means “messenger,” and one of their primary roles is to deliver important messages from God to humans. They often serve as bearers of divine revelations and guidance.
- Worship and Praise: Angels are seen as worshipers of God, and they continuously praise and glorify Him in heaven. In various biblical accounts, they are depicted as singing praises to God and celebrating His greatness.
- Protectors and Guardians: Angels are sometimes portrayed as protectors and guardians of individuals or nations. They are sent by God to watch over His people and provide spiritual assistance and protection.
- Involvement in History: Throughout the Bible, angels are shown to be involved in shaping historical events, aiding righteous individuals, and executing God’s judgments on the wicked.
- Fallen Angels: The Bible also speaks of fallen angels, led by Satan or Lucifer, who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. These fallen angels are now considered demons and are in opposition to God’s plans and humanity’s well-being.
- Appearance: Angels are often described as glorious beings with a shining and majestic appearance. However, they can take on human form when interacting with humans, as seen in several biblical accounts.
- Hierarchy of Angels: While the Bible doesn’t provide an extensive description of angelic hierarchy, some passages suggest that there are different ranks or orders of angels, such as archangels.
- Rejoice in Repentance: According to Jesus, there is joy among the angels in heaven over one sinner who repents. This highlights the spiritual significance of repentance and the heavenly celebration that follows it.
It’s important to note that while the Bible provides insights into the nature and activities of angels, it does not provide a comprehensive or exhaustive account. The focus of the Bible is primarily on God and His plan of salvation for humanity through Jesus Christ. The information about angels serves to highlight their role as part of God’s divine plan rather than an extensive exploration of their nature and existence.