What does the Bible say about Angels?

What are angels? Why were they created, and what do angels do? Humans have always held a fascination for angels and angelic beings. For centuries artists have tried to capture the image of angels on canvas. However, it may surprise you to know that the Bible describes angels nothing at all like they are typically depicted (you know, those cute little chubby babies with wings). So, let's take a look at what the Bible says about angels.

Bible Facts About Angels

Angels are mentioned 273 times in the Bible. Although we won't look at every instance, this study will offer a comprehensive look at what the Bible says about angels.  

Angels were created by God:

Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished.(NKJV) Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (NIV)

Angels were created to live for eternity:

Luke 20:36 ...nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.(NKJV) Revelation 4:8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (NIV)

Angels were present when God created the world:

Job 38:1-7 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "...Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? ...while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"(NIV)

Angels do not marry:

Matthew 22:30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.(NIV)

Angels are wise and intelligent:

2 Samuel 14:17 Your maidservant said, ‘The word of my lord the king will now be comforting; for as the angel of God, so is my lord the king in discerning good and evil. And may the LORD your God be with you.’(NKJV) Daniel 9:21-22 ...while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding." (NIV)

Angels have knowledge of, and interest in, the affairs of men:

Daniel 10:14 "Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."(NIV)Luke 15:10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (NKJV)

Angels are faster than men:

Daniel 9:21 ... while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.(NIV)Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. (NLT)