The Bible offers lucid descriptions and nature of angels. One of the most significant things which the bible points out is that angels are spirits. This is biblically noted in the book of Hebrews 1:14, which says:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
The fact that angles are spirits make them to possibly transform and take any shape, including that of a human. There are various instances where angels appear in human form.
Genesis 18:1-2 discloses angels appearing to Abraham in human form: “The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.”
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These men were confirmed as angels in Genesis: 19:1. It says: “Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown.”
Also, in the Book of Judges 13:2-25, an angel appeared to Manoah and his wife in human form. According to Manoah’s wife, “The man who appeared to me the other day is here again!” The bible verses which showcase that angels appear in human form are numerous.
Artist’s Depictions of Angels
Angel with sword
One of the most popular depiction of angel is as a winged creature holding a sword. Often, artist draw an angels holding a flaming sword. This portrayal is fuelled by Genesis 3:24. It reads:
“So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”
Moreover, there are other verses which also depict angels with sword. They are Numbers 22:23 and 1 Chronicles 21:16:
“When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.” ( Numbers 22:23)
“Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.” (1 Chronicles 21:16)
Wings
This is undoubtedly one of the prominent features of angels portrayed by artists. Angels are not just depicted with two wings similarity to bird, but some have four wings and six wings respectively.
What do Biblical Accurate Angels Look Like?
Let’s explore what angels look like in the Bible. To have accurate descriptions of angels, we will turn to biblical verses that clearly describe angels in their true forms.
Angel Gabriel’s Description in Daniel 10:6
“I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz.”
This verse offers a glimpse of a mysterious figure, described as “a certain man clothed in linen.” To understand the significance of this description, we need to consider the broader context of the passage.
The Context of Daniel 10
Before we delve into the angel’s description, it’s essential to understand the context in which Daniel 10:6 is situated.
Daniel is standing by the side of the great river Tigris when he sees this mysterious figure. The river Tigris is a significant geographical reference, emphasizing that this encounter is not merely a dream but a profound vision with spiritual implications.
The Symbolism of Linen
The angel in Daniel 10:6 is described as being “clothed in linen.” The use of linen is a symbol with deep biblical significance.
In the Bible, linen is often associated with purity, righteousness, and holiness. It is considered a symbol of spiritual purity and is used in the context of priests’ garments and the Tabernacle in the Old Testament.
The linen attire of the angel underscores the angel’s divine nature and reinforces the idea that angels are messengers of God, carrying out His will in a state of spiritual purity and righteousness.
Girded with Fine Gold of Uphaz
The verse continues to describe the angel as having his loins girded with “fine gold of Uphaz.” The mention of gold emphasizes the angel’s exalted and divine nature.
Gold is often associated with royalty, glory, and divine majesty in the Bible. It signifies the angel’s authority and power.
The mention of “Uphaz” is a bit more enigmatic. Uphaz is believed to be a reference to a precious metal or place, but its exact meaning is not entirely clear.
Nonetheless, it serves to highlight the richness and value of the angel’s attire, further emphasizing the angel’s importance and significance.
The Appearance of a Certain Man
In Daniel 10:6, the angel is described as “a certain man.” This choice of words is interesting because it highlights the angel’s human-like appearance.
Throughout the Bible, angels are often depicted in a form that is relatable to humans. This human-like appearance is intended to make their interactions with humans more comprehensible and less overwhelming.
The Cherubim’s Description in Ezekiel 1:4-28
“As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually, and in the middle of the fire, something like gleaming amber. In the center of the fire, there was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had a human likeness, but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides, they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings touched one another; each of them moved straight ahead, without turning as they went.”
This passage from Ezekiel’s vision provides us with a vivid description of the Cherubim. Let’s break it down step by step:
A Stormy Wind and a Glowing Fire:
The vision begins with a stormy wind coming from the north, accompanied by a great cloud and a brightness with fire flashing continually. This imagery sets the stage for the appearance of the Cherubim, emphasizing their divine and awe-inspiring nature.
Four Living Creatures:
In the midst of the fire and brilliance, Ezekiel sees four living creatures. These beings are the Cherubim. Their appearance is described as having a human likeness, which means they possess a human-like form.
Four Faces and Four Wings:
Each Cherub has four faces and four wings. The faces are described as that of a human, a lion, an ox (or calf), and an eagle. These faces represent different aspects of God’s creation and power, emphasizing the Cherubim’s connection to God’s divine authority over all living creatures.
Straight Legs and Burnished Bronze:
The Cherubim’s legs are straight, and the soles of their feet are compared to the sole of a calf’s foot. Additionally, they sparkle like burnished bronze, indicating their radiant and majestic nature.
Human Hands Under Their Wings:
Under their wings, the Cherubim have human hands. This feature may symbolize their role as protectors and servants of God.
Unfaltering Movement:
The Cherubim move straight ahead without turning as they go, highlighting their unwavering dedication and obedience to the divine will.
Seraphim in Isaiah 6:1-2
Isaiah’s encounter with the Seraphim is recounted in the sixth chapter of the Book of Isaiah. It serves as a remarkable example of a divine revelation in the Bible. The encounter begins with Isaiah stating,
“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.”
This sets the stage for the appearance of the Seraphim, who are among the closest beings to the divine presence.
Description of the Seraphim
The word “Seraphim” is derived from the Hebrew word “seraph,” which means “burning ones” or “fiery ones.” This name is fitting, as the Seraphim are described as having burning qualities, symbolizing their proximity to the divine presence. In Isaiah’s vision, the Seraphim are depicted with several distinct characteristics.
Six Wings:
Isaiah describes the Seraphim as having six wings. He writes, “With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying”. This six-winged appearance symbolizes their reverence and humility in the presence of God.
Covering Their Faces:
With two of their wings, the Seraphim cover their faces. This act signifies their deep respect for the divine holiness and their unworthiness to gaze directly upon God.
Covering Their Feet:
The Seraphim also use two of their wings to cover their feet. This is interpreted as an act of humility, acknowledging their own imperfections and unworthiness in the presence of the Almighty.
Flying:
The remaining two wings are used for flight, symbolizing the Seraphim’s readiness to carry out the will of God. Their constant flight is indicative of their unceasing service in the heavenly realm.
The Four Living Creatures
In Revelation 4, the apostle John has a remarkable vision of heaven, where he witnesses a scene of heavenly worship. He describes the four living creatures who are angels as follows:
“6 In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.'” (Revelation 4:6-8)
The Lion – Symbol of Strength
The first living creature is described as having the likeness of a lion. Lions are often associated with strength, power, and majesty in the Bible. The lion is considered the king of the beasts, and in the same way, this living creature symbolizes the majesty and sovereignty of God. It represents God’s strength and authority over all creation.
The Ox – Symbol of Service
The second living creature resembles an ox. In biblical symbolism, the ox represents service and labor. Oxen were used for plowing fields and carrying heavy loads, signifying hard work and dedication. This living creature symbolizes the aspect of God’s creation that serves and works diligently according to His divine plan.
The Man – Symbol of Intelligence
The third living creature has a face like a man. This portrayal highlights the unique status of humanity in God’s creation. It signifies intelligence, wisdom, and the capacity for relationship with God. The face of a man on one of the living creatures represents the divine connection between God and humanity, emphasizing the importance of our relationship with our Creator.
The Eagle – Symbol of Swiftness
The fourth living creature is likened to a flying eagle. Eagles are known for their swiftness and keen eyesight. In the Bible, they symbolize God’s watchful care and providence. This living creature represents God’s ability to see all things and His swiftness in executing His divine will.
Eyes All Around
One of the most intriguing aspects of these living creatures is that they are described as being covered with eyes, both in front and in back, even under their wings. The abundance of eyes signifies their ceaseless vigilance and awareness of God’s holiness and presence. It also symbolizes their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of His will.
The Mighty Angel in Revelation 10:1
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.”
The imagery in this verse is both beautiful and powerful, and it invites us to explore its meaning and significance.
Coming Down from Heaven:
The verse begins by telling us that the mighty angel descended from heaven. This heavenly origin underscores the angel’s divine nature and authority. Angels are often seen as messengers or servants of God, and their descent from heaven symbolizes their connection to the divine.
Robed in a Cloud:
The angel is described as being “robed in a cloud.” This cloud represents the glory and majesty of God. In the Bible, clouds are often associated with divine presence, as seen in the cloud that led the Israelites through the wilderness during their exodus. This cloud-like robe symbolizes the angel’s role as a heavenly messenger.
Rainbow Above His Head:
Another remarkable aspect of the mighty angel’s appearance is the rainbow above his head. Rainbows are seen as signs of God’s covenant and promise in the Bible. The rainbow is a symbol of God’s faithfulness and mercy, and its presence above the angel’s head underscores the message of hope and assurance that the angel brings.
Face Like the Sun:
The angel’s face is described as being “like the sun.” The sun is a powerful and radiant source of light, and in the Bible, it often represents the glory of God. The angel’s radiant face signifies the divine light that shines through this celestial being, symbolizing the angel’s role in revealing God’s truth.
Legs Like Fiery Pillars:
The angel’s legs are likened to “fiery pillars.” Fire is often associated with purification and divine judgment in the Bible. The fiery pillars emphasize the angel’s strength and authority. This description signifies the angel’s role in executing God’s will and judgment.
Final Thought on Biblical Accurate Angels
From the above biblical verses, it is deduced understandably that the appearance of angels varies; therefore angels do not have a specific appearance just like humans.
Some are described with two wings, while others have four and six wings. The Ophanim, also known as the Wheel in the Book of Ezekiel, do not possess wings.
What associate them with other angels is the possession of multiple eyes which they have around them.