Angel — Meaning in the Bible
A messenger. In the Bible angels are spiritual beings sent by God with messages or help; the same word can also mean a human messenger.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Both the Hebrew and Greek words simply mean "messenger". Angels announce births, guide, protect and praise God. Genesis 16:7–11Genesis 28:12Psalm 91:11Luke 2:13–14
Gabriel appears to Zechariah and Mary; angels announce Jesus' birth to shepherds and his resurrection to the women. Hebrews calls them ministering spirits. Luke 1:19Luke 1:26–28Matthew 28:5–7Hebrews 1:14
Key passages
- Genesis 28:10–17 — Jacob's dream of angels on a stairway.
- Daniel 6:22 — An angel shuts the lions' mouths.
- Luke 1:26–38 — Gabriel and Mary.
- Luke 2:8–14 — Angels and the shepherds.
- Matthew 28:1–7 — An angel at the tomb.
How translations differ
- The same Hebrew word is translated "messenger" when it refers to human messengers. Genesis 32:3Malachi 3:1
For children
An angel is a messenger from God. The angel Gabriel told Mary she would have a baby named Jesus. Luke 1:26–31
Study further
- Genesis 28:10–22 Jacob's dream.
- Luke 1:5–38 Gabriel's messages.
- Luke 2:8–20 Good news to shepherds.