What Are the Different Types of Angels in the Bible?

Angels have long been a fascination for humanity. We talk about having a guardian angel. Angels appear in some of our films and television shows – for some the entire plot is centered around the angelic. We use “angel” as a compliment. We even have a baseball team named the Angels.

Here is another use of angels. When you want to give an example of how Christians can become distracted — and even heated — about seemingly insignificant questions, you ask the question, “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?” It’s the height of ridiculousness during the Middle Ages. People were suffering throughout the world and the scholastics were discussing questions such as this one.

When talking about angels, it’s not long before we extend ourselves beyond what the Bible says. When we do this, we are on dangerous ground. I am reminded of these wise words from John Calvin.

“Indeed, vanity joined with pride can be detected in the fact that, in seeking God, miserable men do not rise above themselves as they should, but measure him by the yardstick of their own carnal stupidity, and neglect sound investigation; thus out of curiosity they fly off into empty speculations. They do not therefore apprehend God as he offers himself, but imagine him as they have fashioned him in their own presumption. When this gulf opens, in whatever direction they move their feet, they cannot but plunge headlong into ruin.”

To this end, my aim here is to outline what the Scripture tells us about the different types of angels and to go no further into speculation. It is an important topic. And I believe angels still act in our world today. But we don’t do ourselves any favors by going further than God has chosen to reveal to us. But before we explore the type of angels, we need to ask a more fundamental question. What is an angel?

What Is an Angel?

Angels are supernatural beings, created by God. The word angel simply means messenger. Eerdman’s Dictionary of the Bible gives a good summary:

“Angels are a part of the creation of God, created either in the beginning or sometime before the foundation of the earth (Ps. 148:2–5; Neh. 9:6; Col. 1:15–17). They are of a higher order than humans (Heb. 2:7) and are greater in power and might (2 Pet. 2:11; cf. 2 Kgs. 19:35). However, they are not to be worshipped by humans (Col. 2:18; Rev. 22:8–9). Angels are not omniscient as is God, for they do not know the time of the coming of Christ (Matt. 24:36; cf. 1 Pet. 1:12). Neither are they omnipresent, for they are said to go from place to place (Dan. 9:21–23). Angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14). They do not die, nor do they marry (Luke 20:36; Mark 12:25). While the number of the angels is never definitely given, they are said to be innumerable (Dan. 7:10; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11).”

According to Sam Emadi, “Their primary functions as revealed in Scripture are to engage in the worship of God in heaven and carry out his purposes on earth. God commissions angels to protect his people, deliver them from danger, transmit divine messages, and encourage believers.”

We do not know when angels were created. They are created, but as the Scriptures are concerned, they simply are. They are just as much a part of the created order as trees and grass and the sun and the moon. But it also seems that there are different types of angels.

What Are the Different Types of Angels?

In the 500s, a monk who was known as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite created an angelic hierarchy in his book The Celestial Hierarchy. In that work he outlined 3 spheres of angels, with the classes (or choirs) in each one. This is what his classification looked like:

Sphere One: Choir One — Seraphim, Choir Two — Cherubim, Choir Three — Thrones

Sphere Two: Choir Four — Dominions, Choir Five — Virtues, Choir Six — Powers

Sphere Three: Choir Seven — Principalities, Choir Eight — Archangels, Choir Nine — Angels

He’s using biblical words for each of these, and in each one he has lengthy descriptions. But I’m not entirely convinced that this is how the Bible outlines things.

Consider an example. Imagine that in 2,000 years there are no more animals roaming freely on the planet. It’s been a long time since someone actually saw one of these creatures. But a document was discovered which listed these strange creatures. On that document you read: beagle, dog, cat, mammal, squirrel. From this you surmise that there are five realms of these animal being. The problem, though, is that beagle, dog, and mammal could be referring to only one specific animal.

The same thing, I believe, could be true of the angelic realm. Do we know for certain that “dominions” are speaking of a different thing than seraphim, or archangels? I prefer, then, to speak as the Scriptures do. And it seems that there are these main classifications of angels. 

Archangels

The title of “archangel” suggests a position of authority or leadership among angels, though it’s possible that archangels could be a specific subclass or rank within the broader angelic hierarchy. The Bible directly mentions only one archangel by name—Michael. In Jude 1:9, Michael is described as the archangel who contended with the devil over the body of Moses. This depiction paints Michael as a powerful warrior, often seen as a protector of God’s people, and it suggests a significant role in the spiritual battle against evil.

Another prominent angel is Gabriel, who is never explicitly called an archangel in the Bible but is described as one who “stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19). Gabriel appears to be a messenger of profound announcements, such as his revelations to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist and to Mary about the birth of Jesus. This proximity to God and his unique assignments have led many to consider Gabriel an archangel, even if the title is not directly applied.

Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 mentions “the voice of an archangel” heralding the return of Christ, though it does not specify who this archangel is. This passage reinforces the idea that archangels have a pivotal role in God’s divine plan, especially during moments of major spiritual significance.

Cherubim

These are the most mentioned types of angels. Perhaps, you’ve heard of a cherub — a cute little baby angel. That’s a far-cry from their description in the Bible. Ezekiel 10 gives us a physical description of them. They are said to be those guarding the way to the tree of life in Genesis 3:24. They also make an appearance in image form in Exodus 25:18, 20 where they are guarding the mercy seat. That tells us that their function is likely to guard the places where sinful humanity might defile God’s holy space. Here are some more details about Cherubim from Scripture:

• In Exodus 25:18-22, two golden cherubim are positioned on the Ark of the Covenant's mercy seat, facing each other with wings outstretched, symbolizing God’s presence dwelling between them.
• In Ezekiel 10:14, cherubim are described as having multiple faces—a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—each representing various qualities such as wisdom, power, service, and swiftness. They also have multiple wings and are covered with eyes, representing their awareness and vigilance.
• In Psalm 18:10 and 2 Samuel 22:11, God is depicted as riding on a cherub, highlighting their role in divine transportation.
• Cherubim are often shown as part of the heavenly throne room where worship of God takes place. Their presence around God’s throne signifies reverence and worship, as seen in both Ezekiel and Revelation

Seraphim

These are only found in Isaiah. In Isaiah 6 he describes them as covering their face and their feet, and crying out concerning the holiness of God. They also are the ones who give Isaiah the coal from the altar to place upon his defiled lips. It is possible that the creature in Revelation 4:8 with six wings is a seraph.

The Living Creatures

The “living creatures” are a distinct group of heavenly beings mentioned primarily in Revelation 4 and Ezekiel 10. These creatures stand out due to their remarkable appearance and unique role in worship around God’s throne. In Revelation 4:6-8, John describes them as four creatures, each covered with eyes and possessing different forms—one like a lion, one like an ox, one with a face like a man, and one like an eagle in flight. Each has six wings, reminiscent of the seraphim in Isaiah 6, and they continually praise God, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Their constant worship indicates a role as heavenly worship leaders, surrounding the throne and joining in praise alongside the twenty-four elders who represent redeemed people (Revelation 4:4). These elders, often interpreted as symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles, signify the people of God throughout history. Together with the living creatures, they form a chorus of eternal praise and adoration before God, emphasizing His holiness and authority.

In Ezekiel 10, the creatures described also bear a resemblance to cherubim, with complex, almost intimidating forms and multiple faces—one of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—each symbolizing strength, wisdom, service, and swiftness. This has led many to wonder if the living creatures are a special class within the cherubim, a unique subset whose primary purpose is to exalt God’s holiness and lead the heavenly host in worship.

Unlike angels who may act as messengers or guardians on earth, these living creatures appear solely devoted to the continuous, direct worship of God in His throne room. Their ceaseless praise reminds us of God’s majesty, and their watchfulness, with eyes covering their bodies, symbolizes God’s all-seeing nature, a testament to His omnipresence and omniscience.

Fallen Angels

It’s probably best not to call these a separate class, but rather to say that there are good angels and fallen angels from each classification. But the Bible does speak of the fall of Satan (Luke 10:18) and a hell reserved for “the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). Some have tied together pieces from Isaiah 14, Revelation 9, and Revelation 12 to teach that when Satan rebelled, 1/3 of the angels went with him. But Scripture is not entirely clear on this point. What we can say definitively is that some of the angels, originally created good, are now part of the demonic realm.

Do people have guardian angels?

The idea of guardian angels is comforting, and Scripture gives us some insight here. Psalm 91:11-12 tells us that God “commands His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways,” and in Matthew 18:10, Jesus speaks of angels who always see God’s face concerning the “little ones.” Some believe this suggests an angel’s specific protection over each person, especially those most vulnerable. Yet, while the Bible doesn’t detail a one-to-one guardian assignment for everyone, it does reveal that God uses angels to protect His people, showing His care in powerful, unseen ways.

Are angels and humans related or similar in any way?

Angels and humans share some common purposes, like glorifying God, but they are distinctly different beings. Humans are made “a little lower than the angels” (Hebrews 2:7) and don’t have the spiritual power of angels. Jesus explained that, after resurrection, people won’t marry, being “like the angels” (Matthew 22:30), but this only points to similarities in spiritual existence, not a merging of identities. Angels are unique creations with their own role, while humans are made in God’s image, reflecting His glory in a different way.

Can we communicate with angels or pray to them?

The Bible encourages us to pray directly to God alone and not to angels. In Colossians 2:18, Paul warns, “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” This verse cautions against elevating angels to a status they don’t hold, reminding us that only God is worthy of our devotion.

Similarly, 1 Timothy 2:5 clarifies our direct connection to God through Christ, stating, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Angels, while powerful servants of God who work on our behalf, are not intermediaries between us and God. Christ alone holds that role. While angels play a supportive role in our lives, our relationship with God remains direct and personal, rooted in prayer and communion with Him through Jesus.

Do angels have free will, and can they sin?

Angels do appear to have had free will, evidenced by some rebelling against God. 2 Peter 2:4 says, “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 passage indicates that certain angels chose to sin, resulting in their separation from God.

Jude 1:6 further explains, “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.” These fallen angels chose disobedience and aligned themselves with Satan. Meanwhile, those loyal to God seem to be now confirmed in righteousness, faithfully serving Him.

How many angels are there?

The Bible uses language like “myriads of myriads” to imply an uncountable host of angels. Revelation 5:11 says, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.” This immense gathering reflects the overwhelming presence of angels serving and worshiping God.

Daniel 7:10 echoes this idea, describing, “A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” 

Are angels omnipotent or omnipresent like God?

Angels are powerful beings, yet their strength is limited. 2 Peter 2:11 states, “Yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord.” This verse confirms their might, but angels still lack the omnipotence that belongs solely to God. In Daniel 10:13, we see an example of angelic limitations: an angel takes time to reach Daniel because he was delayed by a conflict with the “prince of the Persian kingdom” until Michael, another angel, assisted him. This episode shows that angels are not all-knowing or all-present; their power, though impressive, is finite and God-given, underscoring God’s unique, unmatched attributes.

Do angels still act in the world today?

If you think about all of the years of history recorded in the Bible, the reality is that angelic appearances are not nearly as common as they might seem. It’s a bit like plane crashes vs. automobile crashes. The latter happens far more frequently and claims more human lives per year. But they don’t make the news. Plane crashes do. Angels are similar; when they make an appearance, people listen.

God is certainly just as active in the world today. Why would his servant messengers, angels, not still be active as well? And Hebrews 13:2 does mention the need to entertain strangers, “for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” Angels are “ministers who do his will” (Psalm 103:20-21). We don’t always see their work, but the Bible tells us that they are ministering. 

I like how John Piper summarizes their activity in the world today. He says this,

“So, in heaven and on earth, angels in their magnificence serve to call attention to the grandeur of God and, surprisingly, serve to call attention to the lesser but breathtaking grandeur of the simplest believer. God intends for the role of angels to thrill us with his grace and power and wisdom in the way he created, the way he governs, and the way he is saving his people.”

This, I believe, gives us an important reminder. Angels are fundamentally pointers. They point to God’s glory and they serve humanity. They even point to our worth and value.

How can you tell if you’ve encountered an angel?

You might wonder if you've ever unknowingly encountered an angel, and Hebrews 13:2 gives us a hint that this could happen: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This verse suggests that angels can sometimes appear in ways that don’t immediately reveal their heavenly nature. In Luke 24:4, we find an example of this when two angels appear at Jesus' tomb, described as “two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning.” 

So, it’s possible that an angel could show up in our lives in the most ordinary way, perhaps as a stranger, bringing us encouragement, warning, or guidance just when we need it most. If we remain open to God's mysterious ways, we might entertain angels without even realizing it.

What happens to angels at the end of time?

The Bible gives us a glimpse of what awaits angels at the end of time. Revelation 20:10 describes the final judgment for Satan and his fallen angels: “And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” This moment signifies the ultimate defeat of Satan and his followers. But for the faithful angels, their future is one of eternal worship and service in God’s presence. 

In his work, The City of God, Augustine once reflected that loyal angels will continue to glorify and serve God in the new creation - "

“The holy angels are immortally blessed because they cleave to Him who supremely is… they enjoy His eternity in their own everlasting service.”

ugustine emphasizes that faithful angels are a part of God’s redemptive plan, permanently established in God’s will and purpose. His reflections offer assurance that these loyal beings, like faithful believers, will continue to glorify God eternally in the new creation, reflecting both God's justice for the rebellious and His love for the devoted.For us, this is a reminder of God’s perfect justice and His love for those who remain faithful—heavenly beings and believers alike.

Conclusion

Angels are fascinating. But the reality is that we know very little about them in Scripture. This can open us up to some wild speculations as we try to fill out our understanding of the angelic realm. But as we think about angels, I’ve often been struck by what 1 Peter 1:12 tells us about them — they long to look into the gospel.

What does that mean? It means that while we are fascinated by angels, they are fascinated by the gospel. Grace confounds the angelic. Perhaps, we should spend time then marveling not at the things which have only been partially revealed, but rather being enamored with this precious gospel that has been given to us.

Related

Sources

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion & 2, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles, vol. 1, The Library of Christian Classics (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2011), 47–48.

Edward P. Myers, “Angel,” ed. David Noel Freedman, Allen C. Myers, and Astrid B. Beck, Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2000), 63.

Sam Emadi, “Angels,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).

Photo credit: Unsplash/Ana Bórquez