What different types of angels does the Bible talk about?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible mentions several types of angels, each with distinct roles. The biggest distinction is between the faithful angels and the fallen angels. God’s faithful, holy angels serve a variety of duties, including worshiping God, relaying messages, performing miracles, facilitating judgment, and ministering to God's people. Seraphim, described in Isaiah 6:1–3, have six wings and serve in God's presence, worshiping Him continuously. Cherubim are found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 3:24, Exodus 25:18–22, and Ezekiel 10. They are associated with God's glory and guard sacred spaces like the garden of Eden and the ark of the covenant. Michael the archangel, and perhaps additional archangels (1 Thessalonians 4:16) is a warrior angel who leads heavenly armies (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7–9). Gabriel, appearing in Daniel 8 and 9 and the New Testament (Luke 1:19, 26), delivers key messages from God. Lastly, fallen angels, including Satan, are rebellious beings described in multiple passages, including Revelation 12:9 and Matthew 25:41. They will face ultimate judgment and eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:10). Understanding the different types of angels helps us understand God’s plan over the spiritual world. It also calls us to respond in worship to God, to test the spirits, and to live faithful lives that follow His plans and purposes.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Seraphim (singular "seraph") are angels only mentioned in Isaiah 6. They serve in the presence of God and have six wings: "Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew" (v. 2). Importantly, they call out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (v. 3). This triple use of “holy” is known as the trihagion and is important in understanding the attributes of God.
• Cherubim (singular "cherub"; also seen in plural form as "cherubs") are angels associated with the glory of God. Cherubim are depicted on the lid or top of the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18–22) and other aspects of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 26:1, 31). In Genesis 3:24, cherubim guarded the garden of Eden with a flaming sword. A vision in Ezekiel 1 and 10 describes the cherubim as having multiple faces, hands like a human, and wings; it is uncertain whether this applies to all cherubim or to a specific group of four better known as living creatures.
• Jude 1:9 refers to “the archangel Michael.” Michael is seen in the Old Testament as a warrior who aids the people of Israel (Daniel 10:13–21; 12:1).
• Gabriel is the other angel mentioned by name in the Bible (Daniel 8 and 9 in the Old Testament) and is described as a lead angel who seems to take messages from God to humans.
• "Sons of God" in Genesis 6:1–4 are fallen angels who took human wives. These fallen angels are further discussed in the New Testament.
• Angels, referred to as "sons of God," gather before the Lord, with Satan appearing among them, showing his role as a fallen angel subject to God's authority (Job 1:6-7; 2:1).
• The Old Testament describes evil spirits as agents allowed by God to accomplish His purposes, such as stirring discord (Judges 9:23), tormenting Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23), or deceiving Ahab through false prophets (1 Kings 22:21-23). God is sovereign even over spiritual forces of evil.
• Satan is described as an "anointed guardian cherub," once perfect and exalted among angels before his rebellion (Ezekiel 28:12-14). Satan's pride and desire to ascend above God led to his fall, setting him apart from the loyal angels (Isaiah 14:12—15).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• An archangel is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Jude 1:9 refers to “the archangel Michael,” so it is uncertain whether he is the only archangel—the chief of the angels—or if there are others. Michael appears to be a warrior (Revelation 12:7–9).
• Gabriel is the other angel mentioned by name in the Bible and is seen taking messages from God to humans. In the New Testament, Gabriel appeared to Zechariah (Luke 1:19) and to Mary (Luke 1:26).
• Other possible categories of angels include those mentioned in Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." While this verse refers to spiritual forces of evil, the categories it contains might also relate to categories of God's holy angels as well, though this is uncertain.
• Fallen angels, or demons, are another category of angels. They include Satan (or the Devil) who is the chief leader of fallen angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9).
• The New Testament frequently describes demons as real spiritual beings that oppose God and afflict humans, as seen in Jesus’ ministry, where He casts out demons and demonstrates His authority over them (Matthew 8:28-34; Luke 10:17-20). It also warns against demonic deception (1 Timothy 4:1) and affirms their ultimate judgment alongside Satan in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).
• Some demons are currently bound in judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6), while others operate in the world today. All the fallen angels will one day be judged by God and sent into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).
• In contrast, God's holy angels will dwell with Him forever (Matthew 25:31; Revelation 22:3). All of God's people will dwell with the Lord and His holy angels for eternity (Revelation 21:3).
• Hebrews 1:14 says that all angels are "ministering spirits." Angels that are not are servants of God who assist believers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The different types of faithful angels described in the Bible—such as the seraphim, cherubim, archangels like Michael, and messenger angels like Gabriel—demonstrate unwavering devotion and obedience to God. This serves as a powerful example for us to follow. Just as these holy angels fulfill their divine roles with faithfulness, we are called to worship God wholeheartedly and to live according to His purposes. We face spiritual opposition from fallen angels (Ephesians 6:12), so we are called to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and to stand firm against Satan (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9), the one who masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). As we align our lives with God's will and Word, we mirror the dedication of His faithful angels and live a life that matches the glory the angels praise God for in heaven.

UNDERSTAND

• There are two types of angels: faithful and fallen.
• The holy, faithful angels include seraphim, cherubim, archangels like Michael, and messenger angels like Gabriel, serving God through worship, messages, miracles, and judgment.
• Fallen angels include Satan and his demons, who rebelled against God and face eternal judgment.

REFLECT

• How do the faithful angels inspire you to live out your faith and worship God more fully in your daily life?
• How do you draw strength and encouragement from the angels living for God’s glory and for His service in ministering to His people?
• How does the reality of fallen angels influence your understanding of spiritual warfare and your approach to resisting temptation?

ENGAGE

• What lessons can we learn from the distinct roles of different types of angels, such as seraphim and cherubim, about our own roles in God's plan?
• How can the awareness of both faithful and fallen angels impact our approach to prayer and spiritual discernment?
• How should the ultimate judgment of fallen angels and their separation from God affect our view of God's justice and our commitment to living according to His purposes?