Angels play an important role throughout the Bible, acting as messengers from God, protectors, and spiritual warriors. While many angels are not named specifically, there are a number of prominent angels that appear multiple times in Scripture. Here is an overview of some of the main angels named in the Bible and their significance.
Michael
Michael is one of the archangels and the leader of God’s angel armies. His name means “who is like God?” Michael is described as a protector and the prince of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). He leads an army of angels against Satan and drives him out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). Michael also has a specific role protecting Israel in the end times (Daniel 12:1).
Gabriel
Gabriel is another prominent archangel in the Bible. His name means “God is my strength.” Gabriel often functions as a messenger from God, conveying revelation and prophecy. He interpreted visions for Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20). Gabriel is probably most well known for appearing to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
Lucifer/Satan
Many scholars believe that before his rebellion and fall from heaven, Satan was an angel named Lucifer whose name means “morning star” (Isaiah 14:12). Lucifer allowed pride to lead him into sin as he desired to elevate himself above God. As a result, God cast him out of heaven, and Lucifer became known as Satan (meaning “adversary”). After his fall, Satan leads a host of rebel angels who follow him in rebellion against God (Revelation 12:7-9; Matthew 25:41).
Seraphim
Seraphim angels have six wings and praise God declaring “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:2-3). Their name means “burning ones” suggesting their passionate worship of God. Seraphim surround God’s throne and reflect his glory.
Cherubim
Cherubim angels are associated with God’s glory, holiness and presence. Their name means “fullness of knowledge.” Cherubim guarded the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled (Genesis 3:24). Two golden cherubim statues were placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence with his people (Exodus 25:18-22).
Raphael
Raphael is named in the apocryphal Book of Tobit. His name means “God heals.” Raphael was sent by God to protect Tobias and guide him on a journey (Tobit 5:4-28). At the end of the journey, Raphael delivered healing to Tobit’s blindness (Tobit 11:7-15).
Uriel
Uriel appears in apocryphal and Jewish texts. His name means “God is my light.” Uriel is associated with imparting knowledge and warnings. In 2 Esdras, he warns Ezra about God’s impending judgment (2 Esdras 4). In Enoch I, Uriel inspects the earth and interprets signs.
Jophiel
Jophiel is an archangel mentioned in some Jewish traditions and medieval lore. His name means “beauty of God.” Jophiel is said to have guarded the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil in Eden. He expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden for eating the forbidden fruit.
Chamuel
Chamuel is referenced in texts like Enoch and claimed to fulfill duties such as fighting demons. His name means “He who sees God.” Chamuel is associated with delivering God’s merciful love to followers who need emotional healing.
Zadkiel
Zadkiel is sometimes identified as the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac. His name can mean “righteousness of God.” In Jewish tradition, Zadkiel served as chief of the order of dominations – a type of angel who regulates the duties of other angels.
Haniel
Haniel is the archangel of joy. His name means “grace of God.” Jewish lore describes him as helping new souls adjust to life on earth by whispering words of encouragement to counter evil inclinations.
Sandalphon
Sandalphon is an archangel in Jewish lore and kabbalah. His name means “co-brother” as he is associated with Metatron. Sandalphon is believed to be the tallest angel, standing at the height of the entire universe. He conveys prayers to God.
Remiel
Remiel is referenced in texts like Enoch and 3 Baruch. His name means “God raises up.” Remiel is an angel petitioned for divine mercy and grace. He is also linked to delivering revelation and granting prophetic vision to chosen people.
Ramiel
Ramiel appears in Enoch as one of seven archangels. He is responsible for divine visions and is described as the angel “who oversees the thunder and the lightning.” Ramiel’s name means “thunder of God.”
Phanuel
Phanuel is mentioned in the Book of Enoch. His name means “the face of God.” Phanuel is described as the angel “set over repentance and hope.” He is petitioned by those seeking forgiveness and redemption from past sins.
Cassiel
Cassiel is the angel of solitudes and tears who is said to preside over the deaths of kings. His name means “speed of God.” In some traditions, Cassiel is the angel who wrestled with Jacob and is the guardian of Rebecca in the Bible.
Azrael
Azrael is the angel of death referenced in Jewish and Muslim lore. His name means “whom God helps.” Azrael is said to guide souls after death and comfort those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
Raguel
Raguel is an archangel mentioned in Enoch who oversees justice and harmony. His name means “friend of God.” Raguel is petitioned to arbitrate arguments, protect relationships, and oversee justice in society.
Jeremiel
Jeremiel is described in Kabbalistic texts as an archangel who helps newly deceased souls review their lives. His name means “God’s exaltation.” Jeremiel then guides souls to their rightful place in the afterlife.
Raziel
Raziel is the angel of mysteries in Jewish lore. His name means “secret of God.” Raziel is said to possess divine secrets and knowledge of the universe. He grants this wisdom to the human race at appointed times.
Barachiel
Barachiel is referenced in texts like Enoch as the angel with dominion over lightning. His name means “blessing of God.” Barachiel is petitioned for divine protection against natural disasters caused by lightning and lightning strikes.
Jegudiel
Jegudiel is known as the angel of diligence and is invoked against sloth. His name means “the laudation of God.” Jegudiel encourages people to work hard and diligently apply themselves to worthwhile tasks and goals.
Metatron
Metatron is considered the chief or head angel in some traditions. His immense size fills the heavens. Metatron records mankind’s deeds and oversees the fruit of karmic consequence.
Ancient of Days
The Ancient of Days is a divine title or heavenly being referenced in Scripture (Daniel 7:9,13,22). It refers to one who has existed eternally, which may be another name for God himself.
The Angel of the Lord
“The Angel of the Lord” is used as a designation for God’s direct interaction with mankind. This angel speaks with authority and manifests God’s power (Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 3:2). Some believe it was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
Abaddon/Apollyon
Abaddon and Apollyon both mean “destroyer” and refer to an angel associated with the abyss and destruction (Job 28:22, Revelation 9:11). Some scholars link this figure with Satan or believe it references an evil kingdom.
Angels Mentioned in Revelation
The book of Revelation contains many references to angels which are unnamed specifically but fulfill important roles in God’s end times plans. These include angels tasked with certain trumpet and bowl judgments during the tribulation (Revelation 8-11, 15-16).
Revelation also describes encounters with angels like the angel delegated to proclaim the eternal gospel (Revelation 14:6), seven angels who stand before God (Revelation 8:2), and the angel that guided John in the visions (Revelation 17:1).
Unnamed Angels in the Bible
In addition to angels named and described specifically, the Bible makes over a hundred other references to angels serving in different capacities as messengers, protectors, praising God, executing judgement, and more (Hebrews 1:14). While unnamed, these angels play an important part in fulfilling God’s plans.
Some key unnamed angels in Scripture include:
- The angels at Jesus’ tomb announcing his resurrection (Matthew 28:2-7)
- The angel who delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-10)
- The angels Jacob saw ascending and descending a ladder/staircase to heaven (Genesis 28:12)
- The angel who gave instruction to Philip (Acts 8:26)
- The angels who prophesied and praised at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:13-14)
Categories of Angels
In addition to specific named angels, the Bible refers to different types of angels:
- Cherubim – Associated with God’s glory and presence.
- Seraphim – Six-winged angels who surround God’s throne in worship and praise.
- Archangels – Rulers and guardians over angels and nations.
- Principalities and Powers – Oversee regions of the world and the affairs of society.
- Authorities and Dominions – Regulate duties of lower angels and enforce God’s commands.
- Thrones – Angels nearest to God’s presence who praise him ceaselessly.
The Significance of Angels in Scripture
The different angels named and described in the Bible reveal many truths about God’s character and his plans for mankind:
- God sends angels to deliver his messages and revelation to people.
- Angels act on God’s behalf as protectors, guiding figures, and agents of deliverance.
- God delegated angels to aid believers, minister to their needs, and protect them.
- Angels reflect God’s glory and might. They worship and praise him endlessly.
- Angels carry out aspects of God’s judgement and enforcement of justice.
- God charges angels with oversight of nations, societies, and nature.
- Angels battle spiritual forces of evil at God’s command.
While angels serve important purposes, the Bible forbids worshiping angels (Colossians 2:18-19) since they are created beings subject to God. Their names and roles give insight into God’s character without drawing attention away from him.
The different types and tasks of angels are numerous but they all function within God’s authority to accomplish his divine will. The angels in Scripture point to God’s eternal power and sovereignty over creation. Their actions advance God’s redemptive plan for mankind.