The Bible mentions various types of celestial beings, known as angels. While all angels were created by God, the Bible indicates that there is some type of hierarchy or order among the angelic beings. Though the Bible does not lay out the specifics of the angelic hierarchy in great detail, we can piece together some information about the different kinds of angels and their rankings from various scriptural passages.
The Seraphim
The seraphim seem to be the highest order of angels, as Isaiah 6:1-7 describes them surrounding God’s throne and worshiping Him. The passage indicates that they have six wings, with two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying. The name “seraphim” means “burning ones” in Hebrew, suggesting they have an especially fervent zeal for serving God. Their key role seems to be to continually praise and worship God at His throne, as Isaiah heard them declaring “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isaiah 6:3).
The Cherubim
The Bible also mentions powerful angels called cherubim (singular “cherub”). They seem to have great authority and guard some of God’s holiness. Genesis 3:24 describes God placing cherubim to guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled. Images of cherubim were woven into the curtain of the tabernacle and the veil of the temple (Exodus 26:1, 31). A pair of giant cherub statues was also placed in the Most Holy Place in Solomon’s temple, symbolizing the guarding of God’s presence (1 Kings 6:23-28). Some theologians believe the cherubim make up God’s chariot in Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 10). Their role seems to involve guarding God’s holiness and being close to His presence.
The Thrones
Paul mentions “thrones” among other kinds of angels in Colossians 1:16. The thrones may be another class of angels that surround God’s throne in worship, as they are associated with the government of God (Psalm 103:19-21). Very little is directly said about them, but they seem to have great authority under God’s supreme authority.
The Dominions
Paul also lists “dominions” as a type of angel in Colossians 1:16. Like the thrones, the dominions seem to have governing authority in God’s kingdom. Their name implies great strength and power. Some theologians believe the dominions oversee lower-ranking angels who directly interact with humanity and nature.
The Virtues
The virtues are another order of angels Paul mentions in Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16. Their name implies an orientation toward moral excellence and virtue. Jewish theologians sometimes associate them with bringing God’s miracles and blessings to earth. Along with the dominions, they may help oversee God’s divine plan carried out by lower angels.
The Powers
Paul also lists “powers” among spiritual hierarchies in Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16. They seem to function as warrior-like angels who oppose evil spiritual forces. Their name implies vigor and ability, and they may battle demonic spirits in heavenly realms. Some theologians associate them with bringing order from chaos and helping stabilize the cosmos.
Principalities
“Principalities” is another group of angels Paul mentions in Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16. Like the powers, they seem to be involved in heavenly battled against evil spirits. The name implies primacy, rule and governmental oversight. Along with the powers, principalities may help protect human institutions and nations from demonic influence.
Archangels
The Bible mentions one angel specifically classified as an “archangel”: Michael. Scripture calls Michael the “great prince” (Daniel 12:1). He seems to be the strongest and chief of God’s angels, as he leads the heavenly armies against Satan (Revelation 12:7-9). Some theologians believe there are other archangels as well, though none are named as such in Scripture. The other archangels purported to be identified in ancient Jewish and Christian writings are Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. But only Michael is directly specified as an “archangel” in the Bible.
Angels
The general term “angel” can refer to any heavenly being, including the higher-ranking angels like cherubim and seraphim. But in some cases, the Bible uses “angel” to refer specifically to the lowest order of angels – those who most directly interact with people on earth. These types of angels seem to deliver God’s messages (Luke 1:19), minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14), and in general do God’s bidding between heaven and earth (Psalm 103:20). Examples include the angels that announced Christ’s birth (Luke 2:9-15), released Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-10), and will gather the elect at Christ’s return (Matthew 24:31). So “angel” can refer to all heavenly beings, but also specifically to the lowest ranking class.
The Organization of Angels
In summary, the word “angel” encompasses all the heavenly beings, though it can also refer specifically to the lowest class closest to humanity. Above them in hierarchy seem to be the principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim and seraphim – though the order is not perfectly clear. Archangels like Michael also have authority over other angels. There are myriads upon myriads of angels (Revelation 5:11), organized according to God’s divine plan and purpose.
Key Roles of Angels
What do all these different angels do? Scripture points to a variety of purposes:
- Worship and praise God at His throne (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 5:11-12)
- Serve and worship the Son (Hebrews 1:6)
- Gather the elect at Christ’s return (Matthew 24:30-31)
- Guard God’s glory and holiness (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22)
- Deliver God’s revelation (Revelation 1:1)
- Act as God’s army (Revelation 19:14-15)
- Transmit God’s power (Psalm 103:20)
- Watch over and protect God’s people (Psalm 91:11; Hebrews 1:14)
This list gives a sampling of the diverse responsibilities God seems to have entrusted to different angelic beings.
Angels and Authority
A major theme associated with the angelic hierarchies is authority. God has organized the angels to exercise power and dominion in the universe. They have far greater might than humans, though infinitely less than Christ Himself (2 Peter 2:11; Revelation 5:11-12). And God employs them to regulate nature, nations, and more for His purposes. Nonetheless, they remain subordinate to God and His absolute sovereignty.
Colossians 1:16 explains that all the angelic powers “were created through him and for him.” And Hebrews 1:14 says they are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” So the authority structure of angels is designed to serve God’s glory and plans.
Fallen Angels
Sadly, not all the angels remain in their proper place in God’s hierarchy. Scripture teaches that some rebelled against God and work against His plans. Satan (Lucifer) was likely originally one of the cherubim, but rebelled out of pride and fell from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19). Revelation 12:4 suggests a third of the angelic host joined his rebellion and became demons. This illustrates that while God’s original design for the angels was good, they were still capable of sinning against Him. But one day, Satan and demons will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Revelation 20:10).
What We Learn from Angels
Though much mystery remains, the biblical teaching on angels gives us glimpses into the grandeur and majesty of God. It shows He is so powerful and glorious that even supernatural spirits worship Him and serve Him without ceasing. And these angelic beings outmatch humans in might, which reminds us of our need for humility before God. Seeing the angels should turn our focus to the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ, as Hebrews so clearly teaches:
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
Studying angels prompts us to marvel at God’s creativity in how He designed the spiritual world. It reveals His attention to order, hierarchy, and structures of authority – assuring us His plans are organized and purposeful. Learning about angels also increases our confidence that God’s deliverance and help will come to His people when needed.
Furthermore, respecting the hierarchy of angels prevents us from dabbling with “angels of light” that promote false doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:14). Scripture gives ample warnings about counterfeit angels and demons promoting deception and lies (1 Timothy 4:1). So we must test all spiritual beings against Scripture.
Most importantly, the angels direct our worship toward God and Jesus Christ. They model wholehearted praise, obedience and service before God’s throne. Their example spurs us to greater reverence for the Lord Most High. And they remind us of the greater name and authority of Christ, who sits far above them (Hebrews 1:4-14).
Therefore, studying the angelic ranks increases our awe at the majesty of our God and Savior. It spurs us to join the rest of creation in praising the infinite worth of God’s name. As Charles Wesley put it in his classic hymn:
Ye angels, who stand round the throne
And view my Immanuel’s face–
In rapturous songs make him known,
Oh, tune your soft harps to his praise!
He formed you the spirits you are,
While others, he knew, would fall.
So praise him in heaven, where you are,
And here, his creation’s great All.