The artistic depiction of angels implies that they have wings. Artists such as draftsmen and sculptors depict angels as human beings with wings. However, this depiction is not biblical. As a Christian, you cannot help but wonder, do angels have wings?
The Bible states that two types of angels have wings; seraphim and cherubim. These are most likely the two highest-ranked orders of angels in Heaven. Therefore, there is enough evidence that some angels have wings, as commonly depicted by draftsmen and sculptors.
Where in the Bible does it say angels have wings? How many wings do angels in the Bible have? What do angel wings look like? Do the wings of angels have feathers? How do angels have wings if they are spirits? Do all angels have the same wings? Keep reading to learn more!
Where in the Bible does it say angels have wings?
The Bible rarely points out that angels have wings. However, in some Biblical texts, there is a mention of two types of angels who have wings.
Cherubims are the first type of angels, who the Bible states have wings. “And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be,” Exodus 25:20. In this passage, God gives Moses instruction on how the Ark of the Covenant was to be built. God instructs the builders to place a mercy seat and two golden Cherubims at the top of the Ark. The two Cherubims should face the mercy seat and cover it with their wings. The Ark of the Covenant was a real representation of God’s throne in Heaven.
Also, the entire Ezekiel 10 talks about winged Cherubims. “And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh,” Ezekiel 10:5. Ezekiel states that the wings of the Cherubims were even in the outer court of the city.
Seraphims are the second type of angels who have wings. Isaiah talks about the Seraphims in entire Chapter 10 of his book. “Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain, he covered his face, and with twain, he covered his feet, and with twain, he did fly,” Isaiah 6:2. “Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:” Isaiah 6:6. In these verses, Isaiah talks about seraphim who accompany God in Isaiah’s vision.
Therefore, many verses in the Bible point out that cherubims and seraphim have wings. This is evidence enough that some angels have wings.
How many wings do angels in the Bible have?
The number of wings an angel has is determined by the type of angel they are; cherubims or seraphim.
Each cherub has four wings. “And everyone had four faces, and everyone had four wings,” Ezekiel 1:6. A cherub stretches two of its four wings upwards. The cherub uses the other two wings to cover its body.
Each seraphim angel has six wings. “Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain, he covered his face, and with twain, he covered his feet, and with twain, he did fly,” Isaiah 6:2. As stated in this passage, each seraphim angel has 6 wings. They use two of the 6 wings to hide their faces, two to cover their feet, and two to fly.
What do angel wings look like?
When you think of angels, an image of a radiant human-like being with huge white wings comes to mind. This depiction comes from the images of angels in movies or art (drawings and sculptures).
However, the Bible gives an entirely different account of how angel wings look-like. How an angel’s wings look varies greatly. For instance, cherubims’ wings are covered with eyes.
Do the wings of angels have feathers?
Angels’ wings have feathers. In Psalms 91:4, the Bible states that God will cover those who dwell in His house with His feathers under His wings. Psalms 91:11 states that God will send His angels to guard you. Therefore, Psalms 91:4 refers to the feathers on the angels’ wings because God does not have wings.
How do angels have wings if they are spirits?
Angels are spirits; therefore, they do not need wings to fly. However, they possess wings for different purposes other than flying. For instance, as stated in Isaiah 6:2, each seraphim angel has 6 wings. They use two of the six wings to hide their face, two to cover their feet, and two to fly. Also, each cherub has four wings, two of which are used to cover their bodies.
Therefore, the angels use their wings for other purposes other than flying. Also, even though they are spirits, they still use wings to fly.
Do all angels have the same wings?
Different types of angels have different wings. A seraph has six wings. It uses two of the six wings to hide its face, two to cover its feet, and two to fly. Also, these wings are covered with eyes. On the other hand, a cherub has four wings; two stretching upwards and 2 covering its body. Therefore, the angels do not have the same wings.
References
aleteia.org. (2022). Do angels have wings? Retrieved January 18, 2023
atoday.org. (2022). Do angels have wings? Retrieved January 18, 2023
bibleask.org. (2020). Do angels have wings? Retrieved January 18, 2023
GotQuestions.org. (2005). Do angels have wings? Retrieved January 18, 2023
tidings.org. (2022). Do angels have wings? Retrieved January 18, 2023
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
