What does the Bible say about angels?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that angels are created spiritual servants who worship God, carry out his commands, and minister according to his sovereign will. Hebrews 1:14 describes them as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation, while Psalm 91:11 and Psalm 34:7 show God’s care for his people through their protection. Yet angels are never to be worshiped; Revelation 19:10 directs all worship to God alone. They rejoice over repentance (Luke 15:10), behold the Father’s face (Matthew 18:10), and obey his word (Psalm 103:20). Scripture also warns that some angels rebelled and face judgment (Jude 1:6), reminding us to trust Christ, not spiritual beings.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 91:11
For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways.
- Hebrews 13:2
Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Hebrews 1:14
Aren't they all ministering spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
- Psalms 34:7
The angel of Yahweh encamps round about those who fear him, And delivers them.
- Psalms 103:20
Praise Yahweh, you angels of his, Who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word, Obeying the voice of his word.
- Jude 1:6
Angels who didn't keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
- Isaiah 6:2
Above him stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face. With two he covered his feet. With two he flew.
- Matthew 18:10
See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
- Luke 15:10
Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."
- Revelation 19:10
I fell down before his feet to worship him. He said to me, "Look! Don't do it! I am a fellow bondservant with you and with your brothers who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Created by God and Christ Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16
- Worship God and Christ Nehemiah 9:6; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:6
- Are ministering Spirits 1 Kings 19:5; Psalms 68:17; Psalms 104:4; Luke 16:22; Acts 12:7-11; Acts 27:23; Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14
- Communicate the will of God and Christ Daniel 8:16; Daniel 8:17; Daniel 9:21-23; Daniel 10:11; Daniel 12:6; Daniel 12:7; Matthew 2:13; Matthew 2:20; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:28; Acts 5:20; Acts 8:26
- Obey the will of God Psalms 103:20; Matthew 6:10
- Execute the purposes of God Numbers 22:22; Psalms 103:21; Matthew 13:39-42; Matthew 28:2; John 5:4; Revelation 5:2
- Execute the judgments of God 2 Samuel 24:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 35:5; Psalms 35:6; Acts 12:23; Revelation 16:1
- Celebrate the praises of God Job 38:7; Psalms 148:2; Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:13; Luke 2:14; Revelation 5:11; Revelation 5:12; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 7:12
- The law given by the ministration of Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2
- Announced
- The conception of Christ Matthew 1:20; Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31
- The birth of Christ Luke 2:10-12
- The resurrection of Christ Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:23
- The ascension and second coming of Christ Acts 1:11
- The conception of John the Baptist Luke 1:13; Luke 1:36
- Minister to Christ Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 1:51
- Are subject to Christ Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16; Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22
- Shall execute the purposes of Christ Matthew 13:41; Matthew 24:31
- Shall attend Christ at his second coming Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7
- Know and delight in the gospel of Christ Ephesians 3:9; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:12
- Ministration of, obtained by prayer Matthew 26:53; Acts 12:5; Acts 12:7
- Rejoice over every repentant sinner Luke 15:7; Luke 15:10
- Have charge over the children of God Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11; Psalms 91:12; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10
- Are of different orders Isaiah 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:22; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7
- Not to be worshipped Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9
- Are examples of meekness 2 Peter 2:11; Jude 1:9
- Are wise 2 Samuel 14:20
- Are mighty Psalms 103:20
- Are holy Matthew 25:31
- Are elect 1 Timothy 5:21
- Are innumerable Job 25:3; Hebrews 12:22
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