We are used to picturing angels with wings, whether the large wings of guardian angels or the small wings of cherubs. But what does the Bible actually tell us? How does Scripture actually describe the appearance of angels? Do angels have wings?
The short answer is yes, some do. But from an earthly perspective, the question seems trivial. After all, the plump, baby-faced angels we’ve come to know as cherubs would be just as adorable with or without their feathered appendages. And surely the ethereal maidens from classic literature would continue to inspire their audience even if they were not “girt with golden wings.”
However, from a biblical perspective, there are no trivial questions. What we believe about angels ultimately impacts our view of God. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
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Where Do We Get the Idea That Angels Have Wings?
The concept of winged angels comes directly from descriptions of cherubim and seraphim in the Bible. Even though these two spiritual beings are not explicitly called angels in scripture, theologians throughout the ages have used a general classification system that categorizes any being who is not God and not human as an angel.
Beginning in Genesis, the Bible describes cherubim as massive guardians who protect the Tree of Life with swords of flaming fire (Genesis 3:24). We’re given another glimpse of the creatures when God instructs Moses in Exodus 25:18-21 to craft two gold cherubim with wings stretched over the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. But it’s not until the construction of God’s temple that scripture provides a more detailed description of the cherub’s form.
When God instructs Solomon to build the likeness of two cherubim to fill the inner sanctuary of the temple, the creatures look vastly different than the winged babies depicted in classic art. These massive golden angels fill the whole chamber of the temple. Each of their wings spans 15 feet from tip to tip and fills the Holy of Holies from wall to wall (1 Kings 6:23-28). Later in scripture, the prophet Ezekiel further explains that each cherub has four wings and four faces—that of a man, lion, ox, and eagle (Ezekiel 1:5-10).
In the sixth chapter of Isaiah, the prophet Isaiah introduces us to the seraphim, the only other winged angels described in scripture. These angels are not the glittery, fairy-like angels fabricated by pop culture. The seraphim are ominous and powerful worshippers of the Almighty. “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory’” (Isaiah 6:1-3).
Although scripture provides limited details about cherubim and seraphim, we are told enough to recognize that the culture’s idea of angels differs greatly from biblical truth.
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Do All Angels in the Bible Have Wings?
Revelation 5:11 tells us that “Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands and thousands” of angels exist, but only the cherubim and seraphim are described in scripture as having wings. A theologian from the fifth century organized the multitude of heavenly hosts into a hierarchy system. Within that system, cherubim and seraphim are listed first because they serve unique roles in close proximity to the throne of God. Their function and form set these two angels apart from the others revealed in scripture.
Most scriptural angel visitations involve unwinged angels who appear as men. Throughout scripture, we see these angels active in the human realm, serving, protecting, and informing God’s children at His command (Hebrews 1:14).
Here are just a few scriptural examples of God’s angels ministering on earth:
Three unusual men appear to Abraham in the heat of the day as he sits by his tent. Abraham invites the angels to eat with him. They informed Abraham that he and his wife Sarah will have a son in their old age (Genesis 18:1-33).
Elijah is distraught after a tense encounter with Jezebel. He runs for his life into the wilderness and finally collapses under a tree. He whispers a prayer for God to take his life before drifting to sleep. When he awakens, Elijah encounters an angel who revives his hope (1 Kings 19:5).
The angel Gabriel appears to Daniel as he prayerfully contemplates a prophetic vision. The angel explains the meaning of Daniel’s vision and assures him that God is with him and in control (Daniel 8:13-27). Centuries later, the same angel appears to Mary to inform her that she will soon conceive and bear a son who will be the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26-38).
After the apostles watch Jesus ascend into Heaven, two men dressed in white appear. The angels inform the group that their Lord will one day return the same way he left (Acts 1:10-11).
The Bible contains over 250 mentions of angels. But nowhere in scripture do we see winged angels with human features, or female angels, or baby-faced angels with short, feathery wings. All these iconic images originated from pagan folklore, art, and literature.
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Why Do Many Famous Artists Depict Angels with Wings?
Visual representations of human-form angels with wings didn’t appear until the fourth century, when artists began incorporating Greco-Roman tradition into Christian art. Using as inspiration Greek messenger gods like Hermes and Iris—and Nike, the Roman goddess of victory, artists began depicting Biblical angels as ethereal men and women with glistening wings, thereby creating a new iconography.
When Constantine became the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire, Christian art became more prevalent, and an increasing number of winged angels began to appear in artwork. Two decades later, John Chrysostom, an important early church father, defended winged angels in art, explaining they should be viewed symbolically. "They [the angel’s wings] manifest nature's sublimity. Not that angels have wings, but that you may know that they leave the heights and the most elevated dwelling to approach human nature. Accordingly, the wings attributed to these powers have no other meaning than to indicate the sublimity of their nature."
Chrysostom’s assertion proved problematic given that only 20 percent of the population could read at that time. Without access to traditional education, or the ability to read scripture for themselves, art became the “educator of the ignorant.” By the fifth century, many Christians had embraced the idea of human-form, winged angels as factual and adopted the pagan cultural beliefs that surrounded the visual ideology.
Fast forward centuries later to the beginning of the Renaissance period. The Italian sculptor Donatello continued the tradition of artistic syncretism and singlehandedly altered the image of the Biblically accurate cherub. Donatello often incorporated into his art impish, erotic creatures from Greek mythology called putti. When the agnostic artist began receiving commissions for religious art, he didn’t leave the putti behind. Instead, he painted the same creatures, who were associated with profane passions, and called them “cherubs” for the Christian crowd. Other artists followed Donatello’s lead, and by the Baroque Era, artists regularly depicted cherubs as fat, naked, winged infants.
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What Do Angels' Wings Symbolize in Scripture?
Cherubim and Seraphim are spirit beings, so it’s unlikely their wings serve the same purpose as a bird’s wings would in our physical realm. According to scripture, the wings of these two angelic beings appear to be multifaceted appendages that carry deep symbolic purpose.
Seraphim continually praise and worship God near His throne with the repeated cry of, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” Their nearness to the Almighty sheds light on the necessity, purpose, and symbolism of their multiple wings.
With four of their wings the Seraphim prepare for worship and with the remaining two they serve. One set of wings allows the angel to cover its face to show deep reverence for God’s transcendent majesty, while perhaps protecting its face from His radiant glory. Another set of wings gives the angel the ability to cover its feet and stand in the presence of a Holy God with a posture of humility. The last set of wings enables the angel to freely and swiftly serve and obey God’s every command.
Similarly, Cherubim are known for their continual worship of God. But their role differs from the Seraphim. These angels are considered guardians of God’s throne. The editorial staff at Christianity.com explains, “Cherubim are often depicted with multiple wings, symbolizing their divine nature and role in protecting sacred spaces. For example, the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant are depicted as having four wings, representing their union with the ark and each other. Wings of celestial beings including those of cherubim, resemble the wings of an eagle, evoking feelings of serenity, strength, and compassion.”
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Why Is It Important for Christians to Understand Angels Biblically?
Our media-driven culture provides limitless information about angels. But the only way to gain true understanding of the spiritual realm is by studying scripture. Just like classic art had the power to rebrand biblical angels, today’s media has the power to redefine truth for anyone who is biblically illiterate.
Using anything other than scripture as our primary source of truth can skew our understanding of God and His creation. It can also open the door to a very real and active spiritual realm where fallen angels, called demons (Jude 1:6) are ready and waiting to deceive those who are not equipped with truth (Galatians 1:8, 1 John 4:1-6).
Throughout the ages, humans have been fascinated by the spiritual realm and the angelic beings who reside in that eternal space. The Creator planted eternity in our hearts so we would seek Him. The winged angels of the Bible carry us to the very throne of God, while the unwinged ones remind us that He descended from that throne to have a personal relationship with us through Jesus. One day, all blood-bought believers will gather in humility and reverence around His throne of grace and worship with the angels. And we won’t need wings to get there.
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Originally published Monday, 13 January 2025.