Overview
The Bible addresses angels across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Acts and Daniel. Closely related themes include Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.
Key Bible verses about angels
Old Testament
Daniel
Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. to: Heb. to make thee skilful of
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. commandment: Heb. word greatly: Heb. a man of desires
New Testament
Matthew
The enemy that sowed them is the devil;1161 the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; things: or, scandals
And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
Luke
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Acts
And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Philippians
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
People in the Bible and angels
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying angels for yourself
- Begin with Daniel 9:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Matthew, Acts and Daniel each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Peter and Daniel and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about angels?
The Bible addresses angels across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Acts and Daniel. Closely related themes include Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.
How many Bible verses are about angels?
The Bible references angels in 21 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention angels?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Daniel 9:21: “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight”
Which people in the Bible are associated with angels?
Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.
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