Biblically and scripturally, angels do not resemble the common popular image of cute, winged, haloed beings or cherubic children. Their true appearances, as described in the Bible, are often otherworldly, complex, and sometimes terrifying.
Biblical Descriptions of Angels
- Human-like forms: Angels often appear as men and can be indistinguishable from humans in this form. For example, some angels visited people appearing as men without any supernatural features (Hebrews 13:2)
- Cherubim: These angels have a striking and unusual appearance. According to Ezekiel 1:15-16, cherubim have four faces (human, lion, ox, and eagle) and four wings. Their legs are straight, and their feet resemble those of a calf, shining like burnished bronze. They are also associated with wheels intersecting wheels, full of eyes all around, symbolizing their all-seeing nature
- Seraphim: Described in Isaiah 6:2, seraphim have six wings—two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two for flying. They are awe-inspiring and associated with fire and holiness, often depicted as glowing or radiant beings
- Other angelic beings: Thrones are described as massive wheels within wheels, covered with eyes on their rims, spokes, and wings, which adds to their otherworldly and somewhat unsettling appearance
- Appearance in glory: Angels in their true form may glow like precious gems or burnished bronze, with faces like lightning and eyes like flaming torches, indicating their supernatural and powerful nature
Summary
Angels, according to biblical texts, are spiritual beings with appearances that can be human-like but also include complex, multi-faced, multi-winged forms covered in eyes and glowing with brilliance. Their true forms inspire awe and fear rather than the gentle, benign images commonly portrayed in art and media. Their appearances serve to reflect their divine nature and roles rather than conform to human aesthetics
. In essence, angels "really look like" beings far beyond human imagination—sometimes resembling terrifying celestial creatures rather than the soft, angelic figures often depicted in popular culture.
