Bible verses about Angels

Angels are ministering spirits who are tasked with carrying out the will of God. They are His holy agents who bring tidings of great joy, offer comfort, provide instructions or guidance, and even fight spiritual battles for us. Today we will look at some scripture passages and Bible stories about angels.

Bible verses about angels' appearance

There are many Bible texts that mention angels appearing to humans for various reasons. Let's take a look at these texts to find out why angels made special appearances.

1. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, ³and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Genesis 18:2-3 NKJV

In these verses Abraham and his wife were visited by three angels who appeared in the form of men. Abraham and Sarah showed hospitality to them by welcoming them and providing a meal. Angels reveal themselves to us for many reasons. In the story of Abraham and Sarah, the angels visited to announce a blessing and bestow divine favor. Before they left, the angels informed Abraham that his wife will have a son.

Sometimes the Lord delays favors for us so we may recognize that our blessings are not by our doing but by God’s mercies and loving kindness. Abraham and Sarah knew without a doubt that their son was a blessing directly from God because there was nothing they could have physically done to have a child in their old age.

2. Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” Genesis 16:7,8 NKJV

An angel appeared to Hagar to provide her with consolation and hope for the future. She had moved from a position of pride to sorrow. After she became pregnant for Abram, and started to consider herself above Sarai, harsh treatment was meted out to her. As a result of the harsh treatment Hagar ran away from Sarai.

When the angel appeared to Hagar, she received: direct instructions to return to her mistress and a promised blessing. In Genesis 16:9,10 the angel provided instructions, hope for the future, and a blessing for Hagar and her son.

3. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. Numbers 22:31 NKJV

Balaam became weary by the request of Balak and gave in. As he was on his way to visit Balak an angel of the Lord stood in the way. Sometimes we are intent on: following the wrong path, associating with the wrong people, and chasing the wrong goals. In these instances, the Lord sends his messengers to stop us in our tracks or to make our path straight.

4. So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Joshua 5:14 NKJV

Joshua was preparing to mount an attack on Jericho when he saw a man with his sword drawn in his hand. He inquired if the person was a friend or foe, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13)

The angel was there as an advocate for Joshua and the children of Israel. As captain of the Lord’s army his role was to fight and secure victory for God. A grand victory was secured for the children of Israel. With the help of the Lord the walls of Jericho tumbled and they took hold of the city.

5. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Judges 13:3 NKJV

This angelic appearance came with a blessing for Manoah and his wife and deliverance for the children of Israel. In Judges 13:5 the angel told Manoah’s wife that, “…no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines”.

Bible verses about angels on earth

There are many instances where angels were mentioned as they fulfilled roles on earth. In these roles they provided hope and encouragement, they revealed glimpses of the future through prophecies, and even appeared in dreams.

6. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Judges 6:12 NKJV

The Midianites oppressed the children of Israel, reaped their crops, and took away their livelihood. The angel appeared in this text to provide hope and comfort for Gideon. God promised that Midianite oppression would come to an end and also told Gideon he was the leader chosen to deliver Israel.

7. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:12 NKJV

This verse provides helpful insight into the interest that angels take in the affairs of humans. The CSB translation states that, “angels long to catch a glimpse of these things”. The NLT version states, “it is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen”. The matters of earth and the affairs of humans are of utmost importance to angels as they minister with eagerness.

8. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, Revelation 1:1 NKJV

It was through an angel of the Lord that the book of Revelation was revealed to John. This is an apocalyptic book that reveals end time events. This passage highlights the authority and authenticity of the prophecies. It tells who the book is about (Jesus), under whose authority it was written, (God’s) and the medium that was used to send the message (His angel).

The book of revelation provides great wisdom for the followers of God as they seek to better understand events that will unfold closer to the end of days. There are a number of helpful texts that details the ministry of angels, the role of the devil, and how God will destroy him and those that follow him and receive his mark.

9. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12 NKJV

This text reveals a dream that Jacob had as he slept on the ground with a stone for His pillow. In the dream God revealed Himself to Jacob and reassured him of the promise that was given to Abraham. The dream not only provided hope and encouragement for Jacob (who was at the time fearful of his brother) but gave him a glimpse of God's heavenly creatures acting as ministers and messengers between heaven and earth.

10. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 NKJV

The Bible has many stories and texts that are helpful for reinforcing the importance of and the need for hospitality. The story of the good Samaritan and that of Abraham (as he encouraged three strangers to rest as he quickly organized a meal for them) are great examples of showing hospitality.

The children of Israel were also warned to be kind to strangers because they had firsthand experience of being strangers while they were in Egypt.

In extending hospitality to strangers, we extend the love of God to others. It also helps us to live together in brotherly love. More importantly, we show hospitality to our Heavenly Father when we care for others. Matthew 25:40 states, "And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me".

Bible verses about angels watching over you

There are many instances where, were it not for divine intervention and angels watching over God’s people they would have perished. Here are some texts where mighty angels watched over, covered, and protected the people of the Lord.

11. For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 NKJV

The Psalmist David gives us the assurance that the Lord will command His angels to monitor and protect us. In the verse that follows David noted that, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”.

All we need to do to ensure we receive this protection is ‘abide under the shadows of the Almighty’. He will give his angels charge over us, deliver us, and show us His salvation.

12. Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20 NKJV

The Lord comforted the children of Israel with these words as He promised His divine leading. The angel was tasked with: leading, keeping their way, and taking them to the place that the Lord has prepared for them.

The same God that had the best interest of the Israelites at heart, is looking out for you today. He will go before you, direct you, and guide you as you journey to the ‘promised land’.

13. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Daniel 3:28 NKJV

The three Hebrew boys were not hesitant to stand up for God. They decided they would rather die in a fire than bow to a golden image.

The Lord intervened and His angel shielded them in the fire. Three men were thrown in the furnace but when Nebuchadnezzar looked, he saw the angel in the fire with the three Hebrew boys. “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt…” (Daniel 3:25)

14. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:30-31 NKJV

Angels will be at the forefront of activities concerning the second coming of Christ. In this scripture passage Jesus was telling His disciples about the signs of His return. At His second coming He will send His angels to gather the elects of the earth. This event will mark the end of the cosmic conflict and will usher in a new era of eternal protection from the ruins of a sin cursed earth.

1 Thessalonians 4: 16,17 also describes the events of Christ's return. It states, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven...with the voice of an archangel... And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds..."

15. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5: 19,20 NKJV

There are many instances where the Lord miraculously rescues His people from the hands of their oppressors. The apostles were imprisoned for believing in and teaching about Jesus. The Lord sent an angel to open the prison doors and set the apostles free. They were also instructed to continue teaching and preaching about Jesus.

Bible verses about angels' protection

The angels of the Lord surround us like a protective shield, they fight battles, and they follow the commands of God and minister to His people. Here are some Bible verses that look at how angels offer protection.

16. Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:10 NKJV

This text is very helpful to create an understanding of the value that the Father places on each of His followers. He is the loving Shepherd who rejoices after finding one sheep that has gone astray. He intends for us to be fair and just as we relate to each other. The NLT version puts the text this way, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father”.

17. Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 NKJV

In this text angels are referred to as ministering spirits. Their role is to minister to the followers of God as they obey His request and do His biddings.

The chapter compares and contrasts the roles of Jesus and angels. Jesus is our Redeemer and the begotten Son of God who has afforded us salvation while, “all the angels of God worship Him” and are ministers to His followers.

Isaiah 6:1-3 shows the reverence and praise that angels ascribe to their maker. "...I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up… ²Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”

18. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. ²¹Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Psalm 103:20,21 NKJV

This text teaches us about the protective powers of angels. As humans we are weak and frail but angels are able to give protection because they excel in strength.

We have a tendency to choose wrong or ignore His ‘still small voice’ but the holy angels are totally devoted and committed as they, ‘do His word and heed to His voice’.

We are vulnerable to threats that are both literal and spiritual and this is why the Lord charges His angels to minister to our needs. In Revelation 7:3 one angel was heard speaking to some other angels saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”

One set of angels were commanded to harm and one angel was sent to seal God's children so that they could be protected from harm.

19. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NKJV

This text not only assures that the angels of the Lord offer protection but also mentions the key to gaining this protection. ‘Those who fear Him’ refers to trusting in God and having faith in His protection and provision. The angels of God surround us like an envelope and deliver us from our enemies. In verse 19 of the same chapter David stated that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all”.

20. Then the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. Isaiah 37:36 NKJV

The angels of the Lord continually fight battles for His people. In this text the Lord through His angels, brought vengeance on the Assyrians for threatening Hezekiah. In Matthew 26:53 Jesus reassured Peter that the angels in heaven act as protectors. “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

Another point to note is that we need to be more dependent on God and His heavenly host as our source of protection. Both Hezekiah and Jesus were confronted and threatened but instead of acting impulsively they submitted to the will of God.

Stories of Angels in the Bible

There are many Bible stories that record acts of intervention or instances where a message was delivered. Mary, Zachariah, and Daniel in the lions’ den are biblical stories that show angels as messengers and ministers of the Most High.

 

Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6)

After a plot was made to get rid of Daniel. His conspirators convinced the king to pass a law where no one should worship anyone else but the king. After the king agreed to pass the law Daniel kept praying to God three times a day. Daniel was reported then the king realized he was tricked. There was nothing the king could do to revert his judgment so Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.

The king worried about Daniel all night and went early in the morning to see him. When he called for Daniel, Daniel told him that the angel of the Lord kept him safe all night.

“Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! ²²My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you”. (Daniel 6:21,22)

Mary (Luke 1)

In this story an angel appeared to Mary to inform her that she will have a child and His name should be called Jesus. The angel explained that the child will be conceived through the Holy Spirit and will be called the Son of God.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:26,27)

Zacharias (Luke 1)

Zacharias was burning incense as he carried out his priestly duties in the temple when Gabriel appeared to him. When he saw the angel standing on the right side of the altar, he became fearful but the angel told him not to be afraid.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹²And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. (Luke 1:11,12)

The angel told him that his wife Elizabeth will have a son and his name should be John. Gabriel also gave instructions for John not to drink wine or strong drinks because he will be filled with the Holy Ghost from His mother’s womb. Zacharias was doubtful and questioned Gabriel and for his unbelief he became dumb until John was born.

Final thoughts on angels

Angels are ministers of the Lord that are charged with protecting, guiding, and comforting His people. They provide hope as they offer encouragement, foretell future events, and fight battles for us.