King James Bible Dictionary

A word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1:14: 1 Samuel 11:3; Luke 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isaiah 42:19; Haggai 1:13), of priests (Malachi 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Revelation 1:20).

It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2 Samuel 24:16, 17; 2 Kings 19:35), the wind (Psalms 104:4).

But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world. The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre (Genesis 18:2, 22. Comp. 19:1), to Jacob at Peniel (Genesis 32:24, 30), to Joshua at Gilgal (Joshua 5:13, 15), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.

1. The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information. Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as Genesis 16:7, 10, 11; Judges 13:1-21; Matthew 28:2-5; Hebrews 1:4, etc.

These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. (Daniel 7:10; Matthew 26:53; Luke 2:13; Hebrews 12:22, 23). They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power (Zechariah 1:9, 11; Daniel 10:13; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 1:9; Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16).

2. As to their nature, they are spirits (Hebrews 1:14), like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" (Luke 20:36), and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form (Genesis 18:2; 19:1, 10; Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10), and the titles that are applied to them ("sons of God," Job 1:6; 38:7; Daniel 3:25; comp. 28) and to men (Luke 3:38), seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race. Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures (Job 4:18; Matthew 24:36; 1 Peter 1:12). As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7, 9), and that they are "reserved unto judgement" (2 Peter 2:4). When the manna is called "angels' food," this is merely to denote its excellence (Psalms 78:25). Angels never die (Luke 20:36). They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power (Mark 13:32; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Psalms 103:20). They are called "holy" (Luke 9:26), "elect" (1 Timothy 5:21). The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" (Luke 20:36). They are not to be worshipped (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10).

3. Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence (Exodus 12:23; Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 11:28; 1 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Acts 12:23). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth (Genesis 18; 19; 24:7, 40; 28:12; 32:1). They appear to rebuke idolatry (Judges 2:1-4), to call Gideon (Judges 6:11, 12), and to consecrate Samson (13:3). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf (1 Kings 19:5; 2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 1-6; Daniel 4:13, 23; 10:10, 13, 20, 21).

The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26-38), minister to him after his temptation and agony (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43), and declare his resurrection and ascension (Matthew 28:2-8; John 20:12, 13; Acts 1:10, 11). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God (Hebrews 1:14; Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7; 27:23). They rejoice over a penitent sinner (Luke 15:10). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise (Luke 16:22); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day (Matthew 13:39, 41, 49; 16:27; 24:31). The passages (Psalms 34:7, Matthew 18:10) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples.

The "angel of his presence" (Isaiah 63:9. Comp. Exodus 23:20, 21; 32:34; 33:2; Numbers 20:16) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel (Luke 1:19).

AN'GEL, noun Usually pronounced angel but most anomalously. [Latin angelus; Gr. a messenger, to tell or announce.]

1. Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information from one person to another at a distance. But appropriately,

2. A spirit, or a spiritual intelligent being employed by God to communicate his will to man. Hence angels are ministers of God, and ministring spirits. Hebrews 1:4.

3. In a bad sense, an evil spirit; as, the angel of the bottomless pit. Math. 25. 1 Corinthians 6:3. Revelation 9:1.

4. Christ, the mediator and head of the church. Revelation 10:1.

5. A minister of the gospel, who is an embassador of God. Rev 2 and 3.

6. Any being whom God employs to execute his judgments. Rev 16.

7. In the style of love, a very beautiful person.

AN'GEL, noun A fish found on the coast of Carolina, of the thoracie order and genus Chaetodon. It has a small projecting mouth; the lamens above the gills are armed with cerulean spines; the body, a foot in length, appears as if cut off, and waved, and covered with large green scales.

AN'GEL, noun A gold coin formerly current in England, bearing the figure of an angel Skinner says, this device was impressed upon it in allusion to an observation of Pope Gregory the Great, who, seeing some beautiful English youths, in the market at Rome, asked who they were; being told they were Angli, English, he replied, they ought rather to be called angeli, angels. This coin had different values under different princes; but is now an imaginary sum or money of account, implying ten shillings sterling.

AN'GEL, adjective Resembling angels; angelic; as, angel whiteness.

A Celestial Spirit.

Called Angel of the Lord
Matthew 1:20; Matthew 1:24; Matthew 2:13; Matthew 2:19; Matthew 28:2; Luke 1:11; Acts 5:19; Acts 7:30; Acts 7:35; Acts 8:26; Acts 12:7; Acts 12:23

Called Morning Stars
Job 38:7

Called Hosts
Genesis 2:1; Genesis 32:2; Joshua 5:14; 1 Chronicles 12:22; Psalms 33:6; Psalms 103:21; Luke 2:13

Called Principalities, Powers
Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16

Created
Genesis 2:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16

Of different orders
Isaiah 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:22; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7

Immortal
Luke 20:36

Worship God
Nehemiah 9:6; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:6

Not to be worshiped
Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9

Do not marry
Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35

Are obedient
Psalms 103:20; Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2; 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Peter 2:11; Jude 1:6

Have knowledge of, and interest in, earthly affairs
Matthew 24:36; Luke 9:31; Luke 15:7; Luke 15:10; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Peter 1:12

Men called angels
2 Samuel 19:27

Are examples of meekness
2 Peter 2:11; Jude 1:9

Are:

Wise
2 Samuel 14:17; 2 Samuel 14:20

Mighty
Psalms 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11

Holy
Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38

Elect
1 Timothy 5:21

Innumerable
Deuteronomy 33:2; 2 Kings 6:17; Job 25:3; Psalms 68:17; Hebrews 12:22; Jude 1:14

Aspects of
Judges 13:6; Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 10:6; Matthew 28:3

Functions of:

Functions of:
Genesis 3:24

Law given by
Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2

Medium of revelation to prophets
2 Kings 1:15; Daniel 4:13-17; Daniel 8:19; Daniel 9:21-27; Daniel 10:10-20; Zech 1:9-11; Acts 8:26; Acts 23:9; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 5:2-14; Revelation 7:1-3; Revelation 7:11-17; Revelation 8:2-13; Revelation 66:9; Revelation 22:6; Revelation 22:16

Remonstrates with Balaam
Numbers 22:22-27

Announces the birth of:

Samson
Jude 1:13

John the Baptist
Luke 1:11-20

Jesus
Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:28-38; Luke 2:7-15

Warns Joseph to escape to Egypt
Matthew 2:13

Minister to Jesus after the temptation
Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13; John 1:51

Ministers to Jesus during his passion
Luke 22:43

Present at the tomb of Jesus
Matthew 28:2-6

Present at the ascension
Acts 1:11

Will be with Christ at his second coming
Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Jude 1:14-15

Will be with Christ at the judgment
Matthew 13:39; Matthew 13:41; Matthew 13:49; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:31; Matthew 25:31; Mark 13:27

Ministrant to the righteous
Genesis 16:7; Genesis 24:7; Genesis 24:40; Exodus 32:34; Exodus 23:20; Exodus 23:23; Exodus 33:2; Numbers 20:16; 1 Kings 19:5-8; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 68:17; 2 Kings 6:17; Psalms 91:11-12; Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Psalms 104:4; Ecclesiastes 5:6; Isaiah 63:9; Daniel 6:22; Daniel 7:10; Luke 16:22; John 1:51; John 5:4; Acts 5:19-20; Acts 10:3-6; Acts 12:7-10; Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 13:2

Execute judgments upon the wicked
Genesis 19:1-25; 2 Samuel 24:16-17; 1 Chronicles 21:15-16; 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21; Isaiah 37:36; Psalms 35:5-6; Psalms 78:49; Matthew 13:41-42; Matthew 13:49-50; Acts 12:23; Acts 27:23-24; Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 7:1-2; Revelation 9:15; Revelation 15:1

Unclassified scriptures relating to
Numbers 22:35; Deuteronomy 33:2; Job 4:15-19; Job 38:7; Psalms 68:17; 2 Kings 6:17; Psalms 103:20-21; Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 1:7; Psalms 148:2; Isaiah 6:2; Isaiah 6:5-7; Ezekiel 1:4-25; Ezekiel 26:10; Daniel 4:13; Daniel 4:17; Daniel 8:13-14; Daniel 9:21-23; Zech 1:12-14; Zech 6:5; Matthew 4:6; Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13; Matthew 13:41-42; Matthew 18:10; Matthew 24:31; Matthew 24:36; Matthew 25:31; Matthew 26:53; Luke 9:30-31; Matthew 17:3; Mark 9:4; Luke 12:8-9; Mark 8:38; Luke 15:10; Luke 15:7; John 1:51; Acts 7:53; Acts 8:26; Galatians 3:19; Ephesians 1:20-21; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16; Colossians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:21; Hebrews 1:4-5; Hebrews 1:13; Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 2:5; Hebrews 2:7; Psalms 8:5; Hebrews 2:16; Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 1:12; 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Peter 2:11; Revelation 4:8-11; Revelation 5:9-11; Revelation 7:9-10; Revelation 10:1-6; Revelation 14:10; Revelation 18:1-3; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9

Appearances of:

To Abraham
Genesis 18:2; Genesis 22:11-18

To Hagar, in the wilderness
Genesis 16:7

To Lot in Sodom
Genesis 19:1-17

To Jacob, in his various visions
Genesis 28:12

To Moses
Exodus 3:2

To the Israelites
Exodus 14:19; Judges 2:1-4

To Balaam
Numbers 22:31

To Joshua, the captain of the Lord's host
Joshua 5:15

To Gideon
Judges 6:11-22

To Manoah
Judges 13:6; Judges 13:15-20

To David, at the threshing floor of Araunah
2 Samuel 24:16-17; 1 Chronicles 21:15-16

To Elijah
1 Kings 19:5

To Elisha, while he lay under the juniper tree
2 Kings 6:16-17

To Daniel, in the lion's den
Daniel 6:22; Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 10:5-10; Daniel 10:16; Daniel 10:18; Daniel 12:5-7

To Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, in the fiery furnace
Daniel 3:25; Daniel 3:28

To Zechariah, in a vision
Zech 2:3; Zech 3:1-2; Zech 4:1

To Joseph, in a dream
Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:13; Matthew 2:19

At the transfiguration of Jesus
Matthew 17:3; Luke 9:30-31

To Mary, concerning Jesus
Luke 1:26-38

To Zacharias
Luke 1:11-20; Luke 1:26-38

To the shepherds
Luke 2:9-11; Luke 2:13-14

To Jesus, after his temptation
Matthew 4:11

In Gethsemane
Luke 22:43

At the sepulcher
Matthew 28:2-5; Mark 16:5-7; Luke 24:23; John 20:12

At the ascension
Acts 1:10-11

To Peter and John, while in prison
Acts 5:19

To Philip
Acts 8:26

To Cornelius, in a dream
Acts 10:3; Acts 10:30-32

To Peter, in prison
Acts 12:7-11

To Paul, on the way to Damascus
Acts 27:23

To John, in Patmos
Revelation 1:1; Revelation 5:2; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 10:9; Revelation 11:1; Revelation 17:7; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8

Fallen
Job 4:18; Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; Revelation 12:9

One of the Holy Trinity.

Called Angel of God
Exodus 14:19; Judges 13:6; 1 Samuel 29:9; 2 Samuel 14:17; 2 Samuel 14:20; 2 Samuel 19:27; Acts 27:23; Galatians 4:14

Called Angel of the Lord
Genesis 16:7; Genesis 16:9; Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:2; Numbers 22:23; Numbers 22:25; Numbers 22:27; Numbers 22:32; Numbers 22:35; Judges 2:1; Judges 6:11-12; Judges 6:21-22; Judges 13:3; Judges 13:6; Judges 13:9; Judges 13:13-21; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Kings 19:7; 2 Kings 1:3; 2 Kings 1:15; 2 Kings 19:35; 1 Chronicles 21:15; 1 Chronicles 21:18; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 35:5-6; Zech 1:11-12; Zech 3:5; Zech 12:8

Called Angel of His Presence
Isaiah 63:9

Revelation 1:20; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14

(Genesis 16:7) etc. (The special form in which God manifested himself to man, and hence Christ's visible form before the incarnation. Compare (Acts 7:30-38) with the corresponding Old-Testament history; and (Genesis 18:1,13,14,33) and Genesis 19:1)

ANGEL-AGE, noun The existence or state of angels.

AN'GEL-FISH, noun A species of shark, the squalus squatina. It is from six to eight feet long, with a large head, teeth broad at the base, but slender and sharp above, disposed in five rows, all around the jaws. The fish takes its name from its pectoral fins, which are very large and extend horizontally, like wings when spread. This fish connects the genus of rays, with that of sharks, partaking of the characters of both; but it differs from both in this, that its mouth is placed at the extremity of the head.

ANGEL'IC,

ANGEL'ICA, noun A genus of digynian pentanders, containing several species. The common sort is cultivated for medicinal uses. It grows naturally in northern climates, and has large umbels of a globose figure. The roots have a fragrant aromatic smell, and are used in the aromatic tincture. The stalks make an agreeable sweet-meat.

ANGEL'ICAL, adjective [Latin angelicus.] Resembling angels; belonging to angels, or partaking of their nature; suiting the nature and dignity of angels.

ANGEL'ICALLY, adverb Like an angel.

ANGEL'ICALNESS, noun The quality of being angelic; excellence more than human.

AN'GELITES, in Church history, so called from Angelicum in Alexandria, where they held their first meetings, a sect of heretics near the close of the 5th century, who held the persons of the trinity not to be the same, nor to exist by their own nature; but each to be a God existing by participating of a deity common to them all. They are called also Severites, from Severus, their head; and Theodosians, from one Theodosius, whom they made their Pope.

AN'GEL-LIKE, adjective Resembling or having the manners of angels.

ANGELOL'OGY, noun A discourse on angels; or the doctrine of angelic beings.

AN'GELOT, noun

1. An instrument of music, somewhat resembling a lute.

2. An ancient English coin struck at Paris while under the dominion of England; so called from the figure of an angel supporting the escutcheon of the arms of England and France. Also, a small rich sort of cheese made in Normandy.

By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God

whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word .

There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself (Genesis 22:11) with Genesis 22:12 and Exodus 3:2 with Exodus 3:6 and Exodus 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side with these expressions we read of God's being manifested in the form of man

as to Abraham at Mamre, (Genesis 18:2,22) comp. Genesis 19:1 To Jacob at Penuel, (Genesis 32:24,30) to Joshua at Gilgal, (Joshua 5:13,15) etc. Besides this, which is the highest application of the word angel, we find the phrase used of any messengers of God, such as the prophets, (Isaiah 42:19; Haggai 1:13; Malachi 3:1) the priests, (Malachi 2:7) and the rulers of the Christian churches. (Revelation 1:20) II. Nature of angels

Angels are termed "spirits," as in (Hebrews 1:14)

but it is not asserted that the angelic nature is incorporeal. The contrary seems expressly implied in (Luke 20:36; Philemon 3:21) The angels are revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be when the power of sin and death is removed, because always beholding his face, (Matthew 18:10) and therefore being "made like him." (1 John 3:2) Their number must be very large, (1 Kings 22:19; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22) their strength is great, (Psalms 103:20; Revelation 5:2; 18:21) their activity marvelous (Isaiah 6:2-6; Matthew 26:53; Revelation 8:13) their appearance varied according to circumstances, but was often brilliant and dazzling. (Matthew 28:2-7; Revelation 10:1,2) Of the nature of "fallen angels," the circumstances and nature of the temptation by which they fell, we know absolutely nothing. All that is certain is that they "left their first estate" and that they are now "angels of the devil." (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7,9) On the other hand the title especially assigned to the angels of God

that of the "holy ones," see (Daniel 4:13,23; 8:13; Matthew 25:31)

is precisely the one which is given to those men who are renewed in Christ's image. Comp. (Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 12:23) III. Office of the angels . Of their office in heaven we have only vague prophetic glimpses as in (1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1-3; Daniel 7:9,10; Revelation 6:11), etc., which show us nothing but a never-ceasing adoration. They are represented as being, in the widest sense, agents of God's providence, natural and supernatural, to the body and to the soul. In one word, they are Christ's ministers of grace now, and they shall be of judgment hereafter. (Matthew 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31) etc. That there are degrees of the angelic nature, both fallen and unfallen, and special titles and agencies belonging to each, is clearly declared by St. Paul, (Ephesians 1:21; Romans 8:38) but what their general nature is it is useless to speculate.

AN'GEL-SHOT, noun Chain-shot, being two halves of a cannon ball fastened to the ends of a chain.

AN'GEL-WINGED, adjective Winged like angels.

AN'GEL-WORSHIP, noun The worshipping of angels.