Don Stewart :: What Are Some of the Names Given to Angels

Apart from the familiar title "angel," these heavenly beings are known by a variety of different names in the Bible. As we search the Scripture we find them designated as follows.

1. Angels

This, of course, is their most popular name. Often when we find these spirit-beings addressed as angels, there are qualifying words that further describe them. These include:

Holy Angels

Jesus called them "holy angels."

Those who are ashamed of Me and of My words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels (Luke 9:26).

Angels Of God

Jesus also called them the "angels of God."

And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges Me before others, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God (Luke 12:8).

Jesus' Angels

Jesus called them "His angels."

For the Son of Man is to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay everyone for what has been done (Matthew 16:27).

Angels In Heaven

These beings are also "angels in heaven."

For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven (Matthew 22:30).

Mighty Angels

The Bible also calls them "mighty angels."

and to give relief to the afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

2. Host Of Heaven

Scripture designates angels as the "host of heaven"

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying (Luke 2:13).

This term refers to the armies of angels. The angels, as the "host of heaven," are represented as standing on both the right and left side of God.

And Micaiah said, "Therefore, hear the word of the LORD. I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left (1 Kings 22:19).

The Bible continually refers to God as the "God of hosts" or the "LORD of hosts." The word "hosts" also refers to the stars in the sky.

3. Spirits

Angels are also known as spirits.

Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).

4. Sons Of God

In the Book of Job they are called "sons of God"

One day the "sons of God" came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them (Job 1:6).

A "son of God" is one who is brought into existence by God. This is the description of angels in their unfallen state. They are sons of God in the sense that they are His creation.

In the Old Testament angels are called "sons of God" while humans are called the "servants of God." In the New Testament the reverse is true - angels are servants and believers are called the sons of God.

5. Sons Of The Mighty

They are also called "sons of the mighty."

For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? (Psalm 89:6).

Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength (Psalm 29:1).

6. Holy Ones

Angels are also called "holy ones" by the psalmist.

Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD, Your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones . . . In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; He is more awesome than all who surround Him (Psalm 89:5,7).

7. The Watchers

In the Book of Daniel, angels are called "watchers."

I continued looking, in the visions of my head as I lay in bed, and there was a holy watcher, coming down from heaven . . . The sentence is rendered by decree of the watchers, the decision is given by order of the holy ones, in order that all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of humans-He gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of human beings' (Daniel 4:13,17).

8. Flames Of Fire

They are called "flames of fire."

He makes winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants (Psalm 104:4).

9. Rulers

Angels are also called rulers.

But the ruler of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia (Daniel 10:13).

10. Thrones

This title is symbolic of leadership.

for by Him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

11. Dominions

This speaks of their sphere of influence.

for by Him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

12. Powers

This is another term for rulers.

for by Him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers - all things have been created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

13. The Elect

The good angels are given the title of "elect."

I warn you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism (1 Timothy 5:21).

14. Chariots Of Fire

Angels are also called "chariots of fire."

Then Elisha prayed: "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17).

15. The Council

Angels are spoken of as being a council, or an assembly, of holy ones.

Let the heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD, Your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. . . . a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and awesome above all that are around Him (Psalm 89:5,7).

16. Heavenly Beings

They are also called heavenly beings.

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength (Psalm 29:1).

17. Morning Stars

This could be a title of angels, or it could be symbolically referring to God's creation.

while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? (Job 38:7)

Summary

The Bible attributes a number of titles to angels. Each of these titles helps us to better understand their attributes. It is interesting to note just how many different descriptions the Bible gives of angels - obviously they have been very busy in carrying out God's plan of the ages.