"And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had." — Ezekial 10:12 KJV
BLUF: Biblical angels are described in fantastical ways that are rarely depicted with any accuracy by Medieval Art or Modern Media.
Introduction:
Historical and modern depictions of angels often diverge from the descriptions found in biblical and Bible-adjacent texts, such as the Kabbalah, the Book of Enoch, and Gnostic texts. These inaccuracies stem from cultural interpretations and artistic representations rather than the detailed descriptions provided in these ancient texts.
Biblical Descriptions vs. Artistic Depictions: In biblical accounts, angels are often described as powerful, celestial beings with distinct characteristics, such as multiple wings, radiant appearances, and the ability to convey divine messages. However, artistic depictions often portray angels as human-like figures with wings and halos, which may not accurately capture their transcendent nature as described in the scriptures.
Ancient Texts Provide Nuanced Descriptions: Additional biblical and Bible-adjacent texts, such as the Kabbalah, the Book of Enoch, and Gnostic texts, offer more nuanced descriptions of angels. These texts delve into the hierarchy of angelic beings, their roles in the cosmic order, and their interactions with humanity. For example, the Book of Enoch introduces the concept of fallen angels and their rebellion against God, providing a deeper understanding of angelic lore beyond what is found in canonical scriptures.
Symbolism vs. Literal Interpretation: Modern depictions of angels often prioritize symbolism and artistic interpretation over literal fidelity to the texts. As a result, popular culture may present angels as simplistic, sentimental figures rather than the complex, multifaceted beings described in ancient texts. This can lead to misunderstandings and oversimplifications of angelic theology and cosmology.
Cultural Influences and Adaptations: Over time, cultural influences and adaptations have shaped the portrayal of angels in various media, including literature, art, and film. These adaptations may prioritize aesthetic appeal or narrative convenience over theological accuracy, further distancing them from the rich tapestry of angelic lore found in ancient texts.
In conclusion, historical and modern depictions of angels often fall short of accurately representing the descriptions found in biblical and Bible-adjacent texts. To gain a deeper understanding of angelic beings and their significance within religious traditions, it is essential to explore these ancient texts and engage with the nuanced portrayals they offer.
Biblical Descriptions & AI Depictions:
The Bible discusses various classes or category of angel. There is a hierarchy, a structure, and difference in appearance and role. The types mentioned or alluded to are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Archangel(s), and Guardian Angels. Below is a compilation of Biblical Descriptions and the consequent AI depictions of angels from various passages within the bible.
Seraphim: Seraphim are described as celestial beings who surround the throne of God, offering continuous praise and adoration. They are often depicted as having six wings, with two covering their faces, two covering their feet, and two used for flying. In the book of Isaiah, we find a description of Seraphim: "Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying." (Isaiah 6:2, NIV). They radiate with intense light and are often associated with purification and divine glory.
"And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, 'Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'" - Revelation 4:8 (NRSV)
Cherubim: Cherubim are portrayed as powerful and majestic beings guarding the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve's expulsion. They are described as having multiple faces (typically that of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) and multiple wings. Cherubim are often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the book of Ezekiel, there is a vivid description of Cherubim: "Each had four faces, and each of them had four wings... Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle." (Ezekiel 1:6, 10, NIV).
Archangels: Archangels are considered to be high-ranking angels who serve as messengers of God and hold significant roles in the heavenly hierarchy. They are often depicted as powerful warriors and leaders among the angelic hosts. The most well-known archangel in the Bible is Michael, who is described as the leader of the heavenly armies and the protector of God's people. In the book of Jude, Michael is referred to as an archangel: "But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'" (Jude 1:9, NIV). Archangels are often depicted with weapons or armor, symbolizing their roles as defenders of divine truth and justice.
[Analyst note: AI took more liberty and drew from human depictions, as there are very few physical descriptors in the Bible.]
Guardian Angels: Though not explicitly named as such in the Bible, the concept of guardian angels is widely accepted in Christian tradition. Guardian angels are believed to be assigned to individuals to protect and guide them throughout their lives. They are portrayed as personal companions who offer comfort and assistance in times of need. Jesus himself referred to the presence of guardian angels when speaking about the innocence of children: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10, NIV). Guardian angels are often depicted as gentle and caring beings, watching over those under their charge with unwavering devotion.
OTHER PASSAGES:
Daniel: In the Book of Daniel, angels are described in various instances, particularly in visions and encounters experienced by the prophet Daniel.
Daniel's Vision of the Ancient of Days: In Daniel 7:9-10 (NIV), Daniel describes a vision where he sees heavenly beings: "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."
In this vision, Daniel sees a majestic scene with the Ancient of Days seated on a throne, surrounded by countless angelic beings, depicting a sense of divine authority and power.
Angel Gabriel's Visit to Daniel: In Daniel 8:15-17 (NIV), Daniel describes an encounter with the angel Gabriel: "While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. And I heard a man's voice from the Ulai calling, 'Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.' As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. 'Son of man,' he said to me, 'understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.'"
Here, Daniel encounters an angelic being, Gabriel, who appears as a man and delivers a message to Daniel, indicating both the angel's human-like appearance and his role as a messenger from God.
Daniel's Encounter with an Angel by the Tigris: In Daniel 10:5-6 (NIV), Daniel describes another encounter with an angelic being: "I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude."
In this encounter, the angel's appearance is described in detail, with features evoking brightness and power, such as lightning-like face, flaming torch-like eyes, and gleaming bronze limbs.
Overall, in the Book of Daniel, angels are depicted as powerful and awe-inspiring beings who serve as messengers and instruments of divine revelation, often appearing in visions and encounters with the prophet Daniel to convey God's will and messages to humanity.
Ezekial: In the Book of Ezekiel, there are several descriptions of angelic beings, particularly in chapters 1 and 10. These beings are often referred to as "living creatures" or "cherubim."
Ezekiel's Vision of the Living Creatures: Ezekiel 1:4-14 (NIV): "I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings."
In this passage, Ezekiel describes the appearance of the living creatures as having four faces and four wings each, with the faces resembling those of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle.
The Wheels and Eyes of the Living Creatures: Ezekiel 1:15-21 (NIV): "As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around."
Here, Ezekiel describes the wheels accompanying the living creatures as having rims full of eyes all around them, indicating a supernatural and mysterious quality to these beings.
The Appearance of the Cherubim: Ezekiel 10:1-14 (NIV): "I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of lapis lazuli above the vault that was over the heads of the cherubim. The Lord said to the man clothed in linen, 'Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.' And as I watched, he went in. Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court."
In this passage, Ezekiel describes the cherubim standing beside the throne of God, emphasizing their close proximity to divine presence and authority.
Overall, Ezekiel's descriptions of angelic beings in his visions are filled with vivid imagery and symbolic elements, conveying the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of these heavenly creatures.
Bible-Adjacent Texts:
The depictions of angels according to Kabbalah, Hermetic texts, and Gnostic texts:
Kabbalah: In Kabbalistic tradition, angels are seen as emanations of the divine realm, intermediaries between the divine and the material world. They are often depicted as complex beings with multifaceted roles and attributes. The Kabbalistic text "Sefer Yetzirah" (Book of Creation) is foundational in describing the angelic hierarchy and their roles in the divine plan.
One of the key concepts in Kabbalah is the Tree of Life, which represents the divine structure and the paths through which divine energy flows. Each sephirot (emanation) on the Tree of Life is associated with specific angelic beings. For example, the archangel Metatron is often associated with the sephirah of Keter (Crown), representing unity and divine will.
Another important Kabbalistic concept is the Merkabah (Divine Chariot), which refers to the mystical vision of the heavenly throne seen by Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible. The Merkabah mysticism emphasizes the angelic beings surrounding the divine throne, such as the Hayyot Ha-Kodesh (Holy Living Creatures), which are believed to be angelic beings that serve as divine charioteers.
Hermeticism: In Hermeticism, which is heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian and Greek philosophies, angels are often equated with spiritual principles and cosmic forces. Hermetic texts, such as the Corpus Hermeticum and the Hermetic writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, describe a hierarchy of spiritual beings that govern different aspects of the cosmos.
One of the central concepts in Hermeticism is the idea of correspondence, which suggests that there is a harmony and interconnectedness between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). Angels are seen as intermediaries that help maintain this cosmic harmony and facilitate the spiritual evolution of humanity.
In Hermeticism, angels are often associated with the planets and celestial bodies, reflecting the belief in astrology and the influence of celestial forces on human affairs. For example, the archangel Raphael is associated with the planet Mercury, symbolizing communication and intellect.
Gnosticism: In Gnostic texts, angels are often portrayed as beings of light who assist humanity in their spiritual journey of enlightenment and liberation from the material world. Unlike traditional Christian theology, which often portrays angels as servants of God, Gnostic angels are sometimes depicted as rebellious beings who seek to awaken humanity to their true divine nature.
One of the key Gnostic texts, the "Apocryphon of John," describes the hierarchy of spiritual beings known as the Aeons, which emanate from the divine realm known as the Pleroma. These Aeons include angelic beings known as archons, who are sometimes depicted as rulers or guardians of the material world.
In Gnostic cosmology, angels are seen as intermediaries between the transcendent realm of the divine and the imperfect material world. They are often associated with gnosis, or spiritual knowledge, which is believed to lead to liberation from the ignorance and illusion of the material world.
Overall, in Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and Gnosticism, angels are depicted as spiritual beings that mediate between the divine and the material world, guiding humanity towards spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
Angels - Urantia Papers:
The Urantia Papers present a more detailed perspective on angels compared to the Bible, offering distinct insights into their nature and functions. Unlike certain interpretations of biblical texts, the Urantia Papers delineate angels as separate entities from spirits of deceased humans and "Sons of God," emphasizing their unique creation and specific roles within the cosmos. In contrast to the conventional portrayal of angels with wings, the Urantia Papers reject this imagery, describing angels as spiritual beings capable of assuming various forms through "thought-projection," which can be perceived differently depending on the observer.
Within the angelic hierarchy, there exist numerous orders, with Seraphim being highlighted as a prominent group, each possessing specialized functions crucial to the administration of the universe. Angels are depicted as active participants in human affairs, serving as messengers, intellectual stimulators, and guides for mortal minds and souls. Despite their significant influence, the Urantia Papers suggest that humans often remain oblivious to the unseen guidance and support provided by angels in their daily lives.
1. Seraphim
Paper 39, "The Seraphic Hosts," offers the most detail on this class:
Description: "The seraphim are the highest angelic group stationed near the Paradise personal presence of God."
Function: "Their chief function is to adore the divine and to sing the everlasting songs of praise to the Universal Father and the Infinite Son." They are described as radiating intense love and reverence.
2. Cherubim
Description: Paper 38, "Angels," mentions cherubim but offers less detail compared to seraphim.
Function: It's implied they are a separate order with distinct roles, possibly associated with wisdom and service.
3. Mansion World Seraphim
Description: Paper 49, "The Seven Mansion Worlds," introduces these as a specialized group.
Function: They act as teachers and guardians on the seven mansion worlds, which are transitional stages for evolving souls.
4. Ministrations of Service
Description: Paper 38 provides a broader category.
Function: This encompasses various angelic orders dedicated to serving creation. Examples include:
Solitary Messengers: These angels carry out specific tasks and deliver messages across the universe.
Guardian Angels: While not explicitly named, the concept of ministering angels who watch over individuals is alluded to.
Those Who Minister to the Material World: This group likely deals with the upkeep and maintenance of the physical universe.
Interestingly, the Urantia Papers specifically depart from describing angels with a physical appearance. Here's what they say about how angels are perceived:
Non-corporeal: The Papers are clear that angels are not physical beings like humans. Paper 38, "Ministering Spirits of the Local Universe," states, "Angelic natures are not material; they are spirit."
Thought Projection: The Papers propose that angels can project a temporary "thought-projection" that appears differently depending on the observer's perception. Paper 39, "The Seraphic Hosts," says, "When appearing to mortal minds, they clothe themselves with a temporary materialization." This means their appearance could be influenced by the observer's cultural or religious beliefs about angels.
Focus on Function: The Urantia Papers prioritize the function and nature of angels over their physical form. They emphasize the vast angelic administration with specialized roles, highlighting their service and guidance rather than their physical characteristics.
Here are some quotes that illustrate these points:
Paper 113, "Seraphic Guardians of Destiny," clarifies the lack of physical form: "They do not have physical bodies; neither do they possess wings."
Paper 38 reiterates the non-material nature: "But they do have spiritual emotions, and they do experience feelings and sentiments of a spiritual nature..." This implies emotions and communication without a physical body.
REFERENCES:
Bible:
https://bing.com/search?q=angels+descriptions+in+the+Bible
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/angels-and-demons/what-do-angels-look-like.html
https://www.biblesprout.com/articles/heaven/angels/
https://www.learnreligions.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-angels-701965
Enoch:
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Grigori
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samyaza
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Book_of_Enoch
http://archangels-and-angels.com/misc/grigori.html
https://www.angelarium.net/grigori
Kabbalah:
https://www.learnreligions.com/angels-kabbalah-tree-of-life-124294
https://scripturesavvy.com/bible-verses-about-angels-appearance/
Gnostic:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archon_%28Gnosticism%29
https://meaningfulmoon.com/the-secret-teachings-of-the-archons-a-forgotten-aspect-of-gnosticism/
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Archon-Gnosticism
https://gnosticismexplained.org/archons/
Urantia Papers:
https://www.urantia.org/topical-studies/angels
https://www.urantia.org/urantia-book-standardized/paper-39-seraphic-hosts