The Physical Appearance of Angels

The way in which angels are viewed differ greatly from individual to individual. These views range from the realistic to the cartoonlike. The physical appearance of angels also differs greatly between different sets of beliefs, as there cannot be found anywhere a verifiable description of what an angel should properly look like.

Perhaps one of the most interesting areas of study in Bible studies is that concerning the appearances of angels in the Bible. In most cases, the Bible contains no description of the physical characteristics of angels, and thus their appearance is open to interpretation by Bible scholars, who do not always agree about this aspect of angels. One thing that most people seem to take as truth, however, is that angels have the ability to assume human form.

It is also widely held that angels take other symbolic forms in situations of great importance. The best example of this can be found in the Bible, when an angel, in the form of a burning bush, appears in one of the early parts of the Old Testament.

Some angels are also sometimes depicted wearing military dress. The archangels Gabriel and Michael are sometimes depicted wearing armor, which is probably a way to display their strength.

Many angels are also depicted as having wings, which is the artist's method of showing that the angel is a spirit. This portrays angels as being of a higher plane of existence than humans and being purer than humans.

The gender of angels is also not set, as there is no historical reference which cites angels as being of a particular gender. Most people automatically assume that angels are male, however, as the word "angel" is masculine in nature in most of the languages worldwide. Another reason for this assumption is that the tasks that angels are often depicted doing in the Bible are tasks that are generally associated with males. These tasks include being guardians, messengers, warriors, and other tasks that require great strength. It is always up to the individual to interpret the gender of an angel as he or she see fit, however, as there is no convention to follow.

Many beliefs exist regarding the physical appearance of angels and, while it is generally agreed that angels have the ability to take on human form, the nature of their true appearance is a subject of great debate. Angels are typically identified through the use of wings, as this sets them apart from normal human beings. People even disagree on the gender of angels, and angels can be seen depicted as being of either gender.