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    Angel

    ἄγγελος (angelos)

    A messenger — a heavenly being sent by God to deliver His word and carry out His will.

    Greek
    Strong's G32
    Pronunciation: ANG-eh-los
    Quick Answer

    Angelos is the Greek word for angel, literally meaning 'messenger.' Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His agents, deliver His messages, and carry out His purposes in the heavenly and earthly realms.

    "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" — Hebrews 1:14 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Hebrews 1:14

    “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
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    Psalm 91:11

    “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
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    Luke 2:10

    “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G32 — Angel (ἄγγελος (angelos))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἄγγελος (angelos) appears.

    Open Strong's G32

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Angelos simply means 'messenger' in Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is malakh, also meaning 'messenger.' While the word itself is ordinary, its biblical usage refers primarily to supernatural beings created by God. The term emphasizes their function: angels are sent ones, dispatched to fulfill divine assignments.

    Angels in the Old Testament

    Angels appear throughout the Old Testament: cherubim guard Eden (Genesis 3:24), the angel of the Lord appears to Hagar, Abraham, Moses, and Gideon. Angels rescued Lot from Sodom, protected Daniel in the lions' den, and delivered messages to the prophets. The mysterious 'angel of the Lord' may represent pre-incarnate appearances of Christ.

    Angels in the New Testament

    Gabriel announced both John the Baptist's and Jesus' births. Angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation (Matthew 4:11), strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43), and proclaimed His resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6). Revelation portrays angels executing God's end-time judgments and worshipping before His throne.

    Angels and Believers Today

    Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as ministering spirits serving those who will inherit salvation. While Scripture warns against worshipping angels (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 22:8-9), it affirms their ongoing ministry. Hebrews 13:2 suggests that some have entertained angels unawares, encouraging hospitality and openness to God's hidden workings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does angel mean in the Bible?

    Angel (angelos) means 'messenger.' Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His agents, deliver His messages, protect His people, and execute His purposes.

    Do angels still exist today?

    Yes. The Bible presents angels as enduring spiritual beings. Hebrews 1:14 describes them as ministering spirits serving believers, and Hebrews 13:2 implies they may appear in human form.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Angel"?

    Hebrews 1:14 — "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (KJV). It also appears in Psalm 91:11, Luke 2:10.

    Why does the Greek word behind "Angel" matter?

    Angelos simply means 'messenger' in Greek. English uses one word, "Angel", where the Greek ἄγγελος (angelos) carries the fuller sense: a messenger — a heavenly being sent by god to deliver his word and carry out his will.

    Related Words

    Spirit
    Demon

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Angel (ἄγγελος (angelos))

    A messenger — a heavenly being sent by God to deliver His word and carry out His will.

    Strong's

    Strong's G32 — Angel

    ἄγγελος (angelos) • A messenger — a heavenly being sent by God to deliver His word and carry out His will.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Angels in a Dream (KJV)

    God's messengers — protection, direction, or warning.

    Word Meaning

    Angel (Malak) (מַלְאָךְ (malak))

    A messenger — a divine envoy sent by God to deliver His word and execute His will.

    Strong's

    Strong's H4397 — Angel (Malak)

    מַלְאָךְ (malak) • A messenger — a divine envoy sent by God to deliver His word and execute His will.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

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