Types of Biblical Angels & Their Hierarchies

When you think of angels, you might imagine human-like beings with glowing wings, but there are actually different types of angels with different ranks and appearances. In fact, Greek Christian theologian Pseudo-Dionysius came up with an “order” or “choir” system in the 5th or 6th century to rank each group of angels from highest to lowest.^{[1]
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Research source} In this article, we’ll explain all nine orders of biblical angels. Plus, we dig into how angels are depicted in other religions.

What are the different types of angels?

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An illustration of the nine different types of Biblical angels.

In the Christian religion, there are nine types of angels: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

Section 1 of 11:

Seraphim

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Seraphim means “fiery, burning ones.” These are the highest-ranking group of angels, standing at God’s throne and singing his praises. They’re only mentioned in Isaiah chapter 6 of the Bible, where the prophet Isaiah talks about a special vision he had. In it, he saw the seraphim fly around God using their powerful voices to call attention to His holiness.^{[2]
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- Order: High
- Biblical Reference: “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.” (Isaiah 6:1-2)^{[3]
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- Each seraph has three pairs of wings that carry a specific meaning: two to fly (service), two covering their face (reverence), and two covering their feet (humility).

Section 2 of 11:

Cherubim

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Cherubim are angels who watch over the Garden of Eden. The name likely means “to bless” or “to praise” and is believed to have originated from an ancient language called Akkadian.^{[4]
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Research source} They first appear in Genesis after Adam and Eve are cast out of the garden. These angels are assigned to guard the Garden of Eden so no human can reenter.
- Order: High
- Biblical Reference: “He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24)^{[5]
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- Cherubim are winged beings portrayed as having four faces. These faces are of a human, lion, ox, and eagle.

Section 3 of 11:

Thrones

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Thrones signify justice and God’s power. These angels make up a holy council in Heaven that meets with God to talk about his divine plans for the world and universe. They also help lower-ranking angels carry out God’s plans and messages and sometimes appear to humans to offer guidance.^{[6]
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- Order: High
- Biblical Reference: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
- The appearance of these angels is described as a brilliant light that symbolizes the holiness of their natures.

Section 4 of 11:

Dominions

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Dominions are angelic rulers who keep things in order. Also called dominations, they oversee the cosmos, from the planets to the stars. They also govern angels in lower ranks to ensure God’s will is being carried out and are responsible for delivering justice and mercy.^{[7]
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- Order: Middle
- Biblical Reference: “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)
- Dominions are known for their wisdom and are usually shown carrying golden staffs and orbs to represent their authority.^{[8]
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Section 5 of 11:

Virtues

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Virtues are linked to miracles and nature. They handle divine intervention when it’s needed and bring God’s power to Earth and humankind. They also help maintain balance in nature, making sure the elements work in harmony. They even hold power over evil spirits.^{[9]
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- Order: Middle
- Virtues are often portrayed as beings who glow with light and energy to symbolize their heroism.^{[10]
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Section 6 of 11:

Powers

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The Powers are warrior angels who fight against evil. Making up the sixth choir of angels, they protect humans from dark forces and the influence of demons. A big part of their mission is to help people resist temptation and stay in God’s good graces. By doing so, they ensure good wins over evil and remind humans they’re never alone.^{[11]
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- Order: Middle
- Biblical Reference: “who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” (1 Peter 3:22)
- Powers have a fierce appearance and are shown as warriors with flaming swords or shields.^{[12]
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Section 7 of 11:

Principalities

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Principalities preside over the Earth’s nations and communities. They’re highly involved when it comes to human affairs and guide the world’s leaders to make sure justice and righteousness are being carried out. Their goal is to keep the peace among countries and see that harmony prevails in societies across the globe.^{[13]
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- Order: Low
- Biblical Reference: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)
- Because of their authority, Principalities are often depicted wearing crowns and holding scepters.^{[14]
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Section 8 of 11:

Archangels

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Archangels act as the main messengers of God. Since they’ve had the most contact with humans, they’re also the most well-known order of angels. They’re responsible for delivering some of history’s most important messages, such as announcing the birth of Jesus. They’ve also led significant battles, like Archangel Michael's war against Satan.^{[15]
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Research source} There are seven archangels who are connected to the seven days of the week. The most recognized are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.^{[16]
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- Order: Low
- Biblical Reference: “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.” (Revelation 12:7)^{[17]
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- The Bible doesn’t talk about the appearance of archangels. Instead, it focuses on their strengths and duties. But, they’re usually described as having a radiant and awe-inspiring appearance.^{[18]
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- Intuitive counselor Kari Samuels describes the role of Archangel Michael, explaining that he “assists with positive energy and protection and clearing away negative energy."^{[19]
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Section 9 of 11:

Angels

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Angels are more commonly known as our guardian angels. This group is the foundation for the hierarchy of angels and works the closest with humans. It’s said that they are by our side from the moment of birth, helping us through life’s struggles and triumphs.^{[20]
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Research source} Spiritual teacher and medium Mari Cartagenova shares that “everybody has guardian angels, whether they are actual angels that have never been in the human body or loved ones."^{[21]
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Mari Cartagenova
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Expert Interview} They’re present to give hope, love, and care when it’s needed.
- Order: Low
- Biblical Reference: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)
- To contact your guardian angels, create an altar, meditate, and come up with a special prayer to call to them.

Section 10 of 11:

Fallen Angels

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Fallen angels were created by God but cast out of heaven. While they don’t belong to the main hierarchy of angels, they are significant spiritual beings talked about in Christianity. Urban legends expert Sydney Bermudez gives more insight, saying, “In Christian and Jewish traditions, demons are typically fallen angels, such as Lucifer or lesser demons like Asmodeus, often associated with sin, possession, and deception."^{[22]
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Sydney Bermudez
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- Fallen angels include Lucifer (Satan), the Nephilim, demons, and the Watchers.^{[23]
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Section 11 of 11:

Angels in Other Religions

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Judaism Angels in Judaism are called malach, which translates to “messengers.” According to Jewish traditions, angels are viewed as spiritual beings with no physical form. They appear in the Torah and other Scriptures, and their primary role is to carry out certain tasks for God.^{[24]
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- A different hierarchy of angels exists in Judaism. They are Chayot Ha Kodesh, Malakhim, Ophanim, Elohim, Erelim, Bene Elohim, Hashmallim, Cherubim, Seraphim, and Ishim.^{[25]
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Devas are deities in Hinduism that are similar to Christian angels. The term “deva” refers to a male being, while “devi” refers to their female counterpart.^{[26]
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Research source} They have angelic traits, such as acting as guides to humans and having divine powers. These celestial beings are seen as subordinate to the supreme being and are meant to carry out the work of this creator.^{[27]
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Islam In Islam, angels were created by Allah (God) to do his bidding. They’re devoted to God and mentioned in the Qur’an. It’s even said that the number of angels outnumbers humans. Their purpose is to guard humankind and spread God’s love. The hierarchy that exists in the Islamic religion isn’t elaborate and only includes Archangels and lower-ranking angels. ^{[28]
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- Archangels in Islam, in order of importance, are Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, unnamed archangels called Hamalat al-Arsh, and the angel of death.
- Lower-ranking angels are grouped according to their role to God. A few include angel Ridwan, angel Malik, two angels called the Kiraman Katibin, and guardian angels.