The term “angelology” originates from Greek words signifying “the doctrine of angels.” This doctrine encompasses the origin, nature, ministry, and destiny of both good and evil angels. The word “angel” itself means “messenger,” and it is also used in the Bible to refer to a prophet (Hag. 1:13) or a priest (Matt. 2:7). The context typically clarifies whether the “angel” is earthly or heavenly. Angels are also referred to by other titles such as “sons of God” (Job 1:6; 2:1), “holy ones” (Psa. 89:5; Dan. 4:13), “heavenly hosts” (Luke 2:13), “host” (1 Sam. 1:11; Neh. 9:6; Psa. 148:2), and “heavenly beings” (Psa. 29:1; 89:6).  

In the Bible, angels are consistently referred to in the masculine gender, yet they are not ascribed sexual distinctions in the human sense (e.g., they do not marry – Matt. 22:30). They are often described in large numbers: “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels” (Psa. 68:17); “more than twelve legions of angels” (Matt. 26:53); “an innumerable company of angels” (Heb. 12:22); “the voice of many angels…and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Rev. 5:11). Angels are depicted as having great speed, as illustrated by the analogy of lightning in Matthew 24:27 and the description of their coming with Christ in glory in Matthew 25:31. Daniel 9:21 suggests they fly, and Ezekiel 1:13-14 indicates some heavenly creatures “ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.” They possess great strength but are not omnipotent (2 Kings 19:35; Psa. 103:20; 2 Pet. 2:11), and they also have great wisdom (2 Sam. 14:20) and are described as righteous (1 Sam. 29:9).