An illustration of a decorative letter A with an angel holding a vine underneath.

Decorative Letter A with Angel Holding Vine

An illustration of a decorative letter A with an angel holding a vine underneath.

"and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth." Genesis 18:2 ASV
<p>"And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him." Genesis 18:10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Abraham bowing before the three heavenly visitors who have just told him that his wife Sarah, who is beyond child-bearing age, will have a baby. Sarah is seen listening in the doorway. The scripture calls it a "tent", but Abraham's home is pictured here as a house made out of wood, with an awning and step.The three men appear to be emerging from the Oaks of Mamre.

Abraham and Sarah Show Hospitality to Three Strangers at Their Home

"and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them,…

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." Genesis 3:24 ASV
<p>Illustration of Adam and Eve as they are sent away from the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life. Both are wearing animal skins and Adam is covering his face. Two angels, both holding swords, stand in front of a tree. A dog stands next to the angels.One angel points Adam and Eve away from the garden. The serpent is at Eve's feet with its mouth open. God is pictured looking down from the clouds. A small, oval image of Mary holding the baby Jesus is inset above Eve's head.

Adam and Eve are Punished and Cast Out of the Garden of Eden

"So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden the Cherubim, and the flame…

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:8-14 KJV

<p>Illustration of shepherds with their families, camping in the fields with their sheep. Angels appear in a cloud in the sky. One angel looks down at the shepherds and announces Jesus' birth. Two shepherds bow and shield their faces. Another shepherd huddles with a small child. A tent is set up behind them.

The Annunciation - The Angels Tell Shepherds in the Fields about the Birth of Jesus

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by…

"And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased." Luke 2:8-14 ASV
<p>Illustration of an angel appearing to two shepherds. One shepherd kneels and the second looks downward. There is a palm tree in the background.

The Annunciation to the Shepherds

"And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over…

"Altars were either square or round. Specimens of both kinds are here given from ancient sculptures." — Anthon, 1891

Altars

"Altars were either square or round. Specimens of both kinds are here given from ancient sculptures."…

Illustration of an angel, surrounded by clouds and rays of light, holds the holy grail, crown of thorns, and a palm frond. The angel gazes downward with a sad look on its face. The illustration is indicative of the sufferings of Christ.

An Angel Holding the Holy Grail, Crown of Thorns, and Palm Frond

Illustration of an angel, surrounded by clouds and rays of light, holds the holy grail, crown of thorns,…

"An ancient English gold coin, varying in value. It was so called from the figure of the archangel Michael piercing the gradon upon its obverse. angels continued to be coined down to the time of the Commonwealth." &mdash; Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Angel

"An ancient English gold coin, varying in value. It was so called from the figure of the archangel Michael…

An illustration of a angel in the sky above a forest appearing to people.

Angel in Sky Appearing to People

An illustration of a angel in the sky above a forest appearing to people.

An illustration of an angel on a wire.

Angel on Wire

An illustration of an angel on a wire.

Illustration of an angel holding a scepter in her right hand and pointing upward with her left hand.

Angel Pointing Upward with Left Hand

Illustration of an angel holding a scepter in her right hand and pointing upward with her left hand.

Illustration of an angel sitting on a rock and reading a book to five children.

Angel Reading to Children

Illustration of an angel sitting on a rock and reading a book to five children.

An illustration of a angle's face and wings doodad.

Angel with Wings Doodad

An illustration of a angle's face and wings doodad.

Portrait of an angel from a larger engraving of Daniel in the lions' den.

Portrait of an Angel

Portrait of an angel from a larger engraving of Daniel in the lions' den.

"Notwithstanding its name is is a hideous-looking creature, with two enormous pectoral fins, said to have given it its name, from a fancied resemblence to the wings of angels." &mdash; Goodrich, 1859

Angelfish

"Notwithstanding its name is is a hideous-looking creature, with two enormous pectoral fins, said to…

An innocent, angelic looking boy with a halo above his head.

Angelic Boy

An innocent, angelic looking boy with a halo above his head.

"And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matthew 24:31 ASV
<p>Illustrations of three angels in the sky sounding trumpets.

Angels with Trumpets

"And he shall send forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together…

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." Luke 1:26-31 KJV

<p>Illustration of the Virgin Mary praying at an altar in her room as the archangel Gabriel approaches her to tell her she will give birth to Jesus. Gabriel is knelt on a cloud, his left arm raised. He is holding an olive branch. Above Mary's head, a dove is flying out of a cloud and a shaft of light glows down on Mary's head. A vase with lilies in it sits on the floor.

The Annunciation - the Angel Gabriel Approaches Mary while She is Praying

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." Luke 1:26-27 ASV
<p>Detail of New Testament illustration showing the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary. Gabriel holds a lily, a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

The Annunciation, Detail View

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee. But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:26-33 ASV
<p>Illustration shows the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary. Gabriel floats above the floor. He has large winds and hold a lily, the traditional symbol for Mary. Gabriel raises his right hand in blessing. Mary kneels on the floor, her hands pressed together and head downward.

The Annunciation, Gabriel Appears to Mary

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,…

This painting is by Claude Gelle Le Lorrain. The figures that are usually found in many of his paintings are apparent in this piece. This painting can now be found in the National Gallery.

The Annunciation

This painting is by Claude Gelle Le Lorrain. The figures that are usually found in many of his paintings…

An engraving, The Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

The Annunciation

An engraving, The Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel tells Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

An angel appears to Mary while she is sitting with a book.

The Annunciation

An angel appears to Mary while she is sitting with a book.

This is an illustration of The Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appears to the Blessed Virgin Mary to inform her of her impending pregnancy. Mary sits near a prayer book, her arms crossed, surrounded by flowers, as Gabriel approaches via a set of stairs. Two doves sit on the railing. The countryside is pictured in the background on the left side of the illustration.

The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to the Virgin Mary

This is an illustration of The Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appears to the Blessed Virgin Mary…

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around them are the apostles, Moses, and the Virgin Mary. There are also several angels and cherubim surrounding and within the group.

The Apostles, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around…

The Seal of the State of Arkansas. The seal shows Mercy, a bald eagle holding a shield, and the sword of justice.

Seal of Arkansas

The Seal of the State of Arkansas. The seal shows Mercy, a bald eagle holding a shield, and the sword…

The barge moved from the brink.

The Passing of Arthur

The barge moved from the brink.

"Ethelbert met Augustine in the open air, under a tree at Canterbury, and heard him tell about the true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent; and, after some time, and a great deal of teaching, Ethelbert gave up worshiping Wooden and Thor, and believed in the true God and was baptized, and many of his people with him."

Augustine and Ethelbert

"Ethelbert met Augustine in the open air, under a tree at Canterbury, and heard him tell about the true…

Girl with angel

Banner

Girl with angel

A banner, featuring two angels and a face in the middle of the image.

Angelic Banner

A banner, featuring two angels and a face in the middle of the image.

This religious border was designed by German artist Hans Holbein in 1524. It has religious connotations with a bearded man on each side with a halo, and an angel on the top left corner reading. All the animals around the border have halos as well.

Religious Border

This religious border was designed by German artist Hans Holbein in 1524. It has religious connotations…

This religious border was designed by German artist Hans Holbein in 1524. It has religious connotations with a bearded man on each side with a halo, and an angel on the top left corner reading. All the animals around the border have halos as well.

Religious Border

This religious border was designed by German artist Hans Holbein in 1524. It has religious connotations…

A decorative letter C with an angel holding a vine below the letter.

Decorative Letter C with Angel Holding Vine

A decorative letter C with an angel holding a vine below the letter.

This arm chair is carved in wood. The top of the chair has a leaf scroll design and an angel on each side. On each arm of the chair is a design of a bird.

Arm Chair

This arm chair is carved in wood. The top of the chair has a leaf scroll design and an angel on each…

A decorative divider with a cherub's face and floral ornaments.

Cherub Divider

A decorative divider with a cherub's face and floral ornaments.

A winged child holds an hourglass over a pair of birds. The hourglass usually represents the passing of time or mortality. The hourglass is has two snakes entwined around it. Sometimes snakes are used symbolically to represent eternity (since they can make a loop) or the cheating of death (it was commonly believed that snakes revitalized themselves by shedding their skin).

Cherub with Hourglass

A winged child holds an hourglass over a pair of birds. The hourglass usually represents the passing…

"Gules, an angel erect with wings expanded or, dress closegirt. CLOSEGIRT. A figure whose dress is fastened round the waist." -Hall, 1862

Closegirt

"Gules, an angel erect with wings expanded or, dress closegirt. CLOSEGIRT. A figure whose dress is fastened…

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius." Acts 10:1-3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Cornelius kneeling with hands clasped in prayer in front of an angel. The angel is kneeling on a rock. A small tree stands behind Cornelius.

Cornelius the Centurion is Visited by an Angel

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian…

An illustration of a decorative letter D with an angel reading a book.

Decorative Letter D with Angel

An illustration of a decorative letter D with an angel reading a book.

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he had trusted in his God." Daniel 6:19-23 ASV
<p>Illustration of Daniel standing in the lions' den. An angel protects him from the lions.

Daniel in the Lions' Den

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he…

The angel of death appearing to an old man with long, flowing white hair and beard. He is leaning over a very large book. The winged angel is holding a sword in the right hand and gesturing with the left.

Angel of Death

The angel of death appearing to an old man with long, flowing white hair and beard. He is leaning over…

Decorative header with blindfolded angel in center.

Decorative Header

Decorative header with blindfolded angel in center.

A divider, featuring an angel.

Divider with Angel

A divider, featuring an angel.

An illustration of a decorative letter E with an angel holding a plate with fruit on top.

Decorative Letter E with Angel Holding Plate

An illustration of a decorative letter E with an angel holding a plate with fruit on top.

"So he went and did according unto the word of Jehovah; for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan." I Kings 17:5 ASV
<p>Illustration of two separate, but related scenes in which Elijah hides by the brook at Cherith. In the image on the left, he is reclining on a rock and there are trees behind and above him. He reaches out to a raven with a piece of bread in its beak. In the image on the right, he appears to be asleep while leaning on a rock. A jar and a piece of bread are on the rock. An angel hovers above him.

Elijah Hides from Ahab and is Fed by Angels and Ravens

"So he went and did according unto the word of Jehovah; for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith,…

Illustration of the Maccabee warriors fighting alongside angelic warriors in a swirl of battle. The angels are pictured wielding swords of fire and riding horses. The horses of the angels and Maccabees trample the king's soldiers. One warrior wears a winged helmet and wields a spear. The king's army is fleeing into the background.

Five Angelic Warriors Fight for the Maccabees

Illustration of the Maccabee warriors fighting alongside angelic warriors in a swirl of battle. The…

Decorative floral tailpiece with a cherub and birds, used as an ornamental footer.

Footer with Cherub

Decorative floral tailpiece with a cherub and birds, used as an ornamental footer.

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:39-40 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus praying, on his knees, hands clasped, as an angel emerges from the clouds, carrying the cross. Peter, James, and John are sleeping nearby. Soldiers are marching out of the city gate, towards the garden, in the background.

Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane - Peter, James, and John Fall Asleep

"39 And he went forward a little, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, My Father, if it be possible,…

An illustration of a young angel girl wearing a flower wreath and dropping flowers as she walks.

Angel Girl

An illustration of a young angel girl wearing a flower wreath and dropping flowers as she walks.

A decorative letter H illustrated with an angel holding a spear and shield.

Decorative Letter H with Angel Holding Spear and Shield

A decorative letter H illustrated with an angel holding a spear and shield.

"for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the waters stepped in was made whole, with whatsoever disease he was holden. And a certain man was there, who had been thirty and eight years in his infirmity. When Jesus saw him lying, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wouldest thou be made whole?" John 5:4-6 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus healing a man in one of the five porches at the pool at Bethesda. The lame man is reclining and Jesus is praying over him. Several men, including disciples, stand around and watch the healing. On the other side of a wall, the pool is visible and an angel is hovering over it and reaching a staff down into the waters. A woman with a child waits near the pool. A man walking with crutches wades into the pool. A woman places a baby into the pool in the background.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic Man at the Pool at Bethesda While an Angel Troubles the Waters

"for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever…

"When once the mortal part of him has perished, Juno lays aside her enmity and marries him to Hebe, her own daughter and the embodiment of youth." &mdash;Bulfinch, 1897

Hebe

"When once the mortal part of him has perished, Juno lays aside her enmity and marries him to Hebe,…

An illustration of a decorative letter I with an angel playing the harp.

Decorative Letter I with Angel Playing Harp

An illustration of a decorative letter I with an angel playing the harp.

"Iris puts on her robe of many colors, and tingeing the sky with her bow, seeks the palace of the King fo Sleep." &mdash;Bulfinch, 1897

Iris

"Iris puts on her robe of many colors, and tingeing the sky with her bow, seeks the palace of the King…

"And he dreamed. And behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it." Genesis 28:12 ASV
<p>
Illustration of Jacob sleeping, his upper body resting on a rock, and dreaming. His robe is wrapped around him and his left arm is resting on his abdomen. A ladder emerges from bright clouds in the center of the illustration. God is descending from the top of the ladder, his arms outstretched. Angels descend on one side and ascend on the other. There are six angels. Jacob's staff and satchel are on the ground next to him. Trees frame the image.

Jacob Sees God and Angels on a Ladder While He Dreams at Bethel

"And he dreamed. And behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And…

A decorative letter K with an angel blowing horn underneath the letter.

Decorative Letter K with Angel Blowing Horn

A decorative letter K with an angel blowing horn underneath the letter.

"Arms of Leo X (Medici)." &mdash; Young, 1901

Arms of Leo X

"Arms of Leo X (Medici)." — Young, 1901

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!" Isaiah 14:12 ASV
<p>Illustration of Lucifer, Satan, falling from heaven, clinging to a rock. Michael, the archangel, hovers over him with a spear pointed downward, wings unfurled. He carries a shield with the cross on it. Four other angels, with swords or spears, hover behind Michael, fighting the fallen angels. Two angels fall into the abyss with Lucifer.

Lucifer's Fall from Heaven - Michael and Other Angels Fight Against the Vanquished Angels

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,…

An illustration of a decorative letter M with an angel below.

Decorative Letter M with Angel

An illustration of a decorative letter M with an angel below.

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Madrid Museum.

The Madonna with the Fish

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Madrid Museum.