The question of whether angels have a specific gender or sex is an interesting one that the Bible does not explicitly answer. However, there are some clues throughout Scripture that can help us think carefully about this question. Here is an overview of some key biblical facts and considerations related to the gender of angels:
Angels are Spiritual Beings
Angels are spiritual creatures created by God, rather than physical beings that reproduce sexually. Jesus declares in Matthew 22:30 that in the resurrection, believers “will be like the angels in heaven.” This implies that angels do not have physical bodies like humans that are either male or female.
As spirit beings, angels do not have biological sexes or reproductive capabilities. Their identity and being is centered on worshipping and serving God, rather than sexuality or gender roles. Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” Their ministry focus does not require a gender.
Masculine Pronouns and Names Used for Angels
Though angels are spiritual beings without biological sex, the Bible uses masculine pronouns like “he” and “him” when referring to individual angels. For example, Gabriel is always referenced with masculine pronouns (Luke 1:19). Masculine names like Michael and Gabriel are also used for individual angels rather than feminine names.
This could imply that angels are more akin to the masculine gender, though it may also be explained by grammatical norms. In many languages, the masculine pronouns are used when referring to a subject in general or in contexts where gender is unknown or ambiguous. So the masculine wording may be a linguistic convention rather than an indication of actual maleness.
Descriptions of Angels Appearances
There are a few passages that describe angels in ways that sound more masculine than feminine. For example, Daniel describes an angelic being he saw as “a man dressed in linen” (Daniel 10:5). The angel that rolled back the stone at Jesus’ tomb is also described as having a “countenance like lightning, and his clothing white as snow” (Matthew 28:3), echoing Daniel’s description of a shining man.
However, these passages likely reflect the norms for how human males dressed at the time, paralleling visions of Jesus with white robes and shining faces. They do not necessarily imply the angels had eternal masculine identities. The dazzling, awe-inspiring appearances aligned with ideals of masculine power and glory.
Evidence for Genderless Angels
As spirit creatures, it would make sense that angels do not have physical gender identities reflected in permanently masculine or feminine essences. There are also a few biblical details that support the idea of angels being genderless:
- Jesus notes in the resurrection believers will be like angels in that they “neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). This suggests angels do not have relationships or distinctions requiring gender.
- The angel in Revelation 10 manifests with attributes of both genders, with legs like pillars of fire, a face shining like the sun, and a rainbow over his head, combining fierce qualities with brightness.
- In Judges 13, Manoah is confused over whether the angel speaking to him is a man or not, implying ambiguous gender.
Female Figures in Heavenly Realms
Though individual angels seem to be described in masculine terms, there are feminine figures described in spiritual heavenly realms, giving clues to gender diversity:
- In Zechariah 5, Zechariah refers to two other figures in heaven standing on either side of the angel who speaks to him, who the angel calls “women.”
- The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman calling out (Proverbs 1:20-21; 8:1-3).
- The church is referred to as the “bride” of Christ and the “woman” in Revelation 12, implying feminine aspects to the people of God.
These examples show gender diversity in the spiritual realm, even if individual angelic messengers are described in male language.
No Definite Biblical Answer
In the end, the Bible does not give a definitive answer to the gender of angels. While they are described with masculine names and pronouns, they are spiritual beings without biological sex that do not reproduce or operate based on gender roles. Their ministry as servants of God does not require specific male or female identities. There are also some hints of gender diversity in the spiritual realm.
The masculine descriptions of angels may reflect gender ideals and social norms of biblical cultures, employing male imagery to highlight the fierce power and strength of these spiritual messengers. But this does not mean angels are eternally male any more than descriptions of God as Father makes God eternally male.
The key is that angels are spiritual beings focused on worshipping God, not physical beings that operate based on gender roles or reproductive capabilities. Their masculine or feminine appearances reflect the purposes they were sent to fulfill, but do not define their eternal nature or identity. The Bible is clear human gender distinctions do not apply in the resurrection, so they likely do not apply to the eternal state of angels either. What matters is they fulfill God’s good purposes, not their masculinity or femininity.
Implications of Angel Gender
Understanding that angels likely do not have fixed gender identities can help us in a few ways:
- It keeps us from speculating beyond Scripture or assigning human attributes to angels that the Bible does not define.
- It focuses our perspective on angels’ purpose and calling rather than physical form.
- It values diversity by acknowledging the possibility of feminine spiritual beings and flexibility in how angels manifest, despite masculine descriptive conventions.
- It reminds us that gender is less central to eternal identity than honoring God’s design and callings for our lives.
While fascinating, the gender of angels is not central enough for Scripture to give a definitive answer. As spiritual servants of God, angels transcend human distinctions and limitations. The key is understanding their work and purpose in God’s redemptive plan, not defining eternal gender traits. The mysteries of the spiritual realm ultimately point us to God’s supreme glory as the Creator and Lord of all.
