Introduction
Mentioning the term ‘Angels’ will bring to the mind images of tall, mighty figures with large wings and shining halos, comforting people in times of crisis. It is true that humans of different cultures and faith have developed the concept of Angels differently, depicting them suitably for the context. The bible too speaks extensively of Angelic appearance, yet does not necessarily bestow upon them any physical wings. This article will focus on understanding whether Angels were considered to have wings in the Bible.
Origin
Although there are no explicit references to Angels being winged, in the Jewish texts they are described as having a human-like form. Of the many references found in the Bible that refer to Angels, the occurrence of the word ‘wings’ is only found several times and in a figurative sense. An example is when Jacob in Genesis 28:12-15 says he has seen the angels ascending and descending on a ladder with the Lord standing above them. This could mean Jacob saw the angels going up and down the ladder in his dreams, indicating their supernatural powers, not their wings. That said, Angels were often associated with the wings of birds and described as having aural and visual imagery that suggest wings.
Biblical References
The bible also talks about angelic beings without referring to them as angels. For example in Isaiah 6:2, the being that appears to Isaiah is mentioned as “seraphims” and they have “wings.” Other examples of the references to wings are found in Daniel 3:25, Psalms 104:20, and Revelation 8:13.
Despite the fact that references to wings are there, we cannot draw a clear conclusion that Angels should be portrayed with wings. This is because most of the scriptures refer to wings in a metaphorical manner. In actuality, the Angels’ spiritual power allowed them to appear wherever they wanted, so wings were not necessary.
Later Representation
The depiction of winged Angels in arts came only much later in the early Middle Ages, as western Christianity emerged and the concept of Heavenly beings began to gain more importance. In the fifteenth century, artists became fascinated with the idea of wings and depicted Angels as having wings. Consequently, most Christianity-influenced societies, and other religions such as Islam, all began to refer to Angels as having wings.
Interpretations Of Wings
Psychologists and theologians have interpreted wings in various ways. Some believe they are symbols of freedom while others say they are symbols of power with linkages to the sun and its warming effects. On the other hand, some say wings reflect protection, while some link them to the Egyptian tradition where Pharaohs and deities had wings ‘hovering’ over them.
Angel Imagery In Different Cultures
Angels are a major part of various cultures, with each having its own interpretation of the Angel and how it appears. In Christianity, Angels are represented as benevolent figures, and in some cultures, as warrior-like figures. Some cultures depict Angels as female, some as male, and some as androgynous. Similarly, in some cultures, Angels are portrayed with wings, while in some others they are not.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the different portrayals of Angels along with the concept of wings being attached to them is primarily due to cultural and religious tradition. There are no clear indications of Angels having wings in the Bible, although there is a reference to wings in metaphorical terms. Some readers have drawn their own inferences and, consequently, more often than not, Angels are portrayed with Wings.
