How many angels are there?
Scripture never hands us a census of the angels. What it gives instead are pictures of a host so large that counting breaks down — a multitude over Bethlehem, twelve legions available to Christ at His arrest, and a circle of voices around the throne numbered in myriads.
Numbers Beyond Counting
The figures in Revelation are not meant to be totalled up. They are meant to defeat the attempt.
Walter ScottIn the centre stands the slain Lamb, around the throne the living ones and the redeemed, while the outer circle is formed of angels whose numbers are beyond human computation.
Three passages are usually gathered to make the point, each from a different moment: a night sky over shepherds, a garden arrest, and a throne room.
A J PollockThere is an immense number of angels. The following Scriptures prove this: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host" (Luke 2:13). "More than twelve legions of angels" (Matt. 26:53). "And I looked, and I heard around the throne the voice of many angels … and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands" (Rev. 5:11).
How Little We Actually Know
A huge number does not mean a well-mapped one. What we can say about angels is far shorter than what we cannot.
C E StuartLittle indeed do we know about the angelic hierarchy. We know that there are different ranks among them — principalities and powers (Eph. 1:21). We know their number is very great (Rev. 5:11). Yet of names of any of them we only know but two — Michael and Gabriel. Of none others have we knowledge from Scripture. Men may speak of others as Raphael, and so on. No doubt He who calls all the stars by their names designates each by some personal name. From us, however, that is hidden.
A Race That Is Not Added To
Human numbers rise and fall by birth and death. Two things said about angels rule both of those out. First, marriage:
Morrish Bible DictionaryThere are "myriads" of these angels, Matt. 26:53; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11; and they are described as "mighty," "holy," "elect," 2 Thess. 1:7; Mark 8:38; 1 Tim. 5:21: they do not marry, Mark 12:25. We are not told when they were created, but no doubt they are referred to as "the sons of God" who shouted for joy when God created the earth. Job 38:4-7.
Second, death — including for those angels who sinned and were judged:
A J PollockMuch is said of angels in the Bible. But we do not read of a single angel dying. What is more, the very angels who grievously sinned were not annihilated, but cast into hell, delivered into chains of darkness, being kept for judgment (2 Peter 2:4).
Why the Size Matters
The point of an uncountable host is not trivia. It is the scale of the power standing behind God's people, seen once when a frightened servant had his eyes opened.
Samuel Ridout"Who can number His armies?" At one word our Lord could have received "more than twelve legions of angels." "The number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands." The "innumerable company of angels … the general assembly." What are the armies of men compared with these? The prophet prayed that his servant's eyes might be opened to see the mountain "full of horses and chariots of fire" (2 Kings 6:17).
The Whole Host Gathered
Hebrews pictures that multitude not scattered on errands but assembled. Commentators differ over whether the phrase "general assembly" belongs with the angels or with the church that follows; most read it with the angels.
Scripture QuarterlyThe innumerable company is literally "tens of thousands" or myriads, while the general assembly is like the festal gathering at the Olympic games. The angels are here regarded as assembled in fulness of joy, not as sent forth in service.
And believers are said to have come to that gathering — without ever becoming part of it:
Samuel RidoutWe know we are not angels, and never will be; we have no desire to be, our place is nearer and dearer than that; but we are brought into association and companionship with all the heavenly host.
Summary
- Uncounted. No total is given anywhere; "myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands" is a number designed to be beyond human computation.
- Unnamed. The host is vast and ranked, yet Scripture names only Michael and Gabriel — the rest are known to God alone.
- Unchanging. They do not marry and are never said to die, so this is a company that neither grows by birth nor shrinks by death.
- Unbeatable. Twelve legions were within Christ's reach, and Elisha's servant saw the mountain full of fiery horses — measure human armies against that.
- Unforgettable. That whole host stands assembled in joy, and believers have been brought into its company while holding a place nearer than any angel's.