Instead of beautiful humanoids, the Bible often depicts angels as bizarre animal/human hybrids, fiery winged beasts and wheels made of eyes.

It isn’t certain, but most believe that they are descendants of mythical beasts across the Ancient Near East.

Biblical Texts:

• CHERUBIM: Genesis 3:24, Exodus 25, Psalm 99, Ezekiel 1 & 10
• SERAPHIM: Isaiah 6:1-8
• OPHANIM: Ezekiel 1:15-21
• MESSENGERS: Exodus 11:4–5, 2 Samuel 24:16–17, 2 Kings 19:35