Are there female angels?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

The concept of female angels is an intriguing one, as it challenges the traditional notion of angels being exclusively male. While popular culture and artistic representations have occasionally depicted angels as female, it is important to note that angels, in their essence, transcend gender and exist beyond our human understanding of it.

In various religious texts and scriptures, angels are often referred to using male pronouns. For instance, in the Bible, angels are predominantly described with masculine pronouns such as “he” or “him.” This has led to the widespread perception of angels as being male. However, it is crucial to remember that angels are spiritual beings and do not possess physical bodies or reproductive capabilities, which are the basis for gender differentiation in humans.

That being said, there are a few instances where angels are associated with feminine characteristics. One of the angels often mentioned in this context is Jophiel. Jophiel is known as the angel of beauty and is sometimes depicted as female due to the association between beauty and femininity. However, it is important to note that this depiction is not universal and varies across different interpretations and depictions of angels.

The representation of Jophiel as female serves as a reminder that angels, being divine and ethereal beings, transcend human concepts of gender. They exist in a realm beyond our understanding, and therefore, attempting to assign human gender norms to them can be limiting. Angels are often considered to be androgynous or beyond gender, representing a higher spiritual state that goes beyond our earthly perceptions.

It is also worth noting that the idea of female angels has gained popularity and significance in modern times, particularly in the context of feminism and gender equality. Some individuals find comfort and empowerment in envisioning angels as female, as it challenges the historical and societal dominance of male figures in religious narratives.

While angels are primarily referred to using male pronouns in religious texts, the concept of female angels has emerged in certain interpretations and artistic representations. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that angels transcend human concepts of gender and exist in a realm beyond our understanding. They are spiritual beings who embody qualities and attributes that go beyond traditional gender norms.