Are cherubim angels?

Question:

Are cherubim angels?

Answer:

Though traditionally counted among the angels, the Bible does not call cherubim or seraphim angels. The word "angel" means "messenger." Seraphim means "fiery ones" and cherubim means "ones who hold fast." All are spiritual beings, but since they appear to serve different roles, it would be a mistake to intermingle their names.

One thing in common between the three is the frequent mention of their glowing or shining appearance. Angels (Luke 24:4; Daniel 3:24-25; 10:5-6); cherubim (Ezekiel 1:13); and seraphim (Isaiah 6:2, 6). However, with angels, this is not always the case. There are times when angels have been mistaken for ordinary men (Hebrews 13:2). In Psalms 104:4 we read, "Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire." Though the "fire" in this verse is from a different Hebrew word than that found at the root of "seraphim," it is possible that this shared trait is what led people in the past to lump angels, cherubim, and seraphim into one category and broadly calling all of them "angels."

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