In the Bible, wings are a rich symbol that is used to convey a multitude of ideas and meanings, including elevation, authority, presence, and protection.
The precise significance of wings will vary depending on the situation in which they are utilized, but the main notion behind these symbols is that they represent the influence and presence of God in people’s life. Read Bible verses about wings to understand more of this context
10 Bible verses about wings
Certain attributes are debated as helpful or not, and our understanding of some of these has altered over time.
The human appendix, long assumed to be a ‘useless’ organ, has recently been shown to have a function in the immune system, helping to manage infections, and assisting in digestive system movement and waste clearance.
2 Chronicles 3:11-13 KJV
And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub. The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.-
Solomon started to construct the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared to his father David, at the spot David had prepared on Ornan the Jebusite’s threshing field.
This was most likely in 967 B.C. By connecting this to 1 Kings 6:1, we can see how long Israel lived in the Promised Land without a temple.
For more than 400 years, the tabernacle served the nation well. He sculpted cherubim on the walls, following the pattern of the tabernacle, which had woven cherubim motifs on the inside covering.
As a result, when people entered the temple, they saw cherubim all around them, just as in heaven.
Ezekiel 3:13 KJV
I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.-
Then the spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rushing voice behind me, [saying], Blessed [be] the glory of the LORD from his position.
It is now time for Ezekiel to go and perform what God has commanded him to do.
This is the same rushing wind heard on the Feast of Pentecost. What he hears is the Spirit in God’s Word. v 13 And I heard the sound of the living beings’ wings brushing one another, as well as the sound of the wheels beside them, a vast rumbling sound.
Psalm 57:1 KJV
Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.-
David proclaimed his faith and reliance on God for protection. The concept is similar to how a mother bird protects her young chicks from predators and hazards by collecting them under her wings.
Bible verses about wings of eagles
Eagles have big, hefty wings from birth. Eagles are huge, strongly constructed predatory birds with enormous heads and beaks.
Despite the smaller size of aerodynamic feathers, even the smallest eagles, such as the booted eagle (Aquila pennata), which is comparable in size to a common buzzard (Buteo buteo) or red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis), have relatively longer and more evenly broad wings, and more direct, faster flight.
Eagles and other flying birds have been sighted at altitudes above 20,000 feet (6,100 meters).
While powerful, eagle bones are hollow, accounting for less than 10% of their entire body weight. This, of course, makes flying simpler for them.
Eagles fly during storms and glide because of the pressure of the wind. This conserves the energy of the bird.
Many eagle species are rated at the top of the food chain as apex predators in the avian world due to their size and power.
Isaiah 40:31 KJV
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.-
This passage proclaims God’s promise of provision and triumph to those who depend on Him. Isaiah encourages the Israelites to wait with hope and confidence, despite their current oppression.
The portrayal of an eagle in the Bible is an obvious teaching tool. Eagles have big, hefty wings from birth.
Eagles spread their wings and hold them steady in order to soar. If we choose to wait on God and rely on Him for strength, much as an eagle does on a wind current, we may save energy by allowing Him to steer our routes.
Exodus 19:4 KJV
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.-
Bible verses about wings of angels
In popular culture, angels and wings are inextricably linked. Winged angels are frequently seen in art.
People who have seen angels say that the angels they saw had wings. Others claim to have seen angels who appeared in a different shape, without wings.
Angels with wings have been depicted in art throughout history, including the ones I saw on images in a Catholic mission school I attended.
Hebrews 13:2 KJV
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.-
Angels are not endowed with wings. They are spiritual entities who engage in human events and take on the form of men when they come into contact with humanity.
According to Hebrews 13:2, we may be entertaining angels without realizing it.
Angels present themselves in ways that make them appear to be humans. Because angels are spirits, they are not bound to exist in only one type of bodily form, as humans are.
Angels may appear on Earth in whatever fashion that best serves the aims of their missions.
Isaiah 6:2-3 KJV
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.-
Seraphim is an angelic race. In Numbers 21:6, the fiery serpents dispatched among the Israelites to bite and kill some of the people are referred to as seraphim. Later in the book, Isaiah will use the phrase to depict fiery flying serpents.
These seraphim are six-winged beings who stand in the Lord’s presence. According to Isaiah, one pair of wings covers their faces, another pair covers their feet, and the last set of wings allows them to fly.
They cover their eyes to avoid staring straight at the Lord and cover their feet to avoid being seen by Him.
Bible verses about God’s wings
When angels come to humans, their wings serve as emblems of God’s might and loving care for humanity. Most likely used in the Old Testament as a sign of love (wings of protection).
Psalm 91:4 KJV
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buck.-
The wings of angels are said to demonstrate how marvelously God designed angels, allowing them to traverse from one dimension to another (which humans may best perceive as flying) and execute their work equally effectively in heaven as on Earth.
Exodus 25:20 KJV
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.-
Both cherubs’ wings were to be lifted and advanced so that they could overshadow and protect the mercy seat.
The ark symbolized His presence among His people, serving as a continual reminder of Israel’s relationship with God as their supplier and defender.
Bible verses about soaring on wings like eagles
What makes an eagle’s wings unique? Eagle wings are designed for soaring and gliding on warm air updrafts.
The long feathers are slotted and may split, allowing air to flow easily and preventing eagles from stalling when flying at slower speeds while carrying their young.
Exodus 19:4 KJV
Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.-
Eagles were regarded in Hebrew culture as great fighters who fiercely cared for their young. Eagles transport their eaglets to safety, away from predators.
Eagles are also famed for their bravery and daring when flying above storm clouds and to safety in perilous, stormy weather.
God reminds Israel of His immense strength and concern for them in this passage. It conveys love and concern.
The mother eagle does not hold her young in her claws like other birds; instead, the young eagles attach themselves to the mother eagle’s back and are protected while being carried.
A hunter’s arrow must pass through the mother eagle before it can reach the fledgling eagle on her back.
How about spreading our wings to fly?
What makes Christians so hesitant to expand their wings? And how can we overcome our fear and achieve the freedom that God desires for all of His children?
Others may see it as discovering and living up to your full potential in Christ. Others may see it as learning to make the best of what life has to offer.
What does it mean to you to fly? Living the full life in Christ? Evangelizing? Whatever it is! The Bible says we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.
