How many archangels are there in the christian bible: complete guide

how many archangels are there in the christian bible

At first glance, the question “how many archangels are there in the christian bible” sounds simple. Yet the answer actually depends on what you mean by “archangel”, which biblical canon you refer to, and whether you count only those angels explicitly given the title or also those identified by tradition. In this guide, we will explain the scriptural evidence, show how different Christian traditions count them, and offer a clear, balanced way to approach the topic.

Understanding how many archangels are there in the christian bible helps readers make sense of the wider angelic hierarchy, appreciate how various churches use related texts, and avoid common confusions that arise from devotional art, apocryphal literature, or popular culture. By the end, you will know the key passages, the names most commonly cited, and why the totals can vary from one tradition to another.

What does the Bible mean by “archangel”?

The English word “archangel” comes from the Greek archangelos, meaning “chief messenger” or “principal angel”. In the New Testament, the term appears only twice: in Jude 1:9, which names “Michael the archangel”, and in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, which refers to “the voice of an archangel” accompanying the Lord’s return. Those two verses are foundational to any answer to how many archangels are there in the christian bible because they show both a title attached to Michael and a reference to the rank itself.

Importantly, “archangel” is a rank or role rather than a description of nature. Christian theology traditionally views archangels as high-ranking members of the heavenly host, distinct from other angelic beings like seraphim and cherubim. However, the Bible offers little explicit detail about a full angelic “organisational chart”; much of the popular angelic hierarchy comes from later theological reflection and extra-biblical writings.

Why the answer to how many archangels are there in the christian bible is not straightforward

There are at least three reasons the totals differ:

• Definition: Are we counting only those angels explicitly called “archangel” in the text, or also those held by Christian tradition to be archangels?
• Canon: Different Christian traditions accept slightly different collections of biblical books. This affects which named angels appear in your Bible.
• Sources: Some widely known names come from deuterocanonical or apocryphal books (for example, Tobit or 1 Enoch) rather than from the 66-book Protestant canon.

Because of these factors, how many archangels are there in the christian bible can be answered in more than one way, each legitimate within its own frame of reference.

Named angels in the canonical Bible

Michael: explicitly called “the archangel”

Michael is the only angel directly called “the archangel” in the core New Testament. Jude 1:9 names “Michael the archangel” in a dispute with the devil over the body of Moses. He also appears as a warrior figure in Daniel (as “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince who has charge of your people”) and in Revelation as the leader of heavenly armies. This makes Michael central to any attempt to count how many archangels are there in the christian bible when focusing strictly on explicit titles.

For readers who wish to see the wording in context, consult Jude 1:9 in a respected translation and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 on the “voice of an archangel”.

Gabriel: named, but not called “archangel” in the text

Gabriel appears by name in Daniel and announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. While Christian tradition commonly refers to “Saint Gabriel the Archangel”, the biblical text does not explicitly give Gabriel the title “archangel”. This is one reason readers sometimes differ when answering how many archangels are there in the christian bible: do we count Gabriel as an archangel based on tradition and liturgy, or only if the text itself uses the word?

Deuterocanonical and apocryphal perspectives

Raphael in Tobit (deuterocanonical)

The Book of Tobit, part of the Catholic and Orthodox canons, introduces Raphael, who presents himself as “one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One” (Tobit 12:15). While the book does not use the exact word “archangel” in most English translations, Christian tradition has long recognised Raphael as an archangel, and he is venerated alongside Michael and Gabriel in Western Christianity. For background, see the overview of the Book of Tobit and its place in the canon.

The “seven who stand before God” in Revelation

Revelation 8:2 mentions “the seven angels who stand before God”. The text does not list their names. However, both Jewish and Christian traditions have associated this verse with a group of seven principal angels. This connection influences how many archangels are there in the christian bible in traditions that recognise deuterocanonical literature and early Jewish writings as context for interpreting the New Testament.

The seven archangels in 1 Enoch (apocryphal)

The ancient Jewish work 1 Enoch, influential in early Christianity and canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, lists seven archangels—commonly given as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Sariel (or Saraqael), and Remiel. While 1 Enoch is not part of most Christian canons today, it has shaped traditional lists of archangels in both Eastern and Western art and devotion. For a concise primer, see our summary of the Book of Enoch’s themes and contents.

To compare broader summaries of how the term archangel is used across traditions and sources, you might also consult an overview of archangels in Jewish and Christian tradition.

Denominational answers to how many archangels are there in the christian bible

Because canons and traditions differ, so do the customary answers to how many archangels are there in the christian bible. Here is a concise, fair overview:

• Protestant (66-book canon): Only Michael is explicitly called “archangel” (Jude 1:9). Gabriel is named but not given that title in the text. Strict count by title: one. Practical count of named principal angels: two (Michael and Gabriel). If the question is “how many archangels are there in the christian bible by explicit title”, Protestants usually answer: one.
• Roman Catholic (73-book canon): The term “archangel” still appears only in Jude 1:9 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16. However, Tobit includes Raphael, “one of the seven holy angels”, whom Catholic tradition venerates as an archangel. In Catholic liturgy today, three archangels—Michael, Gabriel and Raphael—are celebrated together on 29 September. In practice, many Catholics answer how many archangels are there in the christian bible as three named archangels.
• Eastern Orthodox: The Orthodox canon includes Tobit and recognises a traditional list of seven archangels, often named as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel (lists vary). Liturgically, the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers on 8 November. Though not all seven are named in the biblical text, Orthodox tradition commonly frames the answer to how many archangels are there in the christian bible within the context of seven principal archangels.
• Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo: Because the canon includes 1 Enoch, seven archangels are scripturally grounded within that tradition, shaping a clear answer of seven to how many archangels are there in the christian bible as used by the Ethiopian Church.
• Anglican and some other traditions: Usage varies. Many Anglicans accept the deuterocanonical books for edification and thus recognise Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, while still acknowledging that only Michael is directly titled “archangel” within the New Testament.

These differences illustrate why asking how many archangels are there in the christian bible always benefits from clarifying which canon and which criteria (title vs. tradition) you intend to use.

Common ways of counting—and where confusion creeps in

Counting only explicit titles

If you limit yourself to those explicitly called “archangel”, the answer to how many archangels are there in the christian bible is clear: one—Michael. This approach is precise, text-focused, and works especially well for readers who prefer not to build doctrine beyond clear scriptural language.

Counting named figures who are traditionally archangels

If you include angels whom Christian tradition regards as archangels—Gabriel and Raphael—then how many archangels are there in the christian bible is often answered as three, because those are the named figures celebrated together in much of Western Christianity.

Counting the traditional seven

If you draw on broader tradition including 1 Enoch and later Christian usage, you will likely say how many archangels are there in the christian bible is seven. This is the norm in many Orthodox contexts and in the Ethiopian Orthodox canon, where 1 Enoch is Scripture.

Scriptural touchpoints to know

• Jude 1:9 — Michael the archangel.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 — the voice of an archangel at the Lord’s return.
• Daniel 10 and 12 — Michael as “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince” protecting God’s people.
• Luke 1 — Gabriel’s announcements to Zechariah and Mary.
• Tobit 12 — Raphael as “one of the seven holy angels”.
• Revelation 8:2 — seven angels who stand before God.

Reading these texts in context will help you decide your own answer to how many archangels are there in the christian bible according to your canon and interpretive approach.

Theological significance rather than tally alone

It is helpful to remember that the Bible’s purpose is not primarily to catalogue angelic ranks, but to reveal God’s salvation. So when we ask how many archangels are there in the christian bible, we should also ask: what do archangels do in the biblical story? Michael is a protector and warrior on behalf of God’s people. Gabriel is a herald of the Incarnation. Raphael is a guide and healer. The meaning of their actions outweighs the precise tally.

The number seven is symbolically important in Scripture, often associated with completeness or divine fullness. It is understandable, therefore, that “seven who stand before God” becomes the backbone for traditional lists. But whether you say one, three, or seven, the core message remains: God commands a perfectly ordered, purposeful heavenly host.

Practical guidance for readers

• Be clear on your scope. If your question is strictly, “By explicit title, how many archangels are there in the christian bible?” the answer is one: Michael.
• Recognise the role of tradition. Christian liturgy and art often reflect a wider inheritance than the bare text, helping communities praise God for his messengers’ work.
• Avoid overconfidence on names beyond Scripture. Some traditions caution against naming or invoking angels not found in the biblical canon.
• Study across canons with charity. Differences between Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant usage are best engaged with respect and curiosity rather than controversy.

Internal and denominational context for deeper study

If you are exploring how many archangels are there in the christian bible within the broader picture of Christian traditions, it helps to understand the similarities and differences between churches. For a clear primer, see this overview of Orthodox vs Catholic beliefs and practices, which contextualises how canons and liturgies have developed. If you are curious about the seven archangels tradition via ancient Jewish sources, you can also read our summary of the Book of Enoch to see where some of these names originate.

Recommended external resources

• Jude 1:9 and the explicit title “archangel” — the key verse naming Michael as archangel.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 on the voice of an archangel — the second New Testament use of the term.
• Background on the Book of Tobit — where Raphael appears as one of the seven holy angels.
• Overview article on archangels in Jewish and Christian tradition — helpful for understanding the traditional lists.

Related articles

• What the Book of Enoch says about angels
• Key differences between Orthodox and Catholic canons

Frequently asked questions about how many archangels are there in the christian bible

Is Michael the only archangel in the Bible?

By explicit title, yes. Jude 1:9 calls him “Michael the archangel”. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 mentions “the voice of an archangel”, but does not name the angel. Many Christians also revere Gabriel and Raphael as archangels, but the New Testament itself only names Michael with that title.

Does the Bible name seven archangels?

Revelation 8:2 refers to “seven angels who stand before God” but does not list their names. The well-known set of seven named archangels comes from 1 Enoch and later tradition, not from the 66-book Protestant canon. In the Ethiopian Orthodox canon, where 1 Enoch is Scripture, seven archangels are affirmed.

Is Gabriel an archangel according to the Bible?

Gabriel is named in Daniel and Luke, but the word “archangel” is not applied to him in the biblical text. However, Christian tradition and liturgy commonly honour him as an archangel because of his role as God’s principal messenger, especially in Luke’s infancy narratives.

What about Raphael—where does he appear?

Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, part of the Catholic and Orthodox canons. He identifies himself as one of the seven holy angels who stand before God, and tradition recognises him as an archangel. Readers using the Protestant canon will not find Tobit in their Bibles.

Why do some traditions list Uriel and other names?

Names such as Uriel, Raguel, Sariel and Remiel are known from Jewish literature like 1 Enoch and other early writings. These influenced Christian tradition, especially in the East. They are not named in the 66-book Protestant canon, which is why answers to how many archangels are there in the christian bible vary.

Conclusion on how many archangels are there in the christian bible

So, how many archangels are there in the christian bible? The strict, text-only answer by explicit title is one—Michael. If you include those whom Christian tradition honours as archangels and who are named in the broader Catholic and Orthodox canons, most will say three: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. If you embrace the traditional list shaped by texts like 1 Enoch and symbolically connected to Revelation’s “seven who stand before God”, the answer is seven.

Whichever approach you take, it helps to be clear about your criteria and your canon. Asking how many archangels are there in the christian bible is not merely about numbers; it is about recognising how Scripture and tradition together have taught Christians to see God’s messengers at work—defending, announcing and healing. That is the heart of the matter.

In short, if your study is confined to explicit New Testament usage, you will answer how many archangels are there in the christian bible as one. If you consider the full breadth of Christian tradition and deuterocanonical material, you will likely answer three or seven. Either way, the focus remains on the God whom the archangels serve and the good news they proclaim.