Bible Question:

Can fallen angels look like humans? - What can demons look like?

Bible Answer:

Can fallen angels look like humans? Before we answer the question, note that the Bible describes many different types of angels. There are seraphim (Isaiah 6:2,6), cherubim (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:1-20; 11:22; 28:14) and living creatures or living beings (Revelation 4:6), archangels (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9), strong angels (Revelation 5:2; 10:1; 18:21) and sometimes the Bible just describes an angel as an angel (Revelation 8:6). While the Bible describes different types of angels, it is important to realize that some of these angels are holy angels and some are evil angels. The evil angels became evil when they joined Satan in his rebellion against God. As a result, these angels are called evil spirits, spirits and demons, evil angels and fallen angels. The term fallen angels refers to the fact that they  were cast out of heaven and sent to earth (Daniel 8:9-10; Revelation 12:4). Our question is what do these fallen angels look like? What can demons look like? Can fallen angels look like humans?

Can fallen angels look like angels?

What do angels really look like?

What does the Bible say angels look like? Sadly, the movie industry, books, magazines and religious paintings have popularized the idea that holy angels have female features or are distinctly feminine. Frequently they are shown as having breasts and looking seductive. In addition, these publishers and artists depict demons or fallen angels as red or black and having horns and tails. They are usually characterized as being wicked. At times, they are portrayed as having long, forked tongues. All of these characterizations of holy and evil angels are not biblical. How could a holy angel be seductive? If evil angels were so sinister looking, they would be easy to identify. Yet, Scripture warns us that Satan is an angel of light.

No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14  (NASB)

That is, Satan and his followers are deceptive and not easily identified. They want to appear moral. They are the power behind idols and false gods (1 Corinthians 10:19-20).

What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?. . . but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God . . .  1 Corinthians 10:19-20 (NASB)

What do biblical angels look like? It appears that all angels have wings. Some angels, such as the seraphim and four living creatures, have six wings (Isaiah 6:2; Revelation 4:6-8) and the cherubim have only four wings (Ezekiel 10:21). The Bible states that the cherubim have four faces, but we have little information about the seraphim.

Can fallen angels look like humans?

First, we must ask, “Can holy angels look like humans?” The answer is yes. An angel appeared to the prophet Daniel as a human being (Daniel 10:15-21). In Genesis 18:1-8 we are told that three men appeared to Abram. In the next chapter, we discover that two of the men are angels (Genesis 19:1). It is also interesting to notice that Genesis 18:8 teaches us that the two angels ate food. The third person was a theophany or an Old Testament appearance of Christ.

In Daniel 10:11, the angel told Daniel that he had been sent by God to him. He was a holy angel and received help by the angel Michael. Daniel tells us that that this angel looked like a human in verse 16,

And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; Daniel 10:16 (NASB)

Then again in verses 18-19, we discover the angel could speak in human language.

Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Daniel 10:18-19a (NASB)

We are also told in Hebrews 13:2 that sometime we have entertained an angel without knowing it.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 (NASB)

Therefore, can holy angels look like humans? The answer is yes!

Now for the final two questions. Can fallen angels look like humans? How can demons appear? Based on the fact that holy angels can look like humans, it would seem that fallen angels can appear as humans. However, the Bible never tells us that they can. The closest statement to a demon appearing as a human occurs in 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 were we are told that the “lawless one,” that is the antichrist, is empowered by Satan. That is the antichrist appears to be possessed by Satan, but the antichrist will not be an angel. The antichrist also appears in Revelation 13:1-10 as the beast.

The difficulty in concluding that demons can appear as humans is that Scripture never states they can and does not provide any examples. Just because Scripture teaches the holy angels can appear in human form does not mean evil angels can. Obviously, cherubim, seraphim, and other angels do not normally appear as humans. The angel of the Lord, a theophany, can appear as human. But normally the holy angels and the angel of the Lord do not usually appear as humans. God the Father has allowed that to happen on occasions. So, has He allowed the evil angels to appear as humans? If so, where are the examples?

If God allowed the fallen angels to assume human form, it would seem that Satan could appear in human form. A human antichrist would not be necessary. Therefore, since the Bible does not tell us that it is possible for fallen angels to look like humans, it appears that maybe they cannot. They can only possess a human being. If it were possible, it would seem that Satan would be the antichrist himself and not be the power behind the antichrist.

Conclusion:

Can fallen angels look like humans? The answer appears to be no! The Bible is silent on this question about fallen angels or evil angels. It is important to realize that Satan and the fallen angels do not need to look like humans. They are extremely effective already. They deceive people to believe lies (John 8:44). Satan is in control of this world system (1 John 5:19). He is the power behind the false teachers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15) and false religions (1 Corinthians 10:19-20). You can learn more about the strategies of the devil by visiting the Schemes of Satan. You can discover how to defeat him by reading the two part series on the Armor of God in the Book of Ephesians study series.