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Gabriel

Illustration of Gabriel

Gabriel is one of only two angels named in Scripture, appearing as God's chief messenger who announces momentous births and unveils prophecy. He explained Daniel's visions and, centuries later, announced the births of John the Baptist to Zechariah and of Jesus to the virgin Mary. He stands 'in the presence of God,' and his appearances always accompany turning points in redemptive history.

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Strongest connections in Scripture

Key Passages

Gabriel Announces the Birth of Jesus

Luke 1:26-38

Gabriel brings the pivotal announcement to Mary - 'thou shalt bring forth a son' - revealing the incarnation and Mary's role in it.

A26nd in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virginโ€™s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Did You Know?

1

Gabriel is one of only two angels named in the Bible - the other is Michael.

2

His name means 'God is my strength' or 'mighty one of God.'

3

Gabriel appears to both Daniel and to Mary and Zechariah, always tied to major prophecy and the coming Messiah.

4

He says he 'stands in the presence of God' - a hint at his exalted rank among the angels.