Symbols of the Four Evangelists

Folio 27v - The Book of Kells

Traditionally the symbols attributed to the Gospel writers are
Matthew a winged man (not an angel), Mark a lion, Luke an Ox
and John an Eagle.

These symbols are taken from references in the book of the
Old Testament Prophet Ezekiel, Chapter 1, verse 10:-
"As for the appearance of their faces; the four had the face
of a human being, the face of a lion on the right side, the
face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle; such
were their faces. Their wings were spread out above  ........."

In the book of Revelation, Chapter 4, verse 7 there is a
similar reference:-
"the first living creature like a lion, the second living
creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face
like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a
flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them
with six wings  ..................."

It is claimed that it was Saint Irenaeus (140-202 a.d.) in his
treatise "Adversus Haereses" who likened them to the four
Evangelists because of the content of their Gospels and their
particular focus on Jesus. 

The Gospel according to Matthew
KATA MAQQAION

     
The image attributed to Matthew is a divine man. His Gospel
is concerned to show the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham
to the King David (14 generations) and from David to the
deportation into Babylon (14 generations) and from the
exile in Babylon to the Messiah a further 14 generations. 
Matthew is seen as the Gospel of Christ's humanity and
His humbleness and humility are highlighted throughout
the book.

The Gospel according to Mark
KATA MARKON

     
The image attributed to Mark is that of winged lion. His Gospel
begins with references to the Prophet Isaiah. John the Baptist
is the messenger who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah.
The winged lion, which signifies leadership and royalty, is
therefore seen as an appropriate symbol for the Son of God.

The Gospel according to Luke
KATA LOUKAN

     
The image attributed to Luke is that of a winged ox. A calf
or indeed oxen were used in sacrifices in the Temple. The
opening of Luke's Gospel begins with the announcement of
the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah a priest
in the Temple who was offering sacrifice there. The winged
ox is seen as a reminder of the priestly character of Jesus
and of his sacrificial death for the sins of all mankind.

The Gospel according to John
KATA IWANNHN

     
The image attributed to John is a winged or flying eagle.
This book is totally unlike the three synoptic gospels in
that it begins with a lofty theological meditation upon the
meaning of the fact of Christ. It concentrates on the
long discourses that took place between Jesus and others.
The reference in the Gospel to the disciples receiving the
 Holy Spirit perhaps makes the symbol of a winged or
flying eagle even more powerful. 

It is suggested by some writers that the wings on each of
the symbols of the Evangelists is to show their connection
to the divine. Perhaps to be viewed, like angels, as the
messengers of God. They are the bringers of the Gospel,
that is, the "good news."

Stained glass images ©Robert J. Koester 2008 Wisconsin Lutheran Synod

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