The roots of this symbolism trace back to the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel, who described a vision of four living creatures around God's throne, each with different faces: a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. These creatures appear again in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse), chapter 4, where John describes similar beings surrounding the throne of God.
Early Christian thinkers saw these creatures as prophetic symbols of the four Evangelists who authored the Gospels. The great Church Father St. Jerome (4th century) firmly linked the creatures to the Gospel writers, a view supported by St. Gregory the Great later on.
Matching Symbols to Evangelists
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Matthew: The Man or Angel
Matthew’s Gospel begins with the human genealogy of Jesus, emphasizing Christ’s humanity. Hence, Matthew is symbolized by a winged man or angel, highlighting the human nature and incarnation of Christ. -
Mark: The Lion
Mark’s Gospel opens with a bold, roaring voice: John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness. This powerful image is linked to the lion, symbolizing courage, royalty, and resurrection. The lion also evokes the “king of beasts,” fitting for Mark’s energetic portrayal of Christ as the Messiah. -
Luke: The Ox or Calf
The ox, a sacrificial animal, represents Luke. His Gospel begins with Zechariah, a priest offering sacrifice in the temple when the angel Gabriel announces John the Baptist's birth. This symbol highlights themes of sacrifice, service, and priesthood prominent in Luke’s writings. -
John: The Eagle
John’s Gospel soars above earthly events, focusing on the divine nature of Christ. The eagle, known for its high flight and sharp vision, symbolizes John’s lofty theological perspective, beginning famously with “In the beginning was the Word…”
Why These Symbols Matter
These symbols serve as a quick visual shorthand to identify the Evangelists in art and iconography. Artists often depict the Evangelists alongside or merged with their symbols. Sometimes, the symbols stand in for the saints themselves.
Beyond identification, the symbols reflect the unique character and focus of each Gospel, enriching our understanding of their distinct portraits of Jesus.
