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The concept of Eagle in Christianity

In Christianity, the eagle is a symbol of various significant concepts, including power, swiftness, and the relationship between God and people. It is associated with military strength and is part of the imagery of the cherubim, as well as metaphorically representing the gathering of individuals around a significant event or presence. In Gnosticism, it signifies transformation and divine stages, while in Early Christianity, it is linked to predatory behavior and the guardianship of the Spirit over the Church.1
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Synonyms: Bird of prey, Hawk, Falcon

In Dutch: Adelaar; In Finnish: Kotka; In Spanish: 脕驳耻颈濒补; In Swedish: 脰谤苍; In German: Adler; In Malay: Helang; In French: Aigle

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Eagle'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This bird is described as devouring a figure and is honored, as indicated in the text.[1] (2) Indicates robbery, as the text describes.[2] (3) The eagle is identified as Naas, and when people allege that an eagle went in unto Ganymede, the eagle is representative of Naas.[3] (4) The eagle represents individuals who do not work for their own sustenance, but rather take advantage of others, similar to how the birds of prey are described as wicked and predatory.[4] (5) The eagle represents a legion, because the appearance of this creature serves as the emblem of the legion, demonstrating a symbol of military strength.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) The eagles are mentioned in the text, and they will be gathered together where the carcase is, used as a metaphor.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) A group of birds that will gather wherever the body is, which is used in a metaphorical sense.[7] (2) This term refers to a group of birds, that will gather together where a carcass is located.[8]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) The ancient church gave John the symbol of this bird, representing one of the four faces of the cherubim.[9]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This is a bird that is referenced multiple times, as well as being used to represent different concepts such as power, swiftness, and the relationship between God and people.[10]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This is a wild bird, one of the many species found in the region, as mentioned in the text.[11]

Gnostic concept of 'Eagle'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The eagle is used as a symbol, because its dwelling-place is in the height, and is used to describe Pistis Sophia's transformation.[12]

From: The Gnostics and Their Remains

(1) This is one of the degrees in the Divine stage, which also includes the Sparrow-Hawk and the Father of fathers, within the mysteries as laid down by M. Lajard.[13]

Plural form: Eagles.