Ezekiel 1:20

Ezekiel 1:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

King James Version KJV

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

American Standard Version ASV

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went; thither was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Wherever the spirit was to go they went; and the wheels were lifted up by their side: for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

Free Bible Version FBV

They would go wherever the Spirit went. The wheels would lift up beside them, because the Spirit of the beings was in the wheels to direct them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Whither the spirit led them, they went, and thither did the spirite of the wheeles leade them, and the wheeles were lifted vp besides them: for the spirit of the beastes was in the wheeles.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Whither the spirit is to go, they go, thither the spirit [is] to go, and the wheels are lifted up over-against them, for a living spirit [is] in the wheels.

World English Bible WEB

Wherever the spirit was to go, they went. The spirit was to go there. The wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Whithersoever the spirit went, thither as the spirit went the wheels also were lifted up withal, and followed it: for the spirit of life was in the wheels.

Translation for Translators T4T

Wherever the spiritthat controlled the creatures wanted the creatures to go, they went, and the wheels went with them, because the spiritthat controlled/guided them was in the wheels [DOU].

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:20

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 1:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַ֣ל אֲשֶׁר֩ יִֽהְיֶה שָּׁ֨ם הָ/ר֤וּחַ לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ יֵלֵ֔כוּ שָׁ֥מָּ/ה הָ/ר֖וּחַ לָ/לֶ֑כֶת וְ/הָ/אוֹפַנִּ֗ים יִנָּשְׂאוּ֙ לְ/עֻמָּתָ֔/ם כִּ֛י ר֥וּחַ הַ/חַיָּ֖ה בָּ/אוֹפַנִּֽים

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

שָּׁ֨ם shâm H8033 there Adv

הָ/ר֤וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cs

לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יֵלֵ֔כוּ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

שָׁ֥מָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff

הָ/ר֖וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cs

לָ/לֶ֑כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

וְ/הָ/אוֹפַנִּ֗ים ʼôwphân H212 wheel Conj | Art | N-mp

יִנָּשְׂאוּ֙ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

לְ/עֻמָּתָ֔/ם ʻummâh H5980 close Prep | N-fs | Suff

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj

ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs

הַ/חַיָּ֖ה chay H2416 alive Art | N-fs

בָּ/אוֹפַנִּֽים ʼôwphân H212 wheel Prep | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:20

עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

שָּׁ֨ם shâm H8033 "there" Adv

The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

הָ/ר֤וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

יֵלֵ֔כוּ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

שָׁ֥מָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff

Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)

Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.

הָ/ר֖וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

לָ/לֶ֑כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

וְ/הָ/אוֹפַנִּ֗ים ʼôwphân H212 "wheel" Conj | Art | N-mp

Refers to a wheel, like a chariot wheel or the wheels in Ezekiel's vision. It is also used to describe the wheels on the bases beneath the lavers in Solomon's temple, as mentioned in the Bible.

Definition: 1) wheel 1a) chariot wheel 1b) wheel in Ezekiel's vision 1c) wheels of the ten bases beneath the lavers in Solomon's temple

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: wheel. See also: Exodus 14:25; Ezekiel 1:21; Proverbs 20:26.

יִנָּשְׂאוּ֙ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

לְ/עֻמָּתָ֔/ם ʻummâh H5980 "close" Prep | N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.

Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.

כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

ר֥וּחַ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

הַ/חַיָּ֖ה chay H2416 "alive" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

בָּ/אוֹפַנִּֽים ʼôwphân H212 "wheel" Prep | N-mp

Refers to a wheel, like a chariot wheel or the wheels in Ezekiel's vision. It is also used to describe the wheels on the bases beneath the lavers in Solomon's temple, as mentioned in the Bible.

Definition: 1) wheel 1a) chariot wheel 1b) wheel in Ezekiel's vision 1c) wheels of the ten bases beneath the lavers in Solomon's temple

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: wheel. See also: Exodus 14:25; Ezekiel 1:21; Proverbs 20:26.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 1:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:20
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:20
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:20

Context — The Four Wheels

18Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. 19So as the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose.

20Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

21When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 22Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 1:12	Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved.
2	Ezekiel 10:17	When the cherubim stood still, the wheels also stood still, and when they ascended, the wheels ascended with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
3	1 Corinthians 14:32	The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
4	Zechariah 6:1–8	And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel told me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth from their station before the Lord of all the earth. The one with the black horses is going toward the land of the north, the one with the white horses toward the west, and the one with the dappled horses toward the south.” As the strong horses went out, they were eager to go and patrol the earth; and the LORD said, “Go and patrol the earth.” So they patrolled the earth. Then the LORD summoned me and said, “Behold, those going to the land of the north have given rest to My Spirit in the land of the north.”

Ezekiel 1:20 Summary

[Ezekiel 1:20 shows us that God's Spirit is what guides and directs all of creation, including the amazing living creatures and wheels described in this vision. This reminds us of the importance of being led by the Spirit in our own lives, as taught in Galatians 5:16-25. Just as the wheels rose alongside the living creatures because the spirit was in them, we should seek to be in harmony with God's will, following His leading and guidance. By doing so, we can reflect the unity and cooperation that exists between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as seen in Matthew 28:19.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'spirit' in Ezekiel 1:20 refer to?

The 'spirit' refers to the divine presence that guides and empowers the living creatures, as seen in Ezekiel 1:12, and is reminiscent of the Spirit of God in Genesis 1:2 that moved over the waters, bringing order and life.

Why are the wheels described as having the 'spirit of the living creatures' in them?

This description highlights the unity and harmony between the living creatures and the wheels, indicating that they are all connected and work together in perfect synchrony, much like the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in Matthew 28:19.

How does this verse relate to our understanding of God's sovereignty and control?

Ezekiel 1:20 demonstrates God's complete sovereignty over all creation, as the spirit guides the living creatures and the wheels, illustrating the concept of divine providence found in Psalm 103:19 and Romans 11:36.

What can we learn from the relationship between the spirit, the living creatures, and the wheels in this verse?

This relationship teaches us about the importance of being led by the Spirit of God in our lives, as seen in Galatians 5:16-25, and how our actions should be in harmony with God's will, reflecting the perfect unity and cooperation described in Ezekiel 1:20.

Reflection Questions

As I consider the unity of the spirit, the living creatures, and the wheels in Ezekiel 1:20, how can I better align my life with the leading of the Holy Spirit?
What are some areas in my life where I feel disconnected from God's Spirit, and how can I seek a deeper sense of unity and cooperation with Him?
How does the concept of the 'spirit of the living creatures' being in the wheels challenge or inspire my understanding of God's presence and work in my life?
In what ways can I reflect the harmony and synchrony of the living creatures and the wheels in my relationships with others, and how can I seek to be a source of unity and cooperation in my community?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:20

Whithersoever the spirit was to go they went,.... That is, the Spirit of God; wherever that leads and directs, whether in the paths of faith or duty, they follow; they walk not after the flesh, but

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:20

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20

Whithersoever the spirit; either the will and inclination of the living creatures, or rather the Spirit of God which moved the living creatures, gave them motion and guided it; these angels in their ministry punctually observed both the impulse and the conduct of God’ s Spirit. Was to go: of this phrase applied to the Spirit, see . They went; the wheels, those inferior agents and second causes. Thither was their spirit to go; the inclination and will of the wheels concurred with the spirit of the living creatures, so that there was a hearty accord between those superior and inferior causes, they agreed in the same design. And the wheels were lifted up over against them: there seems to be an ellipsis here, the latter part of the speech expressed, and the former implied only; as it was in the progressive motion, so in the motion upward, they accorded, and kept the same order. For the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels; one and the same spirit was in both the wheels and living creatures, and so the same inclination and motion too. Of the living, Heb. of life, the quickening, enlivening Spirit; hence some will have the wheels to be living creatures, but without this it is enough to represent to the prophet what was the frame and course of Providence, and who did preside and manage all. An undiscerned, yet Divine, mighty, wise, just, and holy, and ever-living, Power, Spirit, and Being actuated all, and governed all, to the execution of justice on the wicked, and protection of the godly.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20

Ezekiel 1:20 Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither [was their] spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.Ver. 20. Whithersoever the spirit was to go.] See Ezekiel 1:12; and take notice that whatever the instrument is, or means of this or that occurrence, God is the main agent. It is Christ who by his Spirit, Spiritus vitalis, worketh all in all in his Church. There falleth not a hair from a man’ s head, nay, not a bristle from a sow’ s back, saith Tertullian, without God. For the spirit of the living creatures.] Or, Of life. The Divine inspiration was the procreant cause of the wheels’ motion. This is here called haruach, that spirit by an excellence: est Deus in nobis. The spirit is in the wheels, as an invisible but irresistible agent. "The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, he turneth it whithersoever he will."

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20

(20, 21) The spirit of the living creature—Not, as in the margin, “the spirit of life.” The object of Eze 1:19-21 is by every repetition and variety of expression to represent “the living creatures” and “the wheels” as one, animated by one spirit, and moved by one impulse. The word is the same throughout, and there was no “spirit of life” in the wheels independent of that of the living creatures. All formed together one strange, symbolic whole. The mention in Ezekiel 1:19-21 of the wheels being “lifted up from the earth” simultaneously with the living creatures is not in opposition to the symbolism already explained, of the wheels resting upon the earth. That was to show that God’s purposes are carried out as He wills in this world. This brings out, in addition, the perfect harmony of these purposes, whether relating to earth or to heaven.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20

Verse 20. The spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.] That is, the wheels were instinct with a vital spirit; the wheels were alive, they also were animals, or endued with animal life, as the creatures were that stood upon them. Here then is the chariot of Jehovah. There are four wheels, on each of which one of the compound animals stands; the four compound animals form the body of the chariot, their wings spread horizontally above, forming the canopy or covering of this chariot; on the top of which, or upon the extended wings of the four living creatures, was the throne, on which was the appearance of a man, Ezekiel 1:26.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:20

20. thither was their spirit to go] Rather, the spirit, i.e. the general spirit moving the whole manifestation. The words are wanting in LXX., and are possibly an accidental repetition of those in the beginning of the verse; or they are a somewhat loose and elliptical repetition attached to “they went,” in which case they should rather be rendered, whither the spirit was to go. spirit of the living creature] The marg. “spirit of life” is to be deleted. The “living creature” is hardly the complex being formed by the four living creatures; the four were exactly alike, and the term is used generically (Ezekiel 1:22, ch. Ezekiel 10:20) to express the kind of creature.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:20

Whithersoever the spirit of the four living creatures was to go, the wheels went - there was the spirit of the wheels to go.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:20

20, 21. Over against them — That is, beside them.

Sermons on Ezekiel 1:20

	Sermon	Description
	Be Obedient and Sin Not by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of obedience in the Christian life, arguing that true believers are inherently obedient children of God. He explains that salvation cannot exist
	The Spirit in Creation by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound role of the Holy Spirit in creation, emphasizing that His generative work is often overlooked compared to His regenerative role. He illustr
	1 Corinthians 14 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby discusses 1 Corinthians 14, emphasizing the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy. He highlights that while tongues were a sign for the
	The Consent of the Will. by Watchman Nee	Watchman Nee emphasizes the critical role of the will in the relationship between God and humanity, asserting that both God and Satan require our consent to act in our lives. He ex
	Epistle 267 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers who are children of the light. He urges ministers not to judge one another in public meetings, as this create
	Epistle 347 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the unity and obedience among the early apostles and disciples, emphasizing their willingness to be sent and their submission to the guidance of the Holy
	Studies in Zechariah 06 Zechariah 6: by John W. Bramhall	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the vision described in Zechariah 6:1-8. The vision involves four chariots coming from between two mountains of brass. Each chariot is pulle