Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:23
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
The Hebrew word for the sky or heavens, describing the firmament as a solid surface. It appears in Genesis 1:6-8, where God separates the waters. The KJV translates it as 'firmament'.
Definition: 1) extended surface (solid), expanse, firmament 1a) expanse (flat as base, support) 1b) firmament (of vault of heaven supporting waters above) 1b1) considered by Hebrews as solid and supporting 'waters' above
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: firmament. See also: Genesis 1:6; Psalms 19:2; Psalms 150:1.
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
A Hebrew pronoun meaning they or them, used to refer to a group of people or things, often in a general sense, like in the Psalms. It can also be used to describe something belonging to them.
Definition: they, these, the same, who A grammatical form of hu (הוּא "he/she/it" H1931)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] in, [idiom] such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein. See also: Genesis 6:2; Psalms 34:21; Proverbs 6:16.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
This Hebrew term means a body, either living or dead. It can describe a corpse or a carcass, emphasizing the physical nature of the body.
Definition: 1) a body (of living creatures) 2) a corpse, carcass, dead body
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, carcase, corpse. See also: Genesis 47:18; Nehemiah 9:37; Psalms 110:6.
Context — The Divine Glory
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.
23And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body.
24When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
25And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Job 4:18 |
If God puts no trust in His servants, and He charges His angels with error, |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 1:11–12 |
Such were their faces. Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved. |
| 3 |
Psalms 89:7 |
In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. |
| 4 |
Ezekiel 1:24 |
When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. |
| 5 |
Luke 17:10 |
So you also, when you have done everything commanded of you, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” |
Ezekiel 1:23 Summary
[Ezekiel 1:23 describes the living creatures' wings as stretching out toward one another, symbolizing their unity and cooperation. This image reminds us of the importance of working together in harmony, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The wings also covered the creatures' bodies, representing humility and reverence for God, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-3. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can move in harmony with God's will and purposes, and how we can cover and protect our lives with God's presence, as described in Psalm 91:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the wings of the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:23?
The wings of the living creatures symbolize their ability to move and cover themselves, representing their humility and reverence for God, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-3 where the seraphim cover their faces and feet with their wings.
How do the wings of the living creatures relate to their movement and the wheels?
The movement of the wings is closely tied to the movement of the wheels, as described in Ezekiel 1:21, indicating a harmonious and synchronized movement, reflecting the unity and cooperation of the heavenly host.
What does the expanse above the living creatures represent?
The expanse, or firmament, above the living creatures, as described in Ezekiel 1:22-23, represents a separation between the heavenly and earthly realms, similar to the firmament in Genesis 1:6-8, which separated the waters above from the waters below.
How does the description of the living creatures' wings in Ezekiel 1:23 relate to the overall vision of God's glory?
The description of the wings in Ezekiel 1:23 contributes to the overall vision of God's glory, as seen in Ezekiel 1:28, where the prophet sees the likeness of the glory of the Lord, emphasizing the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on the wings of the living creatures, what areas of my life need to be covered or protected by God's presence?
- How can I, like the living creatures, move in harmony with God's will and purposes, as described in Romans 8:28?
- What does the image of the wings stretching out toward one another suggest about the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27?
- How does the description of the living creatures' wings inspire me to worship and reverence God, as seen in Psalm 95:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:23
And under the firmament [were] their wings straight, the one toward the other,.... A further account is here given of the wings of the living creatures, which were under the firmament: two of their
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:23
And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23
Under; below at a great, which is but due, distance of angels, and creatures and servants to their God, Creator, and Lord, stood these living creatures, i.e. two of each living creature, as appeareth by the phrase, one toward the other. Straight; stretched forth, ready for motion if commanded, and with equal straightness and height, in close and affectionate union, joining in the work appointed them. Every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies; each of the four living creatures had two other wings with which they covered their bodies; the two living creatures on the one side of the chariot, and two living creatures on the other side; so that in what position soever the prophet looked towards them, their lower wings covered them. Bodies, here ascribed to them representatively, and, as all the rest, visionally.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23
Ezekiel 1:23 And under the firmament [were] their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.Ver. 23. Were their wings straight,] sc., When they flew; for at other times they covered their bodies with them, in reverence to Christ their Creator and Lord. The one toward the other.] They serve the Lord Christ with one shoulder or consent; they do all mind the same thing.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23
(23) Two, which covered on this side.—The excessive literalness of this translation obscures the sense, for it seems to imply that each cherub used four wings to cover his body; whereas the true meaning is that “each had two wings covering his body on either side.” The other two wings of each cherub were “straight,” extended when they were in motion, but let down when at rest (Ezekiel 1:25).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23
Verse 23. Every one had two, which covered on this side] While they employed two of their wings to form a foundation for the firmament to rest on, two other wings were let down to cover the lower part of their bodies: but this they did only when they stood, Ezekiel 1:24.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:23
23. were their wings straight] “straight” is even, level, and the reference appears to be to the upper side of the wings stretched out horizontally under the firmament. It is not meant that the firmament rested on the wings or heads of the living creatures, it was over them. the one toward the other] A repetition of the statement that the outspread wings of one creature touched those of the other creatures; see Ezekiel 1:9; Ezekiel 1:11. on this side … on that side] In these rather obscure words “this side,” “that side” do not refer to the “sides” of the individual creature, but to the positions of the different creatures, and might be rendered, “here … there,” or, “respectively … respectively.” It is doubtful, however, if the words can have this meaning. Probably the rendering should be: every one had two covering them, and every one had two covering them, even their bodies—the words “their bodies” giving a more exact definition of “covering them.” Cf. Isaiah 11:9. The statement is repeated in order to distribute it over each of the creatures, although the and before the repetition is less usual (ch. Ezekiel 4:6, Ezekiel 46:21). LXX. reads simply: every one had two, covering their bodies.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:23
Every one had two, which covered ... - Or, each one had two wings covering his body on either side.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23
23. Everyone had two, which covered their… bodies — Repeated from Ezekiel 1:11. The reason for not describing these strange creatures more minutely is that their bodies were completely covered by their wings on every side.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:23
| Sermon | Description |
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His Name -- Wonderful!
by C.H. Spurgeon
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In this sermon, the preacher describes a time when the world as we know it will come to an end. He speaks of the earth's bowels moving and the dead rising from their graves. The pr |
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Where Is the Fear of God
by Kevin Bruce
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Judges and how each generation became progressively worse in their behavior. Despite God's grace and blessings, the people abused |
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Head Covering
by Don Courville
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In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing how believers have been made worthy to partake in the inheritance of the saints and have been delivered from the power of darkness |
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What Is It to Preach the Gospel?
by Henry Mahan
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Henry Mahan passionately preaches about the necessity and dedication to preach the gospel, emphasizing the life and transformation of the apostle Paul as an example. He highlights |
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Reverent Worship
by A.W. Tozer
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for reverent worship, critiquing popular songs that lack depth and sincerity in their praise of Christ. He argues that many contemporary expressions |
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Exposition on Psalm 90
by St. Augustine
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St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 89, reflecting on Moses as the man of God who received the law and led the people through the wilderness. He delves into the eternal nature of God a |
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Letter 62
by James Bourne
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James Bourne, in a letter to Mr. Nunn in Maidstone, August 1834, expresses his struggles with doubts about his own honesty and the fear of darkness at the end, yet finds comfort in |