Ezekiel 1:11
Ezekiel 1:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
And their faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
And their wings were separate at the top; two of the wings of every one were joined one to another, and two were covering their bodies.
These were their faces. Their wings were spread out above them. They all had two wings that touched the wings of the one beside it, as well as two wings that covered its body.
Thus were their faces: but their wings were spred out aboue: two wings of euery one were ioined one to another, and two couered their bodies.
And their faces and their wings are separate from above, to each [are] two joining together, and two are covering their bodies.
Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies.
Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
And their faces, and their wings were stretched upward: two wings of every one were joined, and two covered their bodies:
Two of each creature’s wings were lifted up and touched the wings of the creatures that were on each side. The other two wings were folded against the creature’s body.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:11
BAB
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 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֕ם
וְ/כַנְפֵי/הֶ֥ם
פְּרֻד֖וֹת
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
לְ/אִ֗ישׁ
שְׁ֚תַּיִם
חֹבְר֣וֹת
אִ֔ישׁ
וּ/שְׁתַּ֣יִם
מְכַסּ֔וֹת
אֵ֖ת
גְּוִיֹתֵי/הֶֽנָה
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֕ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp | Suff
וְ/כַנְפֵי/הֶ֥ם
kânâph
H3671
wing
Conj | N-fd | Suff
פְּרֻד֖וֹת
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Qal-Inf-c
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
לְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
שְׁ֚תַּיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
חֹבְר֣וֹת
châbar
H2266
to unite
V-Qal
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וּ/שְׁתַּ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
מְכַסּ֔וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גְּוִיֹתֵי/הֶֽנָה
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
body
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:11
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֕ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/כַנְפֵי/הֶ֥ם
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
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.
פְּרֻד֖וֹת
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
לְ/אִ֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
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.
שְׁ֚תַּיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
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.
חֹבְר֣וֹת
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
וּ/שְׁתַּ֣יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
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.
מְכַסּ֔וֹת
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel
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.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
גְּוִיֹתֵי/הֶֽנָה
gᵉvîyâh
H1472
"body"
N-fp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:11
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:11
Context — The Four Living Creatures
9and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead.
10The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.
11Such 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.
12Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved. 13In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 6:2 | Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 1:23 | And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 10:19 | As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the ground, with the wheels beside them as they went. And they stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, with the glory of the God of Israel above them. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 10:16 | When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved beside them, and even when they spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not veer away from their side. |
Ezekiel 1:11 Summary
In Ezekiel 1:11, we see a description of creatures with wings that are both strong and humble. The wings of the creatures are spread upward, showing their readiness to serve God, and they also cover their bodies, showing humility and reverence. This picture can teach us about the importance of balance in our own lives, being strong and courageous in our faith, yet humble and dependent on God (Proverbs 3:5-6). As we consider the creatures and their wings, we can ask God to help us be more like them, sensitive to His leading and humble in our hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the wings of the creatures in Ezekiel 1:11?
The wings of the creatures represent their ability to move and serve God, as seen in Ezekiel 1:11, and are also a symbol of protection and covering, as mentioned in Psalm 91:4, where it says 'He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge'.
Why do the creatures have two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side?
The creatures' wings touching each other symbolize unity and cooperation, as each creature works together in harmony, similar to the unity of the body of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.
What is the purpose of the two wings covering the body of each creature?
The two wings covering the body of each creature may represent humility and reverence, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-3, where the seraphim cover their faces and feet with their wings in the presence of God.
How do the faces and wings of the creatures relate to their role in God's plan?
The faces of the creatures, with the face of a man, lion, ox, and eagle, represent different aspects of God's character and creation, and their wings enable them to fulfill their role in God's plan, as described in Ezekiel 1:11 and supported by Revelation 4:6-8.
Reflection Questions
- What does the description of the creatures' wings and faces reveal about God's nature and character?
- How can I apply the principle of unity and cooperation, as seen in the creatures' wings touching each other, to my relationships with others in the body of Christ?
- What does the image of the creatures' wings covering their bodies teach me about humility and reverence in my own walk with God?
- How can I, like the creatures, be sensitive to the movement of the Holy Spirit and follow His leading in my life, as described in Ezekiel 1:12 and Galatians 5:25?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:11
Thus [were] their faces: and their wings [were] stretched upward,.... The former clause, "thus [were] their faces", either belongs to Ezekiel 1:10; and the meaning is, this, as now represented, was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:11
Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. Their wings ... stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
Thus were their faces: if you make a full point at faces, it should seem better joined with the former verse, and this text will be more easy, for it is somewhat harsh to speak of faces stretched as wings are; but if their faces as well as wings must be stretched upward, we must understand their faces looking upward to the great and glorious Governor of the world, who sat upon the throne above the firmament, which was over their heads, ,23,25,26, admiring, and adoring, and waiting his pleasure to do it. Their wings were stretched upward; were divided above, so each face appeared distinct above the shoulders, and there the wings, divided from each other, were united to the body of the living creature. Two wings of every one were joined one to another; which stretching two upward joined them to the wings of that living creature which stood by its side, to testify their readiness, concord, and cheerfulness in their office. And two covered their bodies; see ; with twain they covered their feet, either in deep humility, and for decency, or because of infirmity of human nature, for whose relief they appear in what they do, but must not appear what they are, because they would be too glorious for our sight.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
Ezekiel 1:11 Thus [were] their faces: and their wings [were] stretched upward; two [wings] of every one [were] joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.Ver. 11. And their wings were stretched upward.] Faces and wings are both turned toward God, at whose beck and obedience the holy angels wholly are; or hereby may be imported the swiftness, sublimeness, and equality of their service. Two wings of every one.] See on Ezekiel 1:9. And two covered their bodies.] See on Isaiah 6:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
(11) Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward.—Rather, and their wings and their faces were separated above. The word never has the sense of stretched, but always that of separated or divided, as given in the margin. Each cherub was essentially one creature, and yet (not Janus-like, with four faces upon one head) their heads and their wings were separated above, and when they were in flight the two lifted wings touched on either side the wing of the next cherub, while two were used to veil their bodies. There is much of emphatic repetition throughout the description.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:11
11. Thus were their faces] This rendering is perhaps just possible, particularly if present text in Ezekiel 47:17-19 be accepted (which most scholars, however, alter according to Ezekiel 1:20). The words are rather to be omitted (with LXX.); or “inwards” (penîmah) is to be read for “their faces” (pençhem) with Wellh. and attached to Ezekiel 1:10—the face of an eagle inwards, i. e. towards the centre of the chariot. The same change is required ch. Ezekiel 40:22; Ezekiel 40:26. wings were stretched upward] Or, and their wings were outstretched above. This was their appearance when in flight; each creature stretched out one pair of wings above, while the other pair covered its body. The wings being expanded horizontally would be nearly on a level with the head of the living creature, hence the “firmament” is said to be over the heads of the living creatures or over their expanded wings (Ezekiel 1:22-23). The next clause reads literally: everyone (of the living creatures) had two wings joining everyone (of the living creatures to the others). If the text be correct it states somewhat elliptically what is said with more precision in Ezekiel 1:23 (cf. Ezekiel 1:9), viz. that the tips of the expanded wings of one creature touched the tips of the wings of two other creatures, on his right and on his left.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:11
Thus ... - Rather, And their faces and their wings were separated above. All four formed a whole, yet the upper parts of each, the heads and the wings (though touching), rose distinct from one another.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:11
11. Their wings were in as perfect repose as their faces. Their two uplifted wings, although being used for flight (Ezekiel 1:24), were quiet as those of a bird sailing without effort through the air.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Holiness of God - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the word of God and the need to regain a sense of reverence for the holy. The sermon references the book of Revelation, sp |
|
Message 12 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker highlights the impact of ordinary people in spreading the gospel. He mentions Mrs. Clamp and Danny's father as examples of normal Americans who were use |
|
The Greatness of God (Isaiah 6) - Part 2 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in the preaching of the gospel. He acknowledges that preaching alone cannot bring |
|
Seek and Enter - God Commands You to Enter by the Narrow Gate by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, a woman describes a horrifying scene where people were screaming in horror and their faces were distorted. She claims to have seen her own father burning in hell. T |
|
|
Testimony - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen | This sermon reflects on a personal journey of faith, highlighting struggles with doubt, unanswered prayers, and the desire for revival. It emphasizes the need for genuine spiritual |
|
|
Fellowship of the Holy Spirit by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound meaning of the 'fellowship of the Holy Spirit' as an intimate relationship with God, highlighting the Holy Spirit's role as the third Person of |
|
I Will Not Teach You Profound Doctrines by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch humbly acknowledges his limitations in understanding and communicating deep spiritual truths to the Corinthians, fearing that sharing mysteries beyond their cap |