Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:16
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
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.
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
This Hebrew word refers to a precious gem, possibly a topaz or yellow jasper, translated as beryl in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) a precious stone or semi-precious gem 1a) perhaps a chrysolite, yellow jasper, or other yellow coloured stone
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: beryl. See also: Exodus 28:20; Ezekiel 1:16; Daniel 10:6.
This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used to describe something that is similar to something else. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, describing creation and God's relationship with humanity. It helps us understand how things are connected.
Definition: 1) likeness, similitude adv 2) in the likeness of, like as
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fashion, like (-ness, as), manner, similitude. See also: Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 1:16; Psalms 58:5.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
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.
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.
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.
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
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.
Context — The Four Wheels
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Daniel 10:6 |
His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 10:9–11 |
Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone. As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved. |
| 3 |
Exodus 39:13 |
and the fourth row had a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. These stones were mounted in gold filigree settings. |
| 4 |
Psalms 40:5 |
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. |
| 5 |
Ephesians 3:10 |
His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, |
| 6 |
Romans 11:33 |
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! |
| 7 |
Psalms 36:6 |
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast. |
| 8 |
Job 9:10 |
He does great things beyond searching out, and wonders without number. |
Ezekiel 1:16 Summary
The verse Ezekiel 1:16 describes the wheels beside the living creatures as having a beautiful, shiny appearance, like the gleam of beryl, and all four wheels looked alike. This likeness symbolizes God's unity and harmony in His creation. The phrase 'a wheel within a wheel' suggests that God's ways are complex and multifaceted, much like the designs found in the tabernacle (as seen in Exodus 25-31). This reminds us of God's power and ability to work in our lives in many different ways, as described in Psalm 103:20, where angels do God's commandments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the gleam of beryl represent in Ezekiel 1:16?
The gleam of beryl in Ezekiel 1:16 symbolizes something of great value and beauty, similar to how precious stones are used to describe the heavenly city in Revelation 21:19-20. This emphasizes the divine and majestic nature of God's presence.
What is the significance of the wheels having the same likeness?
The fact that all four wheels had the same likeness in Ezekiel 1:16 highlights the unity and harmony within God's creation, much like the unity of the Godhead described in John 17:22. This uniformity also underscores the precision and order in God's design.
What does the phrase 'a wheel within a wheel' mean?
The phrase 'a wheel within a wheel' in Ezekiel 1:16 suggests complexity, depth, and multifaceted nature of God's workings, much like the intricate designs found in the tabernacle described in Exodus 25-31. It may also symbolize the various dimensions or levels of God's operation, from the earthly to the heavenly realm.
How does this vision relate to our understanding of God's power?
The vision of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:16, with their complex and unified design, demonstrates God's omnipotence and ability to move and work in multiple directions simultaneously, as seen in Psalm 103:20, where angels are described as doing God's commandments.
What can we learn from the description of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:16?
The description of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:16 teaches us about God's majesty, power, and intricate design, reminding us of His sovereignty over all creation, as declared in Psalm 24:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- As you reflect on the wheels with a 'wheel within a wheel', what does this reveal to you about the complexity and depth of God's plans and workings in your life?
- How does the image of these wheels, full of eyes and moving in any direction, challenge or expand your understanding of God's omniscience and omnipresence?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of unity and harmony, as seen in the four wheels having the same likeness, to your relationships and community?
- What does the gleam of beryl, representing something of great value, say to you about the value God places on you and your life?
- As you consider the wheels' ability to move in any direction without pivoting, what freedom or empowerment does this offer you in your walk with God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:16
The appearance of the wheels, and their work, [was] like unto the colour of a beryl,.... Which is a precious stone; see Exodus 28:20; the Syriac version renders it a chrysolite; the Arabic, a jasper;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:16
The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:16
The appearance; the form in which these wheels were seen. Their work; all that was wrought, whether engraved or otherwise, was of one colour. The colour of a beryl, Heb. tharshish, a sea-green; some say this colour here was of a carbuncle, or chrysolite, or hyacinth, but it is better rendered a sea-green colour, which if it note the instability and changeableness of sublunary affairs, and of the outward concerns of the church, it may note also the inherent rigour and beauty of the church, and the frame of earthly things, when they are in a calm course, not disturbed first with sin, and then with punishment of sin. They four, by this it appears what was the number of the wheels, had one likeness; were exactly of the same make for dimensions, colour, frame, and motion, so that who sees and knows one sees and knows all, hereby noting the harmony and likeness which is in God’ s works, which are all framed, managed, and governed by the same wisdom, and consequently the same uncertainty in all things under the sun. Their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel: it is somewhat difficult to unfold this. It is probable the wheels were framed so as to be an exact sphere or globe, which is easily rolled to any side or quarter, since it toucheth the earth or basis on which it stands in a point, and is exactly orbicular. It is fitter we note, 1. The unsearchableness of Divine methods. 2. The curious frame of them. 3. The connexion of one part with other, 4.
The seeming interfering and real harmony; what would seem to hinder shall further God’ s work. 5. How easily God can change affairs, and move for or against a people.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:16
Ezekiel 1:16 The appearance of the wheels and their work [was] like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work [was] as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. Ver. 16. The appearance of the wheels … was like unto the colour of a beryl.] Heb., As the eye or colour of Tarshish - i.e., the sea, or beryl, which is of a sea colour, even sea-green; whereby is represented the flux and fluctuating constitution of things here below. And they four had one likeness.] There is the same instability of things in one place as in another, and the same overruling providence. Their appearance and their work were as it were a wheel in the midst of a wheel.] God hath a wheel, providence, in all the wheeling businesses of the world. These are so one within another, as that all their motion dependeth on the angels, whom he also moderateth and ordereth at his own pleasure. Whensoever, therefore, we see such things come to pass that we can see no reason for - as the Churches overthrown, the wicked exalted, &c. - consider that one wheel is within another, and the wings of the angels are one within another. Dr Preston.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:16
(16) Their work was like unto the colour of a beryl.—“Work” is used in the sense of workmanship or construction; and “beryl” here, and in Ezekiel 10:9, is not the precious stone of a green colour which we know by that name, but the “chrysolite” of the ancients, the modern topaz, having the lustre of gold, and in harmony with the frequent mention throughout the vision of fire and brilliant light. A wheel in the middle of a wheel.—We are to conceive of the wheels as double, and one part at right angles to the other, like the equator and a meridian circle upon the globe, so that they could go, without being turned, equally well in any direction. Of course, such a wheel would be impossible of mechanical construction; it is only seen in vision and as a symbol; it was never intended to be actually made.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:16
16. the colour of a beryl] Heb. tarshish-stone, so named from Tartessus in Spain, in which country it was found. It is the chrysolite of the ancients, the topaz of the moderns, a stone of a golden colour. Colour is “glance.” The words “and their work” in first clause, and “and their appearance” in second clause are wanting in LXX. wheel in the middle of a wheel] This was their work or construction; each of the four wheels (ch. Ezekiel 10:10) had this appearance. What seems meant is that the wheels had such a construction that they could run not only, say, east and west, as an ordinary wheel, but also (without turning) north and south. This could be in no other way than by each wheel being double, consisting of two wheels cutting one another in planes at right angles. Thus in whatever direction the chariot moved four wheels appeared to be running in that direction.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:16
16. One wheel was beside each living creature. Each wheel flashed like a precious stone. A wheel in the middle of a wheel — Each wheel seemed to be composed of two wheels cutting each other at right angles.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:16
| Sermon | Description |
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Some Account of the Late Work of god...
by John Wesley
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John Wesley discusses the intricate workings of God's providence in North America, likening it to 'a wheel in the middle of a wheel.' He reflects on the spiritual awakenings in the |
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Knowing the Mind of Christ
by Carter Conlon
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a generation that will walk with God and allow Him to be in control. He highlights the importance of obedience and starting smal |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 01 - Tree of Life or Tree of Death
by Milton Green
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of opposing and exposing the powers of darkness in our lives. He encourages listeners to question old traditions and teaching |
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Delight Ourselves in the Lord
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith encourages listeners to delight themselves in the Lord and put their trust in Him. He emphasizes the power of God to transform lives and bring pe |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 40 | the Plan
by Jim Cymbala
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In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of having a plan in various aspects of life. He highlights how society operates with plans in businesses, universities, and eve |
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Week of Meetings 1974-02 Romans 1:21
by James R. Cochrane
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In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing 2 Timothy 3:1, which warns of perilous times in the last days where people will be lovers of themselves and money. The speaker the |
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If My Words Abide in You
by John Piper
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of memorizing scripture to deepen understanding, strengthen faith, shape worldview, overcome temptation, guard the mind, and minister to other |