Ezekiel 1:18
Ezekiel 1:18 in Multiple Translations
Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around.
As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.
As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes round about.
And I saw that they had edges, and their edges, even of the four, were full of eyes round about.
The wheel rims were impressively high, and all of the four rims were covered in eyes.
They had also rings, and height, and were fearefull to beholde, and their rings were full of eyes, round about them foure.
As to their rings, they are both high and fearful, and their rings [are] full of eyes round about them four.
As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four of them had their rims full of eyes all around.
As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes around them four.
The wheels had also a size, and a height, and a dreadful appearance: and the whole body was full of eyes round about all the four.
The rims of the wheels were covered with eyes.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:18
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 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֨בֵּי/הֶ֔ן
וְ/גֹ֥בַהּ
לָ/הֶ֖ם
וְ/יִרְאָ֣ה
לָ/הֶ֑ם
וְ/גַבֹּתָ֗/ם
מְלֵאֹ֥ת
עֵינַ֛יִם
סָבִ֖יב
לְ/אַרְבַּעְתָּֽ/ן
וְ/גַ֨בֵּי/הֶ֔ן
gab
H1354
back/rim/brow
Conj | N-cp | Suff
וְ/גֹ֥בַהּ
gôbahh
H1363
height
Conj | N-ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/יִרְאָ֣ה
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
Conj | N-fs
לָ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
וְ/גַבֹּתָ֗/ם
gab
H1354
back/rim/brow
Conj | N-cp | Suff
מְלֵאֹ֥ת
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Adj
עֵינַ֛יִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
לְ/אַרְבַּעְתָּֽ/ן
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Prep | Adj | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:18
וְ/גַ֨בֵּי/הֶ֔ן
gab
H1354
"back/rim/brow"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes the back or rounded part of something, like the back of a person or an object, as seen in Exodus 28:12 where it talks about the back of the ephod. It can also refer to the rim or top of something.
Definition: 1) convex surface, back 1a) back (of man) 1b) mound (for illicit worship) 1c) boss (convex projection of shield) 1d) bulwarks, breastworks (of arguments-fig.) 1e) brow, eyebrow 1f) rim (of wheel) Aramaic equivalent: gav (גַּב "back" H1355)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye) brows, nave, ring. See also: Leviticus 14:9; Ezekiel 1:18; Psalms 129:3.
וְ/גֹ֥בַהּ
gôbahh
H1363
"height"
Conj | N-ms
Height refers to something elevated or grand, like a high place or a feeling of pride, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel.
Definition: 1) height, exaltation 1a) height 1b) exaltation, grandeur 1c) haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughty, height, high, loftiness, pride. See also: 1 Samuel 17:4; Jeremiah 48:29; Psalms 10:4.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/יִרְאָ֣ה
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
לָ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/גַבֹּתָ֗/ם
gab
H1354
"back/rim/brow"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes the back or rounded part of something, like the back of a person or an object, as seen in Exodus 28:12 where it talks about the back of the ephod. It can also refer to the rim or top of something.
Definition: 1) convex surface, back 1a) back (of man) 1b) mound (for illicit worship) 1c) boss (convex projection of shield) 1d) bulwarks, breastworks (of arguments-fig.) 1e) brow, eyebrow 1f) rim (of wheel) Aramaic equivalent: gav (גַּב "back" H1355)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye) brows, nave, ring. See also: Leviticus 14:9; Ezekiel 1:18; Psalms 129:3.
מְלֵאֹ֥ת
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
עֵינַ֛יִם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
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.
סָבִ֖יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
לְ/אַרְבַּעְתָּֽ/ן
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Prep | Adj | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:18
Context — The Four Wheels
16The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel.
17As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 10:12 | Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels. |
| 2 | Revelation 4:6 | And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. |
| 3 | Revelation 4:8 | And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” |
| 4 | Isaiah 55:9 | “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:3 | The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. |
| 6 | Psalms 97:2–5 | Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. |
| 7 | Zechariah 4:10 | For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” |
| 8 | Job 37:22–24 | Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. The Almighty is beyond our reach; He is exalted in power! In His justice and great righteousness He does not oppress. Therefore, men fear Him, for He is not partial to the wise in heart.” |
| 9 | Psalms 77:16–19 | The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken. The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found. |
Ezekiel 1:18 Summary
[The wheels with rims full of eyes in Ezekiel 1:18 represent God's powerful and all-seeing presence, reminding us that He is always with us and aware of everything, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10. The eyes on the wheels symbolize God's ability to see and know everything, and the wheels themselves represent His ability to move and work in the world. This verse teaches us to trust and reverence God, knowing that He is always present and in control, as reflected in Isaiah 46:9-10. By remembering that God is all-seeing and all-knowing, we can cultivate a deeper sense of faith and obedience in our daily lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the wheels with rims full of eyes in Ezekiel 1:18?
The wheels represent the divine throne and God's ability to move and be present everywhere, as seen in Ezekiel 1:15-21, similar to the wheels in Daniel 7:9 which symbolize God's judgment and authority, and also reflected in the concept of God's omnipresence in Psalm 139:7-10.
What is the significance of the eyes on the rims of the wheels?
The eyes on the rims of the wheels signify God's all-seeing and all-knowing nature, as stated in Proverbs 15:3, where it says 'The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good', and also in Hebrews 4:13 which says 'Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight'.
How do the wheels relate to the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:18-20?
The wheels are closely connected to the living creatures, as they move in tandem, indicating a deep connection between God's throne, His creatures, and His movement in the world, as seen in Ezekiel 1:19-20, and also reflected in the relationship between God and His angels in Psalm 103:20-21.
What can we learn from the description of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:18?
The description of the wheels teaches us about God's majesty, power, and ability to move and work in the world, as seen in Ezekiel 1:18-28, and also reflected in the concept of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 46:9-10, reminding us to trust and reverence Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the wheels with eyes all around speak to you about God's character and presence in your life?
- How does the connection between the wheels and the living creatures challenge or inspire your understanding of God's work in the world?
- What are some ways you can apply the concept of God's all-seeing and all-knowing nature to your daily life and decisions?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and trust in God's sovereignty, as reflected in the description of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:18?
- What are some areas in your life where you need to remember that God is always present and watching, as symbolized by the eyes on the rims of the wheels?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:18
As for their rings, they were so high, that they were dreadful,.... The circles and circumferences of them were "high": which may denote the visibility and extensiveness of the churches of Christ,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:18
As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. Their rings - i:e., felloes, or circumferences of the wheels. Were full of eyes.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
Their rings; the circumference of the wheels, the whole compass of the wheels, or the fellows (as a carter calls the whole roundle of his wheels). They were so high; the two strakes, the thickness of hob and felloes, give us the height of a wheel from the earth on which it stands; that they were dreadful; their very height impressed a fear on the beholder, but if we may suppose one near these wheels which so readily changed course, so easily overbearing all that none could turn them aside, (which might possibly be the prophet’ s case in this vision,) it would increase the terror. Their rings, the whole circumference or circle of these wheels, were full of eyes: this added to the dreadfulness of their appearance: so unusual and supernatural a sight could not but affect the prophet, who in so mighty a wheel might expect multitudes of nails, but instead thereof discovers as great a multitude of eyes. One eye seen, or imagined to be seen, suddenly, and in the dark, hath amazed many a one, how much more so many as would fill up the circumference of these wheels! for they were round about. Round about them four; every one of the four wheels were thus filled with eyes. Now this is too narrowly confined by some interpreters, who would have the greatness and policy of the Chaldean set out hereby; whereas the wheels, their motion, their height and eyes, signify the height, unsearchableness, wisdom, and vigilance of the Divine providence, in governing the affairs of the world and the church.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
Ezekiel 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings [were] full of eyes round about them four.Ver. 18. As for their rings they were so high.] Apsides earum tam amplae seu altae ut propterea formidabiles. The rings or strokes, Heb., backs, of these wheels were so broad and high that they struck terror into the beholders. It is hard to take the altitude of second causes. Well might one write a book of the vanity of sciences, and another a tractate Quod nihil scitur. I would see the proudest of you all define the nature of a straw, as one preached in Cambridge to all the scholars; so of a flower, of a fly, &c. Well might David say, "Thy judgments, Lord, are a great deep," such as hath neither bank nor bottom. Well might Paul cry out, "Oh the depth! how unsearchable are his ways." And the rings were full of eyes.] Instead of cart nails. Understand hereby God’ s all-seeing providence, which never erreth, but always ordereth the world’ s disorders to his own glory. Round about them four.] The Divine providence is like a well drawn picture, which eyeth all that are in the room.
See 2 Chronicles 16:9 Psalms 34:15 Zechariah 4:10 Job 34:21; Job 36:7 Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 32:17.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
(18) Their rings.—The same word is used twice in this verse, and means what we call the felloes. “They were both high and terrible,” i.e., they had both these characteristics, but not, as seems to be implied in our translation, that one was the cause of the other. The height might be inferred from the fact that the wheel was “upon the earth,” and yet was “by the living creatures” (Ezekiel 1:15) who were seen in the cloud (Ezekiel 1:5). The terribleness was in keeping with all other parts of the vision, and its reason is explained in the circumstances which follow. Full of eyes.—In Ezekiel 10:12 it is said of the living creatures, “their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels were full of eyes round about.” It was the same vision in either case (Ezekiel 10:20-22), only in the effort to describe it, which the prophet evidently feels it impossible to do adequately, he mentions now one particular and now another. In the corresponding vision in the Apocalypse the four living creatures are represented as “full of eyes within” (Revelation 4:8). In both places alike the symbolism sets forth God’s perfect knowledge of all His works: here as showing the absolute wisdom of all His doings (comp. 2 Chronicles 16:9), there as resulting in perfect and harmonious praise from all His works. The Hebrew seers ever looked through all secondary causes directly to the ultimate force which originates and controls all nature, and which they represent as intelligent and self-conscious. To do this the more effectively, they often use in their visions such concrete imagery as this before us.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
Verse 18. As for their rings] The strakes which form the rim or periphery. They were dreadful] They were exceedingly great in their diameter, so that it was tremendous to look from the part that touched the ground to that which was opposite above. Were full of eyes] Does not this refer to the appearance of nails keeping on the spokes, or strakes or bands upon the rim?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:18
18. so high that they were dreadful] lit. as for their rings, there was height to them and there was fear to them; R.V. they were high and dreadful. The word “fear,” however, nowhere means terribleness but always terror. Psalms 90:11, “thy fear” is the fear due to thee, or, the fear inspired by thee. The statement also that the rings or felloes were high has little meaning, as in any case the living creatures were higher, and is strangely expressed. The text is possibly in some disorder. The main point of the verse is that the rings or felloes were full of eyes round about. full of eyes] as R.V. they four had their rings full of eyes round about. The eye is the expression of life and intelligence (ch. Ezekiel 10:12).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:18
Rings - The felloes (circumference) of the wheels: they were both high and terrible. The “eyes” may have been no more than dazzling spots adding to their brilliancy.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:18
18. “They were high and dreadful” (R.V.). This verse is so difficult in the Hebrew that the Septuagint, Peshito, and Vulgate all differ in their attempt to translate it so as to make sense.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Commentary Notes - Ezekiel by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending siege of Jerusalem and the prophet's visions, experiences, and messages. He highlights Ezekiel's lineage, |
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(Revelation - Part 7): The Rainbow Round the Throne by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God being wholly other and transcendent, beyond human comprehension. He mentions a review of his book, "The Knowledge of the Ho |
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Creatures Out of the Fire by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of humanity. He describes how sin can distort and mar the true beauty of hum |
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Revelation Overview Pt. 5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pouring out of the seven bowls of God's wrath as described in the book of Revelation. The fourth angel pours out his bowl upon the sun, c |
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(Revelation) the Lamb in the Midst of the Throne by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the opening of a door in heaven as described in the book of Revelation. He suggests that this may be a figurative representation o |
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Ezekiel: His Call and Commission by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by setting the context of the book of Ezekiel, stating that it was written during the fifth year of King Jehoi-Ching's captivity. He des |
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Ministering in the Mission Field by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the foundational issue of God calling people unto himself. He references Revelation chapter four, where John hears a voice and is caught up |