Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:22
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.
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.
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
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.
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.
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.
Ice or frost, used to describe cold temperatures, like the frost that covered the ground in Exodus, and also rock crystal, a shiny mineral.
Definition: 1) frost, ice, ice crystal 1a) frost (of night) 1b) ice
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: crystal, frost, ice. See also: Genesis 31:40; Job 38:29; Psalms 147:17.
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
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.
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
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.
Context — The Divine Glory
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.
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.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ezekiel 10:1 |
And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 1:26 |
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. |
| 3 |
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. |
| 4 |
Job 37:22 |
Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him. |
| 5 |
Revelation 21:11 |
shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. |
| 6 |
Exodus 24:10 |
and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. |
| 7 |
Revelation 4:3 |
The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. |
Ezekiel 1:22 Summary
[This verse describes a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, with a crystal-like expanse spread out above the living creatures, symbolizing God's glory and majesty. The expanse represents a heavenly platform or firmament, connecting the creatures to God's presence, as seen in Revelation 4:6. In simple terms, this verse reminds us of God's power and beauty, and encourages us to reflect His glory in our lives, as described in Psalm 19:1 and Isaiah 6:1-5. By gazing upon God's majesty, we can cultivate a sense of reverence and worship, and be inspired to live holy and pure lives, as seen in 1 Peter 1:13-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'awesome expanse' in Ezekiel 1:22?
The 'awesome expanse' is a heavenly platform or firmament that appears above the living creatures, described as gleaming like crystal, symbolizing God's glory and majesty, as seen in other biblical descriptions of heaven like Revelation 4:6 and Exodus 24:10.
How does this expanse relate to the living creatures?
The expanse is spread out above the heads of the living creatures, indicating a connection between God's glory and the creatures, which are later revealed to be cherubim, emphasizing their role in worship and service to God, as seen in Exodus 25:18-22 and 1 Kings 6:23-28.
What is the significance of the expanse gleaming like crystal?
The crystal-like appearance of the expanse signifies purity, clarity, and beauty, reflecting God's holy and righteous nature, as described in Revelation 21:11 and Isaiah 54:11-12, where crystal and precious stones are used to describe the heavenly city and God's people.
How does this vision relate to Ezekiel's ministry?
This vision of the expanse and the living creatures serves as a commissioning of Ezekiel as a prophet, reminding him of God's glory and majesty, and preparing him to speak God's words to the people of Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 2:1-3:11 and Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Reflection Questions
- What does the 'awesome expanse' represent in my life, and how can I reflect God's glory and majesty in my daily actions?
- How can I, like the living creatures, be connected to God's glory and worship Him with my whole being?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and majesty, as described in this verse?
- How does the crystal-like appearance of the expanse inspire me to pursue purity and holiness in my own life, as described in 1 Peter 1:13-16?
- What are some ways I can apply the lessons from this verse to my relationships with others, reflecting God's love and glory to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature,.... This was not a real firmament, but the likeness of one; it was like the firmament which God created on the second day,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:22
The likeness; the appearance or resemblance; of which word before, ,16. The firmament: the living creatures, the wheels, and these upon the earth, our prophet had seen and mentioned; now he speaks of the firmament, which must be supposed to be stretched forth above the earth; as the prophet saw the one, so he saw the other. This firmament was not that we behold, it was emblematical and representative. It appeared, but much more august and wonderful than the natural. Upon; not resting upon, but over their heads stretched out, and the Hebrew were better read, over, in this place and on this occasion. The colour, Heb. eye, a word twice already here used, and in the same sense; the aspect, and shape or form, as ,16. Of the terrible crystal, for splendour, purity, and solidity: all that was above these creatures and wheels was beautiful and very majestical, as indeed it was meet it should be; and it is therefore called terrible, because it impresseth a veneration upon the mind of the beholders, it dazzleth the eye, and overpowereth it: the same word is used concerning the name of God, holy and reverend, 111:9.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:22
Ezekiel 1:22 And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.Ver. 22. And the likeness of the firmament.] The glory of God in Christ is revealed to the prophet in this ensuing vision, even that great "mystery of godliness, God manifested in the flesh," whereof this was a kind of prelude. To like purpose also was that vision. Upon the heads of the living creature.] Between them and the Lord Christ as a screen, and supplied likely the office of that other pair of wings. Was as the colour of the terrible crystal.] Heb., Of the formidable frost, that is, of the most vehement frost, a periphrasis of crystal. All things above are dreadfully glorious, as all things below are pellucid, pervious, and clear to God’ s eye, like a diaphanous body. Mountains of brass are as transparent to him as the clearest crystal. The firmament is so clear that Christ seeth through it. It is "a molten looking glass"; and those atheists are utterly out who ask, "How doth God know? can he judge through the dark clouds" Vide Plin., lib. xxxvii, cap. 2. Chrysiallus est gelu concretum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:22
(22) The likeness of the firmament.—The word rendered “firmament” has undoubtedly originated, etymologically, from a verb originally signifying to beat out, as in the case of metals; but the derivative word, in its use in connection with the heavens, had wholly lost this reference, and had come to mean simply an expanse. The Hebrews do not appear to have ever entertained the classical idea of the sky as a metallic vault, the only passage seeming to indicate such a notion (Job 37:18) being capable of quite a different explanation. We are here to conceive, therefore, of that which was “stretched forth over their heads above” as a simple expanse, like the sky, as if he had said, “And above their heads was stretched forth the sky.” This expanse is not represented as supported by the cherubim, or resting upon them, and it remained undisturbed when they let down their wings (Ezekiel 1:25). It was simply “stretched forth over their heads,” at once separating them from, and yet uniting them with, the throne above. It fulfils, therefore, the complementary part to the wheels. They connected the vision with the earth; this connects it with God. The colour of the terrible crystal—The expression “crystal” is doubtless derived from Exodus 24:10, as in turn it became the foundation for Revelation 4:6. Yet it is not here any particular crystal; the word is Merely used to convey some idea of the appearance of the expanse beneath the throne, clear as crystal, terrible in its dazzling brightness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:22
Verse 22. The colour of the terrible crystal] Like a crystal, well cut and well polished, with various faces, by which rays of light were refracted, assuming either a variety of prismatic colours, or an insufferably brilliant splendour. This seems to be the meaning of the terrible crystal. Newcome translates, fearful ice. The common translation is preferable.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:22
4–28. The theophany, or, vision of God This is described first generally, as a whirlwind and great cloud coming from the North, with a luminous splendour around it, due to a fire sending out continuous flashes within it (Ezekiel 1:4). Secondly, more particularly that is described which appeared within the storm-cloud (Ezekiel 1:5-28). This was the chariot of God, in which he rode, descending to the earth and moving from one place to another (cf. ch. 10). This chariot is represented as foursided. On each of the four sides was a living creature of human shape, with outstretched wings. Also on each of the four sides, beside each of the living creatures there was a wheel. The living creatures are not represented as having any platform or basement under them on which they stand; the wheels are usually said to be “beside” them, in ch. Ezekiel 10:2 “under” them. The wheels are to be conceived as at right angles to each of the four sides of the chariot, presenting their rims to the four points of the compass.
Above the heads of the four living creatures, or over their wings when horizontally expanded, was a firmament of crystal. Above the firmament was the appearance of a throne. And upon the throne the appearance of one like fire, encircled with a glory which was like the rainbow in the day of rain.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:22
“The color” (Hebrew, “eye”) “of the terrible crystal” refers to the dazzling brightness of the “firmament,” a clear bright expanse between the “throne” and the “living creatures,” separating heaven from earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:22
22. The firmament — Literally, And there was the likeness of a firmament, etc. This is a new feature. It seems to rest just above the pavement made by the outstretched wings of the cherubim.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:22
| Sermon | Description |
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Marked Men #3
by Gareth Evans
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In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who have been anointed by God to preach the word. He mentions Yari Richards, a preacher who used to stammer but was miracu |
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The Mark of Anointing
by Gareth Evans
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Gareth Evans preaches on the mark of Anointing, focusing on the significance of the burning coals from the presence of the Glory in Ezekiel, symbolizing an anointing upon God's sai |
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Witnessing
by A.W. Tozer
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of being a witness for God. He emphasizes that a witness is someone who tells what they have seen, heard, or experienced. He give |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 8
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus reigning until all His enemies are under His feet, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:25. The speaker highlights the vi |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 5
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the symbolism found in the Bible, particularly focusing on the number four. The four living creatures mentioned in the Bible are analyzed, wit |
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The Man Upon the Throne Governs Everything
by T. Austin-Sparks
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T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of the Man upon the Throne in Ezekiel's vision, asserting that all of history and prophecy must be viewed through this lens. He explains |