Ezekiel 1:25
Ezekiel 1:25 in Multiple Translations
And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
And there was a voice above the firmament that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.
And there was a voice from the top of the arch which was over their heads: when they came to rest they let down their wings.
A voice spoke from beyond the expanse over their heads while they were standing still with their wings folded.
And there was a voyce from the firmament, that was ouer their heads, when they stoode, and had let downe their wings.
And there is a voice from above the expanse, that [is] above their head: in their standing they let fall their wings.
There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads. When they stood, they let down their wings.
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
For when a voice came from above the firmament, that was over their heads, they stood, and let down their wings.
While they stoodon the ground with their wings lowered, there was a voice from the dome that was over their heads.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:25
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 1:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי
ק֕וֹל
מֵ/עַ֕ל
לָ/רָקִ֖יעַ
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
עַל
רֹאשָׁ֑/ם
בְּ/עָמְדָ֖/ם
תְּרַפֶּ֥ינָה
כַנְפֵי/הֶֽן
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ק֕וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
מֵ/עַ֕ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
לָ/רָקִ֖יעַ
râqîyaʻ
H7549
expanse
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹאשָׁ֑/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/עָמְדָ֖/ם
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
תְּרַפֶּ֥ינָה
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
כַנְפֵי/הֶֽן
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:25
וַ/יְהִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
ק֕וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
מֵ/עַ֕ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
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.
לָ/רָקִ֖יעַ
râqîyaʻ
H7549
"expanse"
Prep | N-ms
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
רֹאשָׁ֑/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
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.
בְּ/עָמְדָ֖/ם
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
תְּרַפֶּ֥ינָה
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
כַנְפֵי/הֶֽן
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:25
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
Context — The Divine Glory
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.
26Above 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. 27From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 1:22 | Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal. |
Ezekiel 1:25 Summary
[This verse tells us about a voice that came from above, speaking to Ezekiel and the creatures, showing us that God wants to communicate with us and guide us, just like He did with Ezekiel. In Exodus 20:1-2, God speaks to the Israelites, demonstrating His desire to be in relationship with His people. The creatures stood still with their wings lowered, ready to listen, which teaches us the importance of being still and humble before God, as seen in Psalm 46:10 where we are encouraged to be still and know that He is God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the voice from above the expanse in Ezekiel 1:25?
The voice from above the expanse represents God's communication with Ezekiel, as seen in other instances like Genesis 1:3 where God speaks and creation happens, emphasizing the power and authority of God's voice.
Why did the creatures lower their wings when they stood still?
The creatures lowering their wings when standing still, as mentioned in Ezekiel 1:24, signifies a posture of reverence and readiness to receive a message from God, similar to how we humble ourselves in prayer to hear from God, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10.
What is the expanse over the heads of the creatures in Ezekiel 1:25?
The expanse, also mentioned in Ezekiel 1:23, is likely a reference to the firmament or sky, which serves as a boundary between the earthly and heavenly realms, a concept also seen in Genesis 1:6-8 where God separates the waters above and below the expanse.
How does this verse relate to the overall vision of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel 1:25 is part of a larger vision given to Ezekiel by God, where he sees God's throne and the heavenly creatures, emphasizing God's sovereignty and holiness, as also seen in Isaiah 6:1-5 where Isaiah has a similar vision of God's throne.
Reflection Questions
- What does the voice from above the expanse in this verse teach us about God's desire to communicate with us?
- How can we, like the creatures, cultivate a posture of reverence and readiness to hear from God in our daily lives?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of humbling ourselves to hear God's voice, as seen in this verse and other scriptures like James 4:10?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and authority over all things?
- What are some practical ways we can respond to God's voice, as heard in this verse and through scripture, in our personal walk with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:25
And there was a voice from the firmament that [was] over their heads,.... Which was the voice of Christ upon the throne, above the firmament, over the heads of the living creatures; which directed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:25
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
And; or, for; so the Latin. Two senses may be of these words in this verse. Either, 1. These living creatures thus let down their wings and ceased from acting, because they were commanded so to do by the voice from above the firmament, which they readily obey. Or, 2. That they stood, let down their wings, and hushed the noise, that the prophet might hear what was spoken from above. The former comes nearest the sense of the Latin, the latter nearer to our English, and either may well enough suit the text and context.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
Ezekiel 1:25 And there was a voice from the firmament that [was] over their heads, when they stood, [and] had let down their wings.Ver. 25. And there was a voice from the firmament,] i.e., From above the firmament, even from Christ on the throne. When they stood.] When all was hushed. So Revelation 8:1, there was half-an-hour’ s silence in heaven, that is, in the Church on earth, when the seventh seal was opened. Sedate and silent spirits are fittest to hear Christ’ s voice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
(25) A voice from the firmament.—Rather, from above the firmament, not as proceeding from the firmament itself. This is a new feature in the vision: the voice is quite different from the sounds mentioned before, and although not here expressly said to have been articulate, yet it is probably to be identified with the Divine voice spoken of in Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel 3:12, and elsewhere. The latter part of the verse, literally translated, is simply, In, or at, their standing they let down their wings, and may be simply a repetition of the last clause of the preceding verse. In its connection, however, it seems rather to convey the idea of a fresh act of reverence towards the majesty above. When the voice was heard the cherubim stood still, the mighty sounds of their going were hushed, and their wings fell motionless, all in the attitude of reverential attention. The vision now advances to another and final stage. We have had the whirlwind from the north, with its great cloud and infolding fire, as the background on which the whole is portrayed; then the cherubim, with all their marvellous symbolism; the wondrous and terrible wheels, connecting them with the earth below, the glowing firmament, connecting them with the throne above; and now we come to the throne itself, and to Him that sat upon it.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:25
25. from the firmament] Rather: above the firmament, as R.V. The voice must be that of him who sat above the firmament. This voice might be supposed to command the movement or halting of the chariot, though such a voice seems nowhere else referred to. The verse repeats the last words of the preceding verse and otherwise is almost identical in words with the following one, and possibly it may not be original. they stood, and had let down] Render as Ezekiel 1:24, when they stood, they let down their wings. The last words might be rendered: their wings dropped; so Ezekiel 1:24.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:25
A voice from the firmament - Compare Ezekiel 3:12; in the midst of the tumult, are heard articulate sounds declaring the glory of God.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:25
25. “When they stood, they let down their wings” (Hebrews) — This statement is important. It shows that Ezekiel received his commission after the movement of the wings had ceased.