Ezekiel 1:6
Ezekiel 1:6 in Multiple Translations
but each had four faces and four wings.
And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
and every one had four faces, and every one of them had four wings.
And every one had four faces, and every one of them had four wings.
but they each had four faces and four wings.
And euery one had foure faces, and euery one had foure wings.
and four faces [are] to each, and four wings [are] to each of them,
Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings.
And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Every one had four faces, and every one four wings.
but each of them had four faces and four wings [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:6
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 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַרְבָּעָ֥ה
פָנִ֖ים
לְ/אֶחָ֑ת
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע
כְּנָפַ֖יִם
לְ/אַחַ֥ת
לָ/הֶֽם
וְ/אַרְבָּעָ֥ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
פָנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
לְ/אֶחָ֑ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Conj | Adj
כְּנָפַ֖יִם
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd
לְ/אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | 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 1:6
וְ/אַרְבָּעָ֥ה
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
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.
פָנִ֖ים
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
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.
לְ/אֶחָ֑ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
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.
וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Conj | Adj
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.
כְּנָפַ֖יִם
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd
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.
לְ/אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
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.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:6
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:6
Context — The Four Living Creatures
4I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber,
5and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form,
6but each had four faces and four wings.
7Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. 8Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 10:14 | Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle. |
| 2 | Revelation 4:7–8 | The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 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!” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 1:15 | When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 10:21–22 | Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings. Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar. Each creature went straight ahead. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 10:10 | As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 6:24–27 | One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, and the height of each cherub was ten cubits. And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched. |
| 8 | Exodus 25:20 | And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 1:8–11 | Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings, and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead. The 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. 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. |
Ezekiel 1:6 Summary
[The living creatures in Ezekiel 1:6 had four faces and four wings, which symbolize God's power and dominion over all creation. This reminds us of God's majesty and creativity, as seen in Psalm 104:31. The four faces may represent different aspects of God's creation, and the four wings show the creatures' ability to move swiftly and serve God. As we reflect on this verse, we can worship God for His mighty power and creative genius, as expressed in Revelation 4:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the four faces of the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:6?
The four faces represent the different aspects of God's creation, with each face symbolizing a different creature, possibly signifying God's dominion over all creation, as seen in Psalm 104:31 and Isaiah 6:3.
Why do the living creatures have four wings?
The four wings may represent the creatures' ability to move swiftly and effortlessly in any direction, serving God and carrying out His will, much like the seraphim in Isaiah 6:1-3, who have six wings to fly and worship God.
Are these living creatures the same as the cherubim mentioned in other parts of the Bible?
While the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:6 share some similarities with the cherubim in Exodus 25:18-22 and 1 Kings 6:23-28, their exact relationship is unclear, but both are associated with God's throne and divine presence, as seen in Ezekiel 10:1-22 and Revelation 4:6-8.
What can we learn from the unique appearance of the living creatures?
The creatures' appearance teaches us about God's majesty, power, and creativity, as well as the importance of humility and reverence in our worship, as expressed in Revelation 4:11 and Psalm 96:9.
Reflection Questions
- How does the description of the living creatures' faces and wings challenge my understanding of God's nature and character?
- What aspects of God's creation do the four faces represent, and how can I reflect on God's sovereignty over these areas of life?
- In what ways can I, like the living creatures, move swiftly and effortlessly in obedience to God's will, even in challenging circumstances?
- How can the unique appearance of the living creatures inspire my worship and deepen my reverence for God's throne and divine presence?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:6
And or but everyone had four faces,.... Which are described, [See comments on Ezekiel 1:10].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:6
And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. Every one had four faces. Not only were there four distinct living creatures, but each of the four had four faces, making sixteen in all.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
And every one of those four living creatures which appeared to the prophet had four faces: this hieroglyphic, though it seems to present us with a monstrous sight, yet does not unbecome the Divine Wisdom, nor doth it want like representations, as 5:6: and speaks either the full fitness of angels to do God’ s commands in all things and occasions, or the perfection of their nature and obedience; or the universal dominion of God, and the universal subjection of the creatures. Faces; some would have this not literally understood of that part of the body which is properly the face, though I see no cause for it; but as these living creatures had wings, so they had faces, and what those were the 10th verse does tell us. And every one had four wings; if it were every face had four wings, each living creature would have sixteen wings, but it is every one of the living creatures had four wings. With two they did fly, noting the speed of their obedience; and with two they cover their body, denoting the reverence of their mind, and obedience.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
Ezekiel 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.Ver. 6. And every one had four faces.] To set forth, saith an expositor, that the power of angels is exercised about all creatures. It is as if the angels did bear on them the heads of all living creatures - i.e., did comprehend in themselves all the elements and all the parts of the world; not as if they did move or act by their own power, but as they are God’ s hands and agents, employed by him at pleasure, for the good of his Church especially, as being fit and ready to every good work. So should we strive to be. And every one had four wings.] To set forth their agility, their incredible swiftness, far beyond that of the sun, which yet, if Bellarmine reckoneth right, runneth, in the eighth part of an hour, seven thousand miles; others say many more. De Ascens. ment. in Deum, grad. 7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
(6) Four faces.—The cherubim, being merely symbolical figures, are variously represented. Those placed in the Tabernacle and in the Temple of Solomon appear to have had only a single face; those described in Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:18-19) had two; the four living creatures of Rev 4:7 were each different from the other: one like a man, one like a lion, one like an ox, and one like an eagle, and these four are combined here in each one of the cherubim (Ezekiel 1:10). Man is the head of the whole animal creation, the lion of wild beasts, the ox of the domestic animals, and the eagle of the birds. Four wings.—In Revelation 4:8, six wings are mentioned, as also with the seraphim of Isa 6:2. The cherubim in Solomon’s Temple had two (1 Kings 6:27). In Ezekiel 10:21, as here, they have four. The number is plainly not important, though doubtless assigned to them with reference to the number of creatures, and of their faces, and of the wheels; but that they should have more than the normal number of two is here appropriate, partly to concur with the other indications of the fulness of their life and activity, and partly because (Ezekiel 1:11) two of them were used to express their reverence, as were four of those of the seraphim in Isaiah.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
Verse 6. Every one had four faces] There were four several figures of these living creatures, and each of these figures had four distinct faces: but as the face of the man was that which was presented to the prophet's view, so that he saw it more plainly than any of the others; hence it is said, Ezekiel 1:5, that each of these figures had the likeness of a man; and the whole of this compound image bore a general resemblance to the human figure.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:6
6. had four faces] These were a man’s in front of each, an eagle’s opposite to this at the back of each; a lion’s on the right hand of each, and the face of an ox on the left of each. Thus four different faces were presented in each direction, so that in whatever direction the whole moved, while a man’s face was presented first, those of a lion, an ox and an eagle were also encountered. In this view the four living creatures made up one creature, and each of the four was in small that which the four were combined.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:6
In the Revelation of John each “beast” has its own distinctive character, here each unites in itself the four characters; there each has six wings, like the Seraphim Isaiah 6:2, here only four.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:6
6. Four faces — A man’s face in front, an eagle’s behind, the face of an ox on the left, and of a lion on the right.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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John: The Apostle of Testimony by Chip Brogden | Chip Brogden delves into the natural order and progression of the New Testament, highlighting the significance of each section from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the warnings ag |
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The Providence of God-02 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the wonders of God's providence. He emphasizes the desire to bring honor and glory to the Lord. The preacher shares a story about four Christ |
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The Authority Is Invested in the Man on the Throne by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the authority of the Man on the Throne, illustrating how God's movement is symbolized by the wheels in Ezekiel's vision. He explains that these wheels r |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |