Ezekiel 1:7
Ezekiel 1:7 in Multiple Translations
Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze.
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass.
And their feet were straight feet; and the under sides of their feet were like the feet of oxen; and they were shining like polished brass.
They had straight legs, and the soles of their feet looked like the hooves of calves, and shone like polished bronze.
And their feete were streight feete, and the sole of their feete was like the sole of a calues foote, and they sparkled like the appearance of bright brasse.
and their feet [are] straight feet, and the sole of their feet [is] as a sole of a calf's foot, and they are sparkling as the colour of bright brass;
Their feet were straight feet. The sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze.
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass.
Their feet were straight feet, and the sole of their foot was like the sole of a calf’s foot, and they sparkled like the appearance of glowing brass.
Their legs were straight. Their feet resembled the hooves of calves, and the creatures shone like polished bronze.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:7
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 1:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
רֶ֣גֶל
יְשָׁרָ֑ה
וְ/כַ֣ף
רַגְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
כְּ/כַף֙
רֶ֣גֶל
עֵ֔גֶל
וְ/נֹ֣צְצִ֔ים
כְּ/עֵ֖ין
נְחֹ֥שֶׁת
קָלָֽל
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
foot
Conj | N-fd | Suff
רֶ֣גֶל
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs
יְשָׁרָ֑ה
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
וְ/כַ֣ף
kaph
H3709
palm
Conj | N-fs
רַגְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
כְּ/כַף֙
kaph
H3709
palm
Prep | N-fs
רֶ֣גֶל
regel
H7272
foot
N-fs
עֵ֔גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
calf
N-ms
וְ/נֹ֣צְצִ֔ים
nâtsats
H5340
to shine
Conj | V-Qal
כְּ/עֵ֖ין
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cs
נְחֹ֥שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
קָלָֽל
qâlâl
H7044
burnished
Adj
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 1:7
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
רֶ֣גֶל
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
יְשָׁרָ֑ה
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
וְ/כַ֣ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
רַגְלֵי/הֶ֗ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
כְּ/כַף֙
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
רֶ֣גֶל
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fs
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
עֵ֔גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
"calf"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.
Definition: calf, bull-calf
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.
וְ/נֹ֣צְצִ֔ים
nâtsats
H5340
"to shine"
Conj | V-Qal
To shine or sparkle is the meaning of this verb, used in Ezekiel 1:22 to describe the brilliant shine of God's throne.
Definition: (Qal) to shine, sparkle
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sparkle. See also: Ezekiel 1:7.
כְּ/עֵ֖ין
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cs
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.
נְחֹ֥שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
קָלָֽל
qâlâl
H7044
"burnished"
Adj
In the Bible, this word describes something that is polished or burnished, like a shiny metal. It is used to describe bright and clean objects. This word is found in descriptions of the tabernacle and its furnishings.
Definition: burnished, polished
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: burnished, polished. See also: Ezekiel 1:7; Daniel 10:6.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:7
Context — The Four Living Creatures
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, 9and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 1:15 | His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 104:4 | He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 1:13 | In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. |
| 5 | Leviticus 11:47 | You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between animals that may be eaten and those that may not.’” |
| 6 | Leviticus 11:3 | You may eat any animal that has a split hoof completely divided and that chews the cud. |
Ezekiel 1:7 Summary
Ezekiel 1:7 describes the legs and feet of the living creatures as strong and gentle, like the hooves of a calf. This unique combination of strength and gentleness reminds us of the balance we need in our own lives, as followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30). Just as the creatures' feet shone like polished bronze, we are called to reflect the purity and holiness of God in our daily lives (2 Corinthians 7:1). By embracing this balance, we can be a powerful and gentle presence in the world around us, just like the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the legs being straight in Ezekiel 1:7?
The straight legs of the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:7 symbolize strength and stability, much like the pillars in the Temple (1 Kings 7:15-22), emphasizing their role as powerful, heavenly beings.
Why are the soles of their feet compared to the hooves of a calf?
The comparison of the soles of their feet to the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze, indicates a unique blend of gentleness and strength, reminiscent of the Bronze Altar in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:1-8), where sacrifices were made for the people's sin.
How does the description of their feet relate to their ministry?
The feet of the living creatures, like the hooves of a calf, suggest a ministry that is both gentle and powerful, much like the ministry of Jesus Christ, who said, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28-30).
What does the polished bronze represent in this context?
The polished bronze represents the purity and holiness of God's heavenly creatures, much like the bronze used in the Temple furnishings (2 Chronicles 4:1), which were made to reflect the glory of God.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like the living creatures, balance strength and gentleness in my own life and ministry?
- What are some ways I can reflect the glory of God, like the polished bronze, in my daily life?
- How can I apply the principles of stability and strength, represented by the straight legs, to my own spiritual journey?
- In what ways can I, like the living creatures, be a powerful and gentle presence in the lives of those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:7
And their feet [were] straight feet,.... And they went straight forward, as in Ezekiel 1:12; they made straight paths for their feet, and walked uprightly, according to the truth of the Gospel; did
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:7
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. Straight feet - i:e., straight legs.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
Their feet; the Hebrew expresseth the parts below the belly by foot, their thighs, legs, and feet (as by hand is meant the whole arm) were of human shape. Were straight feet; not bowed to this or that part, which argues weakness: here is most elegantly described the unconquered firmness wherewith angels do the commands of God; their readiness and their wisdom also in doing it, nothing low or brutish in their actions. The sole of their feet, that which is properly the foot, was like the sole of a calf’ s foot: divided hoof spike the cleanness of the creature. The ox, patient of labour, a beast for sacrifice to God, in these things angels, servants of God, well resembled: what if we should add a slowness in pace; blessed angels are not over-forward to executions, yet ever go when bid. They sparkled; it may refer either to the living creatures or to their feet; it speaks either their anger against an obstinate, sinful people, or the terror of executing God’ s judgments, or the self-discovering light of his justice, or the zeal of angels in a speedy performing the will of God, in which their swiftness enkindles these sparks.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
Ezekiel 1:7 And their feet [were] straight feet; and the sole of their feet [was] like the sole of a calf’ s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.Ver. 7. And their feet were straight feet.] Importing their right progress in executing God’ s will. We must also "make straight or even paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way." See Ezekiel 1:9. And the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’ s foot] Round, and therefore easily turned. Hoc ad agilitatem et varietatem cursus spectat. The angels, because they see every way, so they are apt to go every way, and this with the greatest facility that can be. And they sparkled.] So swiftly they went, that their feet seemed to sparkle or strike fire. Like the colour of burnished brass.] Burnished, not blemished; polished, not polluted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
(7) Their feet were straight feet.—Rather, each of their legs was a straight leg, i.e., without any bend in it, as at the knee, but was equally fitted for motion in any direction. So also “the sole of their feet,” the part which rested on the ground, was not, like the human foot, formed to move forward only, but was round and solid, something “like the sole of a calf’s foot.” They sparkled.—This refers only to “the sole of the feet,” the hoof. The “burnished brass” is a different word from that used in Ezekiel 1:4, and gives another feature to the general brilliancy and magnificence of the vision.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
Verse 7. Their feet were straight feet] There did not seem to be any flexure at the knee, nor were the legs separated in that way as to indicate progression by walking. I have before me several ancient Egyptian images of Isis, Osiris. Anubis, c., where the legs are not separated, nor is there any bend at the knees so that if there was any motion at all, it must have been by gliding, not progressive walking. It is a remark of AElian, that the gods are never represented as walking, but always gliding; and he gives this as a criterion to discern common angelic appearances from those of the gods: all other spiritual beings walked progressively, rising on one foot, while they stretched out the other; but the deities always glided without gradual progressive motions. And Heliodorus in his Romance of Theogines and Charicha, gives the same reason for the united feet of the gods, c., and describes the same appearances. Like the sole of a calf's foot] Before it is stated to be a straight foot one that did not lay down a flat horizontal sole, like that of the human foot. And they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.] I suppose this refers rather to the hoof of the calf's foot, than to the whole appearance of the leg. There is scarcely any thing that gives a higher lustre than highly polished or burnished brass. Our blessed Lord is represented with legs like burnished brass, Revelation 1:15.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:7
7. straight feet] “Feet” here means limbs. These appear to have been two in number, though this is not expressly stated. The foot itself was round, or as much so as that of a calf. The word “straight” applied to the limbs means strictly “even,” i.e. probably without protuberance or knot such as a knee-joint would be. The living creature did not need to turn, and its leg was without joints. they sparkled … burnished brass] that is, the limbs of the creature, not the living creature itself, Daniel 10:6, “his arms and his feet like in colour to burnished brass” (Revelation 1:15). “Colour” (lit. eye) is probably “glance” (Ezekiel 1:4).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:7
The “foot” seems here to mean the lower part of the leg, including the knee, and this was “straight,” i. e. upright like a man’s.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:7
7. Straight feet — Dr. Davidson thinks this to mean that the limbs were smooth and unjointed; perhaps the idea was that their limbs were not bound in any way, and not drawn up in the effort of flying. They moved without effort.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 3 of 10 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first chapter of the book of Revelation. They discuss how this book reveals the processes and progress leading to the final establishment |
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(Revelation) No Trumpets Sounding by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the Lord over all creation. He describes how the Lord has control over the land and sea, and how no angel can com |
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The Approval of the Spirit by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the profound revelations found in the book of Revelation, where John, inspired by his surroundings, presents a panoramic vision of the past, present, |
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"behold... a Man": Everything Is Measured, According to This Man by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the prophetic visions in Ezekiel, particularly the transition marked by a new date that signifies a new phase in God's purpose. He i |
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(Through the Bible) Hebrews 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to our ancestors in various ways, but in the present time, He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The |
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When God Comes by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in God and the power of His presence. He uses the example of Abraham, who didn't have a religious background or trai |
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Of Good Angels by John Wesley | John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas abo |