Ezekiel 8:2
Ezekiel 8:2 in Multiple Translations
Then I looked and saw a figure like that of a man. From His waist down His appearance was like fire, and from His waist up He was as bright as the gleam of amber.
Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.
Then I beheld, and, lo, a likeness as the appearance of fire; from the appearance of his loins and downward, fire; and from his loins and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were glowing metal.
And looking, I saw a form like fire; from the middle of his body and down there was fire: and up from the middle of his body a sort of shining, like electrum.
I looked around and saw a being that looked like a man. From what seemed to be his waist downwards, he looked like fire. From what seemed to be his waist upwards, he looked like brightly glowing metal.
Then I beheld, and lo, there was a likenesse, as the appearance of fire, to looke to, from his loynes downeward, and from his loynes vpward, as the appearance of brightnes, and like vnto amber.
and I look, and lo, a likeness as the appearance of fire, from the appearance of His loins and downward — fire, and from His loins and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of copper.
Then I saw, and behold, a likeness as the appearance of fire—from the appearance of his waist and downward, fire, and from his waist and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were glowing metal.
Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the color of amber.
And I saw, and behold a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins, and downward, fire: and from his loins, and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the appearance of amber.
Thenin a vision I saw someone who resembled a man. Below his waist, his body was like fire, and above his waist his body was glowing like very hot metal.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 8:2
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 8:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֗ה
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
דְמוּת֙
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
אֵ֔שׁ
מִ/מַּרְאֵ֥ה
מָתְנָ֛י/ו
וּ/לְ/מַ֖טָּה
אֵ֑שׁ
וּ/מִ/מָּתְנָ֣י/ו
וּ/לְ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
זֹ֖הַר
כְּ/עֵ֥ין
הַ/חַשְׁמַֽלָ/ה
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֗ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
דְמוּת֙
dᵉmûwth
H1823
likeness
N-fs
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Prep | N-ms
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מִ/מַּרְאֵ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Prep | N-ms
מָתְנָ֛י/ו
môthen
H4975
loin
N-md | Suff
וּ/לְ/מַ֖טָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
beneath
Conj | Prep | Adv
אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וּ/מִ/מָּתְנָ֣י/ו
môthen
H4975
loin
Conj | Prep | N-md | Suff
וּ/לְ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Prep | N-ms
זֹ֖הַר
zôhar
H2096
brightness
N-ms
כְּ/עֵ֥ין
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cs
הַ/חַשְׁמַֽלָ/ה
chashmal
H2830
amber
Art | N-ms | 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 8:2
וָ/אֶרְאֶ֗ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
דְמוּת֙
dᵉmûwth
H1823
"likeness"
N-fs
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.
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מִ/מַּרְאֵ֥ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
מָתְנָ֛י/ו
môthen
H4975
"loin"
N-md | Suff
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
וּ/לְ/מַ֖טָּה
maṭṭâh
H4295
"beneath"
Conj | Prep | Adv
This Hebrew word means something is located downward or below something else, often used to describe physical location or position. It appears in various forms, such as beneath or under. In the Bible, it is used to describe something as very low or under something else.
Definition: 1) downwards, below 1a) downwards 1b) under (of age) 1c) beneath
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beneath, down(-ward), less, very low, under(-neath). See also: Exodus 26:24; 1 Chronicles 27:23; Proverbs 15:24.
אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/מִ/מָּתְנָ֣י/ו
môthen
H4975
"loin"
Conj | Prep | N-md | Suff
Refers to the waist or small of the back, often translated as loins or hips, as seen in Proverbs 30:31. It can also describe the sides of an animal. The word is only used in plural form.
Definition: 1) loins, hips 1a) used with zar.zir (זַרְזִיר "greyhound" H2223) in Pr 30:31; perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 20:2; Psalms 66:11.
וּ/לְ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Prep | Adv | Suff
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.
כְּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
זֹ֖הַר
zôhar
H2096
"brightness"
N-ms
This word refers to brightness or shining, like the brightness of the sun in Psalm 19:6. It describes something that gives off light or radiance.
Definition: brightness, shining
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: brightness. See also: Ezekiel 8:2; Daniel 12:3.
כְּ/עֵ֥ין
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.
הַ/חַשְׁמַֽלָ/ה
chashmal
H2830
"amber"
Art | N-ms | Suff
Chashmal refers to a shiny metal, possibly bronze or polished metal, used to describe a divine vision in Ezekiel. It is often translated as 'amber' due to its shining appearance.
Definition: a shining substance, amber or electrum or bronze (uncertain)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: amber. See also: Ezekiel 1:4; Ezekiel 1:27; Ezekiel 8:2.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 8:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 8:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 8:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 8:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 8:2
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 8:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 8:2
Context — The Vision of Idolatry in the Temple
1In the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, I was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting before me; and there the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me.
2Then I looked and saw a figure like that of a man. From His waist down His appearance was like fire, and from His waist up He was as bright as the gleam of amber.
3He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes jealousy was seated. 4And there I saw the glory of the God of Israel, like the vision I had seen in the plain.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 1:4 | I 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, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 1:26–27 | 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. From 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. |
| 3 | Daniel 7:9–10 | As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. |
| 4 | Revelation 1:14–15 | The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters. |
Ezekiel 8:2 Summary
[This verse describes a vision of God that the prophet Ezekiel saw, where God appeared as a figure with fire from the waist down and amber from the waist up. This vision is a reminder of God's power and glory, as seen in Psalm 104:1-2 and Isaiah 6:1-5. The fire and amber represent God's judgment and holiness, which are balanced with His love and mercy, as described in Psalm 103:8-10 and Romans 11:22. As we reflect on this verse, we can be reminded of God's presence in our lives and His desire for us to live holy and righteous lives, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the figure like a man in Ezekiel 8:2?
The figure is likely a representation of God or an angelic being, given the description of His appearance and the context of the vision, similar to the appearance of the Lord in Ezekiel 1:26-28 and Daniel 10:5-6.
What does the fire and amber represent in this verse?
The fire from the waist down may symbolize God's judgment and purification, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29, while the amber from the waist up could represent God's glory and holiness, as described in Ezekiel 1:4 and Exodus 24:10.
Is this vision of Ezekiel similar to other prophetic visions in the Bible?
Yes, Ezekiel's vision is similar to other prophetic visions, such as Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6:1-5 and John's vision in Revelation 1:12-20, where the prophets saw a glimpse of God's glory and received a commission to speak His words to the people.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for Ezekiel's vision of the abominations in the temple, as described in Ezekiel 8:3-18, and serves as a reminder of God's presence and judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 9:1-11 and 10:1-22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this description of God's appearance reveal about His character and nature?
- How does this verse make you think about God's presence in your life, and how can you be more aware of His presence?
- What does the combination of fire and amber in this verse teach you about the balance between God's judgment and His glory?
- How can you apply the lesson of God's holiness and judgment from this verse to your own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 8:2
And then one beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire,.... The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it, "behold the likeness of a man"; reading איש, "a man", for אש, "fire"; but without
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 8:2
Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
A likeness of a man; that man whom he had seen upon the throne, i.e. of Christ. The appearance of fire: see . This fire denotes the wrath of God against Jerusalem, and it is observed it was fire downward, wrath already coming down upon the Jews. The appearance of brightness, to signify the majesty and glory of Christ. See more .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
Ezekiel 8:2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.Ver. 2. Then I beheld, and lo a likeness.] Of a man, likely. This was the Lord Christ, whose eyes are like a flaming fire, and even our God (as well as the Jews’ God) is a consuming fire. Here, in the fire, was set forth his vengeance against the wicked; in his brightness upwards, his majesty, say some; his clemency, say others. As the colour of amber.] Or, Of a coal intensely hot, as Ezekiel 1:27
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
(2) A likeness as the appearance of fire.—This is not, as often supposed, a reappearance of the vision of Ezekiel 1. That vision bursts again on the prophet after he has been carried in the spirit to the Temple at Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8:4). This is not expressly described as a human form, but from the mention of the loins, and of “the form of an hand,” in Ezekiel 8:3 it is implied that it was so. No further description is given, except that it was something bright and glorious like fire; and by the repetition of the words “likeness,” “appearance,” and “form of an hand,” the prophet here, as in Ezekiel 1, takes pains to show that it was only a vision, not an outward reality. It is also to be remembered that this and the subsequent vision occurred while the elders were sitting before the prophet. They saw nothing themselves, but must have witnessed his ecstasy, and thus have been prepared for his telling them at its close (Ezekiel 11:25) “all the things that the Lord had showed” him. “The colour of amber” is the same as in Ezekiel 1:4, where see Note.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
Verse 2. The appearance of fire] See Clarke on Ezekiel 1:27.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 8:2
2. as the appearance of fire] More naturally, the appearance of a man, as LXX., cf. ch. Ezekiel 1:26-27, “the appearance of a man” (a different word, however), where the description is the same, viz. fire from the loins downwards and amber from the loins upwards. The prophet speaks with reverential vagueness of God—“a likeness as the appearance of a man,” and “he put forth the likeness of a hand.”
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 8:2
The appearance of fire - In margin reference, seen as the appearance of a man enthroned upon the cherubim. Here He stands apart from the throne revealing Himself to His servant. Compare Daniel 3:25 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:2
2. As the appearance of fire — Literally, as the appearance of a man (Ezekiel 1:26). The Hebrew words for “man” and “fire” are very nearly alike and have been mistaken here by some copyist.
Sermons on Ezekiel 8:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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A Man Who Saw God on the Throne by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the importance of hating sin. He describes God as actively hostile to sin and warns against being flippant about it. |
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Blood on Your Hands by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's unfailing compassion and faithfulness towards the house of Israel. He highlights the influence our lives have on others, particularly |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reviewing the points covered in the previous session and suggests translating them into Chinese for better understanding. The focus then shift |
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May 8. 1678. a Call to the Mount of Divine Vision. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the call for the exiled to return to God's secret Pavilion, where His living testimony is declared. She emphasizes the need to divorce from worldly distrac |
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Witnessing by A.W. Tozer | 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 | 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 |