Ezekiel 1:13 kjv

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Ezekiel 1:13 nkjv

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.

Ezekiel 1:13 niv

The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.

Ezekiel 1:13 esv

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Ezekiel 1:13 nlt

The living beings looked like bright coals of fire or brilliant torches, and lightning seemed to flash back and forth among them.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 13 Meaning

Ezekiel 1:13 describes a dynamic and awe-inspiring aspect of the cherubim (living creatures) in Ezekiel's vision, portraying them as intensely illuminated and full of fiery energy. Their appearance resembled glowing coals and vibrant lamps, suggesting purity, revelation, and the consuming presence of the Divine. The internal movement of this fire, culminating in bright lightning flashes, communicates God's active, pure, and swift judgment and revelation.

Ezekiel 1 13 Context

Ezekiel 1:13 is part of Ezekiel's foundational call vision, occurring during his exile in Babylon by the Chebar Canal. Chapter 1 introduces the awe-inspiring vision of the glory of God, manifesting in a storm-cloud, four living creatures (later identified as cherubim), wheels, and a firmament, culminating in a throne upon which a figure is seated. Verse 13 specifically describes the intense internal appearance and dynamic energy associated with the living creatures. This vision provided divine legitimation for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry to the exiles, assuring them that God's presence was not confined to Jerusalem or the temple but was accessible even in Babylon. This vivid description contrasts sharply with the static, lifeless idols of Babylonian worship, underscoring the living, active, and transcendent nature of the God of Israel.

Ezekiel 1 13 Word analysis

• As for the likeness (דְּמוּת, demuth):

  • Meaning: Resemblance, image, form, likeness.
  • Significance: Indicates that Ezekiel is describing a representation, not the ultimate, unknowable reality of the divine. God's glory is too vast to be perceived directly. It hints at the visual nature of the vision without being a literal, tangible object, maintaining transcendence.

• of the living creatures (הַחַיּוֹת, haḥayot):

  • Meaning: The living ones, referring to the four beings that support God's throne (later identified as cherubim in Ezek 10).
  • Significance: These beings are alive and dynamic, central to the divine presence, reflecting God's life-giving power and sovereignty. They embody divine attributes and facilitate God's movement.

• their appearance (מַרְאֵה, mar'eh):

  • Meaning: Sight, vision, what is seen, spectacle.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the visual revelation granted to Ezekiel, highlighting the visual and experiential nature of this divine encounter.

• was like burning coals (כְּגַחֲלֵי אֵשׁ, k'gaḥalei 'esh):

  • Meaning: Like embers of fire, hot glowing coals.
  • Significance: Symbolizes intense holiness, purification, consuming judgment, and the terrifying splendor of God's presence. Fire is a recurring biblical symbol of divinity.

• of fire (אֵשׁ, esh):

  • Meaning: Fire.
  • Significance: Reinforces the presence of divine energy, purification, testing, judgment, and passion. It's intrinsically linked with the manifestation of God's glory and holiness throughout Scripture.

• and like the appearance (וּכְמַרְאֵה, u'khmar'eh):

  • Meaning: And like the sight/appearance.
  • Significance: Continues the description of the visual qualities, linking the coals to another radiant manifestation.

• of lamps (לַפִּדִים, lappidim):

  • Meaning: Torches, flames, lamps.
  • Significance: Conveys illumination, guidance, and divine revelation. Lamps symbolize truth, direction, and the ability to see clearly in darkness, implying that God's presence provides clarity and knowledge.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps;":

  • This phrase emphasizes the multifaceted manifestation of the living creatures' nature. They are not merely solid forms but radiant beings infused with divine attributes. The imagery of "coals of fire" speaks to an inherent heat and destructive potential, symbolizing God's purity, judgment, and zealousness. The addition of "lamps" shifts the focus to light, clarity, and guidance, suggesting that divine holiness, while consuming, also illuminates and reveals. The combined imagery depicts beings that both purify and enlighten.

• "it went up and down among the living creatures;":

  • Meaning: Referring to the fire/lamps moving dynamically.
  • Significance: Describes the internal, pulsating activity of the divine fire within and around these creatures. It suggests ceaseless motion, ordered energy, and a purposeful movement rather than chaotic flickering. This dynamism reflects God's active involvement, omnipresence, and the execution of His will.

• "and the fire was bright (וְנֹגַהּ לָאֵשׁ, v'nogah la'esh),":

  • Meaning: And splendor was to the fire, brilliance to the fire.
  • Significance: The fire possesses an inherent glow and intensity, indicating God's brilliant glory (Hebrew nogah often implies an emanating radiance). This is not a dim light but an effulgent, overwhelming brightness, indicative of divine power and majesty.

• "and out of the fire went forth lightning (וּמִן הָאֵשׁ יוֹצֵא בָרָק, u'min ha'esh yoṣe' baraq).":

  • Meaning: And from the fire came out flashes of lightning.
  • Significance: Lightning represents sudden, powerful, and swift divine revelation or judgment. It signifies unstoppable force, overwhelming speed, and divine communication. This explosive aspect highlights God's immediate action and awe-inspiring, unconcealable power, striking awe and terror in those who witness His manifest glory.

Ezekiel 1 13 Bonus section

The composite imagery in Ezekiel 1:13 reflects the incomprehensibility and transcendence of God, who reveals Himself not in a single form but through multiple, awe-inspiring, and dynamic elements. The fiery appearance of the living creatures anticipates the descriptions of God's throne itself being a "fiery flame" (Dan 7:9) and confirms the cherubim's intimate connection to God's presence as the bearers of His glory. This detailed, visual portrayal serves as an antidote to the prevalent idolatry in Babylon by demonstrating a Living God whose attributes are too dynamic and majestic to be captured by any static image. The recurring motif of fire also serves as a polemic against the lifeless idols worshipped by surrounding nations, emphasizing the vibrant and potent nature of the True God.

Ezekiel 1 13 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:13 profoundly portrays the appearance of the cherubim, illustrating them not just as fixed forms but as dynamic vessels of divine energy. The central motif of fire is multi-layered, signifying God's inherent holiness, purifying nature, and terrifying majesty (like "burning coals"). The accompanying imagery of lamps introduces the aspect of divine illumination and revelation, demonstrating that God's presence, while awe-inspiring, also guides and brings understanding. The movement of this fire ("went up and down") points to an ordered, living activity within these beings, reflective of their role as active agents of God's will. The culmination in bright light and lightning emphasizes the swift, powerful, and utterly clear manifestations of God's sovereign power, whether in judgment or revelation. This verse serves to underscore God's active presence and power, assuring Ezekiel and the exiles that God's glory was not absent but incredibly vibrant, mobile, and glorious, even in their land of exile.