Ezekiel 1:14 kjv
And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 nkjv
And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 niv
The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 esv
And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.
Ezekiel 1:14 nlt
And the living beings darted to and fro like flashes of lightning.
Ezekiel 1 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1:3 | And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. | God's word's instantaneous execution |
| Exod 19:16 | ...there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud... | Lightning as sign of God's presence/majesty |
| Psa 18:14 | Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. | Divine judgment with lightning's swiftness |
| Psa 77:18 | The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings enlightened the world... | God's power and illumination |
| Psa 103:20 | Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. | Angels' swift obedience to God's word |
| Psa 104:4 | Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: | Ministers (angels) associated with fire/swiftness |
| Isa 6:2 | ...above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. | Swiftness of celestial beings in service |
| Isa 66:15 | For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind... | God's rapid coming/presence in judgment |
| Dan 7:9 | ...his garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. | Throne wheels akin to living creatures, fire |
| Dan 10:6 | His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning... | Heavenly being's appearance, swift and radiant |
| Nah 1:3 | The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. | God's majestic movement |
| Zech 9:14 | And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning... | God's active intervention and speed |
| Mt 24:27 | For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. | Jesus' return will be sudden and universal |
| Lk 17:24 | For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part... | Similar to Mt 24:27; Jesus' sudden advent |
| Rom 1:20 | For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead... | God's power manifest in creation's elements |
| 1 Cor 15:52 | In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye... | Implied suddenness of transformation |
| Heb 1:7 | And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. | Angels as rapid, fiery servants of God |
| Rev 1:14 | His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; | Description of divine/Christ's radiant eyes |
| Rev 4:5 | And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices... | Lightnings from God's throne, signs of power |
| Rev 11:19 | And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. | Manifestation of God's power, like Exod 19 |
| Rev 16:18 | ...and there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake... | Intense divine power and judgment |
| Rev 19:6 | And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. | Awe-inspiring voice of God, linked to natural forces |
Ezekiel 1 verses
Ezekiel 1 14 Meaning
Ezekiel 1:14 describes the rapid and instantaneous movement of the four living creatures within Ezekiel's vision, highlighting their remarkable agility and immediate obedience to divine impulse. Their swift "running and returning", likened to a "flash of lightning", conveys a sense of controlled speed, purposeful action, and the awe-inspiring power and brightness associated with God's manifest presence. It illustrates their role as immediate executors of the divine will.
Ezekiel 1 14 Context
Ezekiel chapter 1 introduces the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision received during his exile in Babylon by the Chebar Canal. This vision served to underscore God's omnipresence, sovereignty, and continued presence among His people, even away from the Jerusalem temple, which many thought was the only place God could truly dwell. It reassured the exiles that God had not abandoned them. The chapter meticulously describes the "likeness of four living creatures" (later identified as Cherubim in Ezek 10), wheels within wheels, and an expanse above them supporting the divine throne and the appearance of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel 1:14 specifically focuses on the operational speed and nature of the living creatures' movement, a detail crucial for understanding their dynamic function in carrying or being part of the divine throne-chariot. This specific detail of "ran and returned" and the lightning-like appearance conveys not just motion, but a disciplined, immediate, and powerful responsiveness to God's will, ensuring no delay or imperfection in the divine administration.
Ezekiel 1 14 Word analysis
- And: This conjunction links the dynamic action of the living creatures to their preceding description (Ezek 1:5-13), indicating that this swift motion is an inherent characteristic of these celestial beings.
- the living creatures: From the Hebrew chayot (חַיּוֹת), meaning "living things" or "living beings". This term emphasizes their vitality, animation, and distinction as beings infused with life, not static figures or lifeless creations. They are integral to the divine order and active participants in carrying out God's purposes. Later identified as cherubim (Ezek 10:1-20), they symbolize aspects of God's power, majesty, and holiness.
- ran: From the Hebrew ratsow (רָצוֹא), indicating swift movement, often with purpose or urgency. It suggests a direct and unhindered execution of action. This is not aimless darting but focused, high-speed travel reflecting their prompt obedience.
- and returned: From the Hebrew vaShov (וָשׁוֹב), meaning "and going back," "and turning." This signifies a cyclical or directed movement back to an original position or source. The combination of "ran and returned" implies immediate task completion, perfect alignment with divine commands, and rapid re-positioning or readiness for the next instruction. It conveys flawless, efficient execution and control, without hesitation or error.
- as the appearance of: The Hebrew KeMar'eh (כְּמַרְאֵה) serves as a simile, emphasizing that their movement possessed the qualities and visual effect of a lightning flash, rather than being lightning itself. This highlights the visual aspect of their speed and brightness.
- a flash of lightning: From the Hebrew haBazaq (הַבָּזָק), meaning "the lightning" or "the brilliant flash."
- Speed: Lightning is universally recognized for its instantaneous movement, serving as a powerful metaphor for absolute swiftness (cf. Mt 24:27, Lk 17:24). Their action is quicker than human comprehension can track, suggesting the transcendence of divine operations.
- Brightness/Luminosity: Lightning is accompanied by brilliant light. This implies that the creatures themselves emitted light or reflected God's glory with an intense radiance. This connects their presence with God's glorious revelation (Exod 19:16; Psa 77:18).
- Power/Intensity: Lightning is a raw display of natural power. The comparison underscores the immense energy and authority these creatures embody as they execute God's will.
- Directionality/Purpose (implied): While lightning appears erratic, it follows electrical pathways. So too, the creatures' rapid movement, though perhaps dazzling and bewildering to an observer, is entirely controlled and purposeful according to divine design.
Ezekiel 1 14 Bonus section
The swiftness of the living creatures, described as lightning, finds further resonance in Ezekiel's later explanation (Ezek 1:20-21) that "wherever the spirit would go, they went." This implies that their immediate, unhindered motion is intrinsically linked to and empowered by the divine Spirit, underscoring the spiritual nature of their service. This absolute responsiveness serves as a profound example of obedience for believers: prompt, total submission to the Spirit's leading, without delay or resistance. Furthermore, the motif of "lightning" in connection to divine appearances and Christ's return (e.g., Mt 24:27) emphasizes God's swiftness in intervention, judgment, and ultimately, salvation.
Ezekiel 1 14 Commentary
Ezekiel 1:14 profoundly captures the dynamic nature and supreme efficiency of the living creatures serving God. Their "running and returning" at "lightning speed" symbolizes not mere rapid motion but immediate, unfaltering, and perfectly synchronized obedience to the divine will. It signifies that divine purposes are executed with ultimate dispatch and precision. The "flash of lightning" metaphor also adds elements of overwhelming brightness, power, and perhaps a sudden, startling revelation, indicative of the glory of God that they surround and serve. This portrays God's perfect command over His celestial court and the unfathomable speed and energy with which His plans unfold, contrasting starkly with human sluggishness or rebellion.