Ezekiel 1:22 kjv

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Ezekiel 1:22 nkjv

The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads.

Ezekiel 1:22 niv

Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked something like a vault, sparkling like crystal, and awesome.

Ezekiel 1:22 esv

Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads.

Ezekiel 1:22 nlt

Spread out above them was a surface like the sky, glittering like crystal.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 22 Meaning

Ezekiel 1:22 describes the firmament, or expanse, observed in Ezekiel's inaugural vision. This firmament appeared above the heads of the four living creatures, presenting a terrifying and awesome clarity like that of crystal or ice. It served as a divine platform supporting God's throne, signifying the separation and distinction between God's transcendent holiness and the created order, yet also providing a transparent medium through which the divine glory above could be perceived. The terrifying nature suggests the overwhelming majesty and purity of God's immediate presence.

Ezekiel 1 22 Context

Ezekiel 1:22 is a critical part of Ezekiel's inaugural vision, which marks the prophet's calling to ministry while in Babylonian exile. This vision, spanning chapter 1, describes an elaborate divine chariot-throne. Preceding this verse, Ezekiel has meticulously detailed the appearance and movements of the four living creatures (cherubim), their wings, their faces, and the wheels alongside them. Verse 22 introduces the vast, brilliant expanse that rests directly above these creatures' heads, acting as a foundational platform for the ultimate revelation of God's glory and throne later in the chapter (v. 26). The historical context is the Babylonian captivity, around 593 BC, a time of profound despair for the Israelites, who believed God was confined to the Jerusalem Temple. This vision dramatically demonstrates God's mobility and sovereignty over all places, not just Jerusalem. It assures the exiles that God's presence is with them, even in a foreign land. The intricate details of the vision aim to impress upon Ezekiel and the people the absolute majesty, holiness, and terrifying glory of the Lord, while providing hope through the continuity of divine presence.

Ezekiel 1 22 Word analysis

• And the likeness (וּדְמוּת - u'demut): This word is significant because it emphasizes that Ezekiel is seeing a representation or similitude, not the absolute, unveiled reality of God. God reveals Himself in ways comprehensible to humans, using figures and resemblances to describe the indescribable. This implies the transcendence and incomprehensibility of God, who cannot be fully grasped by human perception.

• of the firmament (לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ - la'raqia): The Hebrew word raqia literally means an "expanse," "stretched-out surface," or "vault." In Gen 1:6, it refers to the dome of the sky that separates the upper and lower waters. Here, it denotes a solid, extended surface, often understood as the heavenly vault, suggesting an ordered and immense structure above the angelic beings. It conveys divine architecture and order.

• upon the heads (עַל־רָאשֵׁיהֶם - al-rasheihem): This prepositional phrase indicates placement directly above the four living creatures, signifying that the firmament is integral to their structure and that they bear its weight or are subservient to it, supporting the divine sphere.

• of the living creature (הַֽחַיָּה֙ - ha-chayyah): Refers to the four celestial beings previously described in Eze 1:5-14. These are commonly identified as cherubim due to later descriptions in Ezekiel and their role as guardians of God's holiness (Eze 10, Gen 3:24). The singular "creature" likely refers collectively to the group of four or is a generic singular for the species.

• was as the colour of (כְּעֵ֣ין - ke'ein): This phrase reinforces the simile, indicating that what Ezekiel saw was like something, rather than being the thing itself. It highlights the visionary nature and difficulty of adequately describing divine manifestations. Ein means "eye" or "appearance/look."

• the terrible (הַנּוֹרָ֖א - ha-nora): This is a key term, meaning "dreadful," "awesome," "awe-inspiring," "terrifying." It describes the overwhelming impact of the firmament's appearance, evoking reverential fear and wonder. It's an adjective often applied to God Himself, emphasizing His power, majesty, and unapproachable holiness.

• crystal (הַקֶּ֑רַח - ha-qerakh): Hebrew for "ice" or "frost." Here, it describes a translucent, pure, and intensely brilliant substance, akin to clear ice or crystal. It conveys clarity, purity, and perhaps coolness or hardness, implying an unblemished and impenetrable quality. The combination with nora (terrible) suggests a terrifyingly brilliant and pure clarity, almost blinding in its intensity and perfect reflection.

• "likeness of the firmament": This phrase immediately establishes that what is seen is a visionary representation, a similitude. It avoids any direct equation of what is seen with God's essence but points to His divine dwelling.

• "terrible crystal": This powerful pairing highlights the dual nature of divine majesty – its breathtaking beauty and clarity (crystal/ice) combined with its overwhelming, fearsome, and holy presence (nora). It is both revealing and terrifying, pure and awe-inspiring, denoting the supreme holiness and grandeur of God.

• "stretched forth over their heads above": This phrase emphasizes the firmament's vastness and its position as a canopy or platform. It indicates a defined spatial boundary above the creatures, creating a sacred zone, upon which the divine glory would ultimately rest. This underscores its role as a stable support for the divine throne and implies God's exaltation above all created beings.

Ezekiel 1 22 Bonus section

The concept of raqia (firmament) in this vision also suggests a barrier or separation, dividing the cherubim (celestial beings) below from the higher plane where God's throne resides. This firm barrier is paradoxically clear like crystal, symbolizing that while God is set apart and transcendent, His glory is still perceivable. The terrifying nature is not merely scary but refers to the profound reverence and worship that God's pure and majestic presence elicits. This is a common biblical theme where divine holiness generates a powerful, sometimes overwhelming, sense of awe and dread in human observers. The consistency of "crystal" or "glass-like" appearances associated with God's throne room across Ezekiel and Revelation underscores a shared prophetic vision of heavenly reality.

Ezekiel 1 22 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:22 paints a vivid and awe-inspiring picture of the immediate celestial environment surrounding God's throne in His mobile chariot. The "firmament" is not merely the sky, but a solid, polished, transparent expanse, dazzling in its clarity. Its description as "terrible crystal" communicates both incredible purity, allowing light and glory from above to pass through, and an overwhelming, fear-inducing majesty due to its inherent connection to the divine. This imagery conveys God's unblemished holiness and awesome transcendence. The firmament serves as the separating floor or platform directly beneath God's throne, signifying the structured, divine order and the ineffable distance between the Creator and creation, even His most glorious creatures. Yet, its crystal nature suggests transparency, hinting at the divine revelation accessible to the prophet. This foundational image sets the stage for God's direct manifestation, reminding both Ezekiel and the exiled people that God's presence, authority, and awesome glory transcend earthly temples and are present even amidst their foreign captivity. It highlights that true holiness evokes both profound reverence and overwhelming dread.