Ezekiel 1:24 kjv

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:24 nkjv

When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:24 niv

When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

Ezekiel 1:24 esv

And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:24 nlt

As they flew, their wings sounded to me like waves crashing against the shore or like the voice of the Almighty or like the shouting of a mighty army. When they stopped, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 24 Meaning

Ezekiel 1:24 describes the formidable sound emanating from the wings of the four living creatures as they moved, portraying an overwhelming display of divine power and majesty. This sound is likened to the roar of many waters, the voice of God Almighty, and the clamor of a vast army, conveying immense force and disciplined motion. The verse then highlights an abrupt transition: upon standing still, these powerful beings demonstrate perfect obedience and reverence by immediately letting down their wings, signaling a cessation of movement and a posture of attentiveness before the divine presence.

Ezekiel 1 24 Context

Ezekiel 1:24 is situated within Ezekiel's profound and transformative inaugural vision experienced while in exile by the Kebar River in Babylon (Ezek 1:1-3). The preceding verses describe the four living creatures—each with four faces, four wings, and human hands—and their intricate connection to the four wheels (ophannim) beside them, all moving together with precision. The vision then ascends to describe an awe-inspiring expanse above these creatures, leading to the throne of God. Verse 24 specifically details the sensory impact of these creatures as they operate within this divine vehicle. Historically, this vision provided comfort and revelation to the exiles, demonstrating that God's glory and presence were not confined to the temple in Jerusalem but extended even to the foreign land of Babylon, affirming His sovereignty over all creation and circumstances, and subtly refuting local Mesopotamian cosmic and polytheistic beliefs by showcasing YHWH's absolute control over similar celestial beings.

Ezekiel 1 24 Word analysis

• And when they went: Refers to the movement of the four living creatures mentioned earlier in the chapter (Ezek 1:5). This describes the active state.
• I heard the noise: Heb. wa'eshma' et-qol. Ezekiel is the observer, conveying the overwhelming auditory experience. Qol (קוֹל) encompasses voice, sound, or noise, indicating a powerful, audible phenomenon.
• of their wings: Heb. k'nopheihem (כְּנַפֵיהֶם). The wings are instruments of motion and symbolism for divine swiftness, omnipresence, and perhaps protection. The noise originates directly from their powerful motion.
• like the noise of great waters: Heb. k'qol mayim rabbim (כְּקוֹל מַיִם רַבִּים). This simile evokes the overwhelming sound of a roaring sea or a massive waterfall, denoting immense power, majesty, and a sound that encompasses everything. It's often associated with divine presence or power in scripture (Rev 1:15, 14:2).
• like the voice of the Almighty: Heb. k'qol Shaddai (כְּקוֹל שַׁדַּי). This is a direct, awe-inspiring comparison. Shaddai is a profound name for God, emphasizing His all-sufficiency, power, and omnipotence. The sound of the wings is so powerful it resembles God's own voice.
• a tumultuous noise: Heb. qol hamulāh (קוֹל הֲמוּלָה). This term signifies a roar, a throng, a confused multitude, or a bustling commotion. It describes an extremely loud, vibrant, and active sound.
• like the noise of an army camp: Heb. k'qol machăneh (כְּקוֹל מַחֲנֶה). This simile introduces an element of disciplined might, power, and potential for conflict or ordered purpose. It suggests the vastness and organization of God's heavenly hosts.
• When they stood: Indicates a sudden halt in their movement. This signifies the creatures' absolute control and readiness to cease motion upon command.
• they let down their wings: This action denotes reverence, submission, and a state of waiting or attentive stillness. It implies cessation of their previous noisy activity, creating a sudden calm or silence, reminiscent of how seraphim in Isa 6:2 use their wings to show reverence.

Ezekiel 1 24 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of immense sound and immediate stillness in Ezek 1:24 offers a profound spiritual lesson. It demonstrates that the servants of God's kingdom are not merely powerful or active, but are also characterized by their responsiveness and attentiveness to God's will. Their 'letting down their wings' when they stood suggests a posture of readiness to receive instruction or to present themselves for further command, a silent acknowledgment of the Master's presence. This also sets the stage for God's voice to be heard (as described in subsequent verses), emphasizing that His presence often precedes His direct revelation. The intensity of the sound is intended to overwhelm the human observer, as seen in Ezekiel's response (Ezek 1:28), preparing him for the encounter with divine glory. The "many waters" and "army" imagery further highlights God's dominion over natural forces and His control over vast celestial hosts, leaving no doubt about His absolute sovereignty, even over the exile of His people.

Ezekiel 1 24 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:24 is a visceral description of the dynamic activity and profound reverence of God's cherubic attendants. The multi-faceted portrayal of sound – echoing great waters, the voice of the Almighty, and an immense army – impresses upon the reader the overwhelming, all-encompassing power inherent in God's mobile throne and its celestial bearers. It's not just a loud noise, but one that conveys the very essence of divine omnipotence and control. This thundering sound is consistent with other biblical depictions of God's manifestations (theophanies) marked by elements of storm, thunder, and earth-shaking might. Crucially, the abrupt shift from tumultuous sound to silent stillness, with wings lowered in submission, highlights the perfect discipline and immediate obedience of these beings to divine command. This contrast emphasizes God's sovereign authority and the reverential awe His creation has in His presence. It shows that even in the midst of mighty displays of power, there is perfect order and submission.