Ezekiel 1:25 kjv

And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:25 nkjv

A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:25 niv

Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings.

Ezekiel 1:25 esv

And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.

Ezekiel 1:25 nlt

As they stood with wings lowered, a voice spoke from beyond the crystal surface above them.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 25 Meaning

Ezekiel 1:25 describes a profound moment in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory. After a vibrant depiction of the four living creatures in motion and generating immense sound, this verse signifies a sudden, reverent halt. A distinct, authoritative voice emanates from beyond the vast, crystal-like firmament situated directly above the creatures' heads. This occurs specifically when the creatures cease their movement, standing still, and respectfully lower their mighty wings. It sets the stage for a deeper divine revelation, emphasizing the transcendence and ultimate authority of God, whose communication demands the full attention and awe of His heavenly attendants.

Ezekiel 1 25 Context

Ezekiel 1:25 is situated within the prophet Ezekiel’s initial and foundational vision, experienced while in exile by the Chebar River in Babylon. This pivotal vision, detailed in Ezekiel chapter 1, describes a manifestation of God’s glory. The preceding verses (Ezek 1:4-24) meticulously depict four living creatures (later identified as cherubim) with multiple wings, faces, and accompanying wheels, highlighting their complex movement and thunderous sound, "like the sound of mighty waters, like the voice of the Almighty" (Ezek 1:24).

Verse 25 marks a dramatic shift in this dynamic scene. It signifies a moment of cessation and transition. The active movement and pervasive sound of the creatures are brought to an immediate halt as they stand still and lower their wings. This quiet reverence sets the stage for the powerful voice from above the firmament, directly leading into the description of the divine throne and the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD (Ezek 1:26-28).

Historically and culturally, Ezekiel prophesied to a people deported to Babylon, feeling disconnected from God, whose presence was traditionally confined to the Jerusalem temple. This vision profoundly reasserts God’s sovereign presence, mobility, and authority not confined to Jerusalem but manifest even in pagan lands. The "firmament" concept, though resonating with ancient Near Eastern cosmology (a dome-like separation between waters), is here elevated to a sublime, crystalline platform supporting the divine throne, portraying the transcendent nature of the God of Israel. It stands as a polemic against the polytheistic deities of Babylon, showcasing the singular, all-powerful, and unconstrained God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Ezekiel 1 25 Word analysis

• And there was: Hebrew: Wa-yhi (ויהי). This phrase functions as a common narrative connective, indicating a sequential event or a new development in the unfolding vision. It signals a shift from the previous description of dynamic motion and sound to a new action and revelation.
• a voice: Hebrew: qōl (קוֹל). While it can mean "sound" or "noise," in this context, especially in connection with later verses where divine speech is explicit, it denotes an authoritative, divine vocalization. Its utterance from "above" signifies its source as divine and powerful, capable of commanding attention and reverence. This echoes the voice of God in other biblical theophanies, often accompanied by natural phenomena.
• from above: Hebrew: mi-ma'al (מִמַּעַל). This adverb emphasizes transcendence and elevation. The voice originates from a higher plane, signifying a hierarchical structure where God is supremely above even the heavenly beings and the visible firmament, reinforcing His ultimate authority and elevated status.
• the firmament: Hebrew: rāqîaʿ (רָקִיעַ). Derived from the root rāqaʿ, meaning "to spread out," "to hammer out," or "to stamp," suggesting something vast, expansive, or solid. In Ezekiel 1:22, it is described as "the likeness of a firmament, like the color of awesome crystal." This is not merely the sky, but a divinely engineered, luminous, and perhaps crystalline expanse that forms a separation and platform directly beneath God’s throne, above the living creatures. It signifies a divine boundary, structure, and a dazzling barrier between the supreme Holiness and His immediate creation.
• that was over their heads: This precise locational detail clarifies the proximity of the firmament to the living creatures, establishing their position relative to the divine realm above. The firmament is the immediate ceiling to their sphere of operation.
• when they stood: Hebrew: bĕ-ʿāmdām (בְּעָמְדָם). This phrase denotes a cessation of previous movement. It implies a halt, a coming to rest. For the living creatures, who were earlier described in dynamic motion, this standing signifies an attentive, ready, and possibly reverential posture, indicative of their awareness of imminent divine activity or command.
• and had let down their wings: Hebrew: wa-ḥadarū kanfêhem (וְהוּדָּרוּ כַּנְפֵיהֶם - though often rendered differently in translations based on variant readings, the meaning consistently points to lowering or resting). This action is significant in angelic interactions with the divine. It implies an act of reverence, submission, and humility. The wings, previously sources of thunderous sound (Ezek 1:24) and rapid movement, are now silenced and lowered, indicative of an immediate, awe-filled deference to the voice from above. It contributes to the sacred silence and solemnity necessary for God's manifestation or word.

Words-group analysis

• "a voice from above the firmament": This powerful phrase directly conveys the divine origin, transcendence, and supreme authority of the sound. The firmament acts as a distinct boundary, indicating that the source of the voice is utterly set apart and exalted beyond the heavenly attendants themselves. It is a revelation from the realm of the Highest.
• "when they stood, and had let down their wings": This describes a dual action that signifies an immediate and complete shift from dynamic movement to profound reverence and stillness. The combination of standing still and lowering their wings illustrates their profound awe, submission, and readiness to receive divine communication. It's a symbolic act of hushed respect in the face of an imminent, majestic divine presence.

Ezekiel 1 25 Bonus section

• Theophany Elements: This verse contains classic elements of a theophany or divine appearance: a majestic sound (voice), a celestial environment (firmament), and the responsive actions of heavenly beings, all preceding a direct manifestation of God.
• Divine Ordering: The structured silence and movement of these powerful beings highlight the perfect order and discipline within God's heavenly host. Even mighty cherubim respond instantaneously to the command implied by God's voice, indicating that God’s presence brings everything into alignment.
• Preparation for Revelation: The profound quietness that descends (a marked contrast to Ezek 1:24) serves as a necessary prelude for clear divine communication. This suggests a spiritual principle: often, God’s most profound messages are received in moments of internal and external stillness and attentiveness, where distractions are set aside.

Ezekiel 1 25 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:25 acts as a pivotal turning point in the vision, bridging the detailed description of the creatures' elaborate motion and thunderous noise with the subsequent revelation of God's throne and Person. The sudden emergence of a divine voice from above the brilliant firmament immediately silences the energetic display of the living creatures. Their obedient cessation of movement and reverent lowering of wings underscore their perfect submission to God's supreme authority. This moment of hushed awe and stillness prepares the prophet and the vision's recipients for the momentous manifestation of the Lord’s glory that follows. It signifies that divine communication requires absolute attention and a posture of humility, illustrating the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation, even over the mighty beings who serve Him.