Ezekiel 1:26 kjv

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

Ezekiel 1:26 nkjv

And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.

Ezekiel 1:26 niv

Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.

Ezekiel 1:26 esv

And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.

Ezekiel 1:26 nlt

Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 26 Meaning

This verse culminates Ezekiel's profound prophetic vision, presenting God's transcendent glory seated on a celestial throne. It describes the expanse of the firmament acting as a base, above which is a throne with the brilliant appearance of sapphire, and upon this throne sits a figure described only as the "likeness of a man." This vision emphasizes God's sovereign presence and direct oversight over all creation, revealed through similitude rather than a direct, unmediated form, comforting His exiled people with the understanding that His divine power is not limited by location or circumstance.

Ezekiel 1 26 Context

Ezekiel chapter 1 unfolds with the prophet, in his fifth year of exile by the Chebar Canal in Babylon (593 BC), receiving a monumental vision of God's glory. This revelation occurred at a time of national despair, following the initial Babylonian captivity of the Israelites. Verses 4-25 detail an elaborate four-creature chariot-throne with wheels, representing the omnipresence, omnipotence, and mobility of God. Verse 26, therefore, presents the climax of this divine display, revealing the ultimate Sovereign positioned above this magnificent "vehicle." This vision served to authenticate Ezekiel's prophetic calling and powerfully communicate that God's presence and authority were not confined to the land of Judah or the now-defiled Jerusalem Temple. Instead, God was sovereign even in Babylon, actively involved in the affairs of His exiled people, signaling both impending judgment for their rebellion and ultimate hope for future restoration.

Ezekiel 1 26 Word analysis

• And above the firmament (וּמִמַּ֣עַל לָרָקִ֡יעַ - u-mimma'al laraqia'):

  • "And above" (וּמִמַּ֣עַל - u-mimma'al): Indicates a position of transcendence and supreme elevation, situated directly over the raqia.
  • "the firmament" (לָרָקִ֡יעַ - laraqia', from raqia): Refers to the "expanse" or "stretched-out canopy" described in Ez 1:22 as terrible crystal, acting as a divine platform. It denotes stability and a barrier, yet a transparent one, separating the immediate divine presence from the lower part of the vision.

• that was over their heads (אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־רֹאשָׁ֔ם - asher al-rosham):

  • "over their heads": Specifies that the firmament was directly above the heads of the living creatures mentioned in the preceding verses, highlighting the structure and hierarchy of the divine manifestation.

• was the likeness of a throne (כְּמַרְאֵה־כִּסֵּ֕א - kemareh-kisse):

  • "likeness" (כְּמַרְאֵה - kemareh, from mareh): Means "appearance" or "sight." This crucial word, along with demuth, signifies that Ezekiel perceived a representation or similitude, not the direct essence of God's being, thereby safeguarding God's ineffable transcendence.
  • "of a throne" (כִּסֵּ֕א - kisse): A symbolic seat of supreme royal power, dominion, and judicial authority. Its presence unequivocally signifies God's absolute sovereignty over creation.

• as the appearance of a sapphire stone (כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה אֶבֶן־סַפִּ֗יר - kemareh even-sappir):

  • "appearance of" (כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה - kemareh): Again, emphasizes the visual quality and representation.
  • "sapphire stone" (אֶבֶן־סַפִּ֗יר - even-sappir): A precious gemstone renowned for its deep, intense blue hue, frequently associated with the sky, heaven, purity, and divine glory. This visual echo of Exod 24:10 reinforces the divine presence and the majesty of God's dwelling.

• and upon the likeness of the throne (וּמִמַּעַל֙ לְדְמ֣וּת הַכִּסֵּ֔א - u-mimma'al lidmuth hakkisse):

  • "upon the likeness" (וּמִמַּעַל֙ לְדְמ֣וּת - u-mimma'al lidmuth, from demuth): Another significant word meaning "likeness," "similitude," or "pattern." Its repetition, alongside mareh, strongly reinforces that what Ezekiel is witnessing is a divinely permitted, veiled manifestation, not an unmediated view of God.

• was the likeness of a man (דְּמ֥וּת כְּמַרְאֵה אָדָם֙ - demuth kemareh adam):

  • "likeness" (דְּמ֥וּת - demuth): The third instance emphasizing representation over direct perception.
  • "of a man" (אָדָם֙ - adam): This is the most profound and astonishing detail. While God is spirit, His choice to manifest in a human-like form signifies a personal, relational aspect of His divine nature. This "likeness of a man" is widely understood by Christian scholars as a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, anticipating the Incarnation when God would fully embody human flesh (Phil 2:7, Col 1:15), thus making the invisible God visible and approachable.

• above upon it (עָלָיו מִלְּמָֽעְלָה - 'alaw milmal'ah):

  • "above upon it": Confirms the supreme positioning of the "likeness of a man" figure, signifying supreme authority, rulership, and preeminence on the heavenly throne.

Ezekiel 1 26 Bonus section

• The progression from the earthly realm (creatures) to the celestial realm (firmament and throne) in Ezekiel chapter 1 depicts an ascending scale of holiness, culminating in the immediate presence of the Divine King.
• This vision implicitly challenged the polytheistic idolatry prevalent in Babylon, asserting the singular sovereignty, order, and majesty of the God of Israel over any local or man-made deity. The ordered complexity of the divine chariots contrasts sharply with chaotic mythological representations.
• While some might interpret the "likeness of a man" simply as a divinely chosen human-like appearance for revelation, its prophetic power lies in anticipating the ultimate self-disclosure of God in Jesus Christ. It is a proto-Incarnation, pointing forward to God taking on full humanity.
• The consistent use of words meaning "appearance" or "likeness" avoids crude anthropomorphism (giving God actual human form), yet affirms a perceivable divine manifestation that humans can relate to, maintaining the balance between God's transcendence and His immanence.
• The entire vision functions as God legitimizing Ezekiel as His prophet to the exiled community, empowering his message of both judgment and eventual restoration.

Ezekiel 1 26 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:26 offers the culminating revelation of God's glory amidst the elaborate celestial machinery of Ezekiel's vision. The focal point shifts to the divine throne, radiant with the deep blue of sapphire, symbolizing the purity and celestial majesty of God's dominion. The reiterated use of "likeness" (mareh and demuth) throughout the verse is theologically vital; it protects God's transcendence by affirming that while God graciously reveals Himself, His essence remains beyond full human comprehension or direct perception. Most significantly, the presence of "the likeness of a man" upon the throne bridges the infinite chasm between the divine and humanity. This figure, distinct yet deeply personal, prefigures the incarnation of Jesus Christ—God made visible in human form—affirming God's relational nature and His desire to connect with humanity. For the exiled Israelites, this vision of a mobile, supremely authoritative, and anthropomorphically represented God shattered their understanding of a God confined to Jerusalem, assuring them of His ongoing presence, sovereign control, and ultimate fidelity, even in a foreign land. The vision serves as a bedrock for hope, reminding that God’s authority remains absolute regardless of their earthly circumstances.