Ezekiel 1:28 kjv

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Ezekiel 1:28 nkjv

Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.

Ezekiel 1:28 niv

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Ezekiel 1:28 esv

Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Ezekiel 1:28 nlt

All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone's voice speaking to me.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 28 Meaning

Ezekiel 1:28 concludes Ezekiel's profound inaugural vision by describing the overwhelming sight of God's glory. It states that the brightness radiating from the divine throne, which encompassed everything, appeared similar to the rainbow seen in clouds on a rainy day. This comparison emphasizes the awe-inspiring, beautiful, and covenantal nature of God's manifest presence, even in a context of impending judgment and exile.

Ezekiel 1 28 Context

Ezekiel 1:28 concludes the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision of God's glory, which he experienced by the Chebar Canal in Babylon during the fifth year of exile (Ezek 1:1-3). The preceding verses describe increasingly elaborate elements: four living creatures (cherubim) with human and animal features, associated wheels full of eyes, a firmament (expanse) above them like dazzling crystal, and finally, above the firmament, the likeness of a throne with a figure resembling a man seated upon it. This verse focuses on the enveloping brilliance that emanated from this central divine figure and His throne.

The historical context is critical: Israel is in exile, far from the Jerusalem Temple, which was considered the sole dwelling place of God's presence. This vision profoundly reassures Ezekiel and the exiles that God's presence and sovereignty are not limited to the Temple or the land of Israel. His glory extends beyond geopolitical boundaries, even to Babylon, demonstrating His unwavering control and His ability to appear to His prophet despite their circumstances. It contrasts sharply with pagan beliefs that tied deities to specific locations or idols, emphasizing the transcendent yet immanent nature of the one true God.

Ezekiel 1 28 Word analysis

• Like (כְּ, ke-): A comparative particle, signifying "as," "like," "similar to." It indicates a strong resemblance but not an exact identity. Ezekiel is using human comparisons to describe the indescribable divine glory. It emphasizes that this is an appearance (מַרְאֵה, mar'eh), not a full apprehension of God's essence.
• the appearance (מַרְאֵה, mar'eh): From the root רָאָה (ra'ah), "to see." Refers to a visual impression, sight, or outward manifestation. Ezekiel frequently uses this term, underscoring that his experience is a divine manifestation for human perception, conveying God's glory in a form accessible to the prophet without fully comprehending the infinite.
• of the rainbow (הַקֶּשֶׁת, haqqesheth): "The bow." This term specifically denotes the covenantal rainbow established by God with Noah after the flood (Gen 9:13). Its presence here directly links the overwhelming glory of God to His steadfast covenant faithfulness, particularly relevant for a people facing divine judgment in exile. It signifies hope and mercy even amid overwhelming power.
• in a cloud (בֶּֽעָנָן֙, be'anan): "In the cloud." Clouds frequently accompany divine manifestations (theophanies) in the Old Testament, serving as a veiled presence of God's glory (Exod 19:9, 34:5; 1 Kgs 8:10-11). It highlights divine mystery, separation, and yet proximity.
• on a rainy day (בְּי֣וֹם גֶּ֔שֶׁם, bĕyom geshem): "In a day of rain." A specific meteorological condition necessary for a rainbow to appear. This detail adds realism to the comparison and reinforces the idea that the rainbow naturally appears in the aftermath of a downpour, a common experience known to the original audience. The rain can also symbolize cleansing or judgment (as in the flood).
• so (כֵּ֖ן, ken): "Thus," "so." This particle functions as a strong connector, affirming the direct correlation between the appearance of the rainbow and the appearance of the surrounding brightness. It establishes the simile definitively.
• was the appearance (מַרְאֵ֣ה הַנֹּ֑גַהּ, mar'eh hannogah): "The appearance of the brightness." Hannogah (נֹּגַהּ) means "brightness," "radiance," "splendor." It is often used to describe divine glory or light associated with God's presence (Hab 3:3-4; Isa 4:5; 60:3). This term signifies the powerful, brilliant, and overwhelming light emanating from God.
• of the brightness (הַנֹּ֑גַהּ, hannogah): The specific Hebrew word conveys intense, radiating light, distinguishing it from ordinary light. It is part of God's glorious presence (כָּבוֹד, kavod) but describes a specific aspect of its visual manifestation.
• all around (סָבִ֖יב סָבִֽיב׃, saviv saviv): "Surrounding, surrounding," or "from every side, from every side." The repetition of saviv ("around," "about") intensifies the description, indicating that the brightness was omnipresent, enveloping the entire divine manifestation and leaving no aspect untouched. It speaks to the totality and overwhelming nature of God's glory.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Like the appearance of the rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day": This phrase grounds the unearthly vision in a recognizable, natural phenomenon. The rainbow (qesheth) is immediately recognizable to the Hebrew reader as the sign of God's covenant with Noah, signifying mercy and promise after judgment (the flood). Placing it in a cloud connects to the frequent motif of God's veiled presence in clouds throughout the exodus narrative, which spoke of both His holiness and His guidance. The "rainy day" context further grounds this simile in a common, powerful natural event, linking a divine revelation to a familiar post-storm serenity.
• "so was the appearance of the brightness": This directly links the covenant sign with the raw power and splendor of God's active glory. The word "brightness" (nogah) implies an intense, emanating light, almost blinding, suggesting God's incomparable majesty. The direct comparison indicates that the mercy symbolized by the rainbow is inseparable from the awe-inspiring glory of God.
• "all around": The repetition (saviv saviv) emphasizes the pervasive and encompassing nature of God's glory. It suggests that the prophet was completely surrounded and overwhelmed by this radiant presence, implying that nothing was hidden from this divine light. This ubiquitous radiance is both awe-inspiring and potentially terrifying, emphasizing God's total dominion and presence everywhere.

Ezekiel 1 28 Bonus section

The comparison of God's glory to a rainbow (Ezek 1:28, Rev 4:3, Rev 10:1) is highly significant. In a pagan context, celestial phenomena were often deified or attributed to capricious gods. However, the Bible consistently presents them as created elements or divine signs. By linking God's glory to the rainbow, Ezekiel (and later John) implicitly challenges the worship of other deities or natural forces. The rainbow is God's sign, His creation, signifying His covenant. The specific association with a "rainy day" (yom geshem) subtly alludes to a divine act that has occurred, leaving a sign in its aftermath, much like the post-flood rainbow. It hints at God's justice being poured out, followed by a sure promise. The description culminates not just a description of God but His inherent nature: just yet merciful, powerful yet faithful, transcendent yet intimately present.

Ezekiel 1 28 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:28 serves as the majestic crescendo of Ezekiel's inaugural vision, powerfully synthesizing various facets of God's nature. The simile of the rainbow, instantly recognizable as God's covenant with Noah (Gen 9), provides a crucial anchor of hope and fidelity amidst a scene of terrifying splendor. For a people in exile, questioning God's faithfulness, this direct visual reference to an enduring covenant was profoundly reassuring. It declares that even in judgment, God remembers His promises.

The "brightness" (nogah) signifies the active, emanating splendor of God's kavod (glory). This light is not static; it surrounds "all around," speaking to its pervasive and overwhelming nature. It is not merely a symbolic representation but the visible effect of the living God's presence. The overwhelming radiance, too intense for direct viewing, is veiled and mediated, much like the cloud often associated with God's presence (Exod 40; 1 Kgs 8). This aspect reinforces God's transcendence and holiness.

This verse communicates that the awesome, active glory of God, responsible for judgment, is nonetheless framed within the enduring commitment of His covenant mercy. It is a divine majesty that encompasses both awe-inspiring power and faithful love, providing hope for restoration even in the context of profound judgment. It speaks of a God who is both fearful and compassionate, present with His people even in the desolate land of exile.