Ezekiel 1:5 kjv

Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

Ezekiel 1:5 nkjv

Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.

Ezekiel 1:5 niv

and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human,

Ezekiel 1:5 esv

And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness,

Ezekiel 1:5 nlt

From the center of the cloud came four living beings that looked human,

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 5 Meaning

This verse introduces the central figures of Ezekiel's vision: four enigmatic "living creatures" emerging from the heart of the fiery divine glory. The immediate revelation about their appearance is their foundational "likeness of a man," implying an upright, intelligent form before more complex descriptions are given. This signifies the creatures' role as intelligent beings, possibly reflecting aspects of God's design and interaction with humanity, even as they stand in divine presence.

Ezekiel 1 5 Context

Ezekiel 1:5 follows the initial powerful imagery of the Lord's manifestation, beginning with a whirlwind, a great cloud, and flashing fire (v. 4). This sets the stage for the unfolding divine revelation, which starts by presenting the "likeness of four living creatures." The verse directly builds on the awe-inspiring atmosphere established in the preceding descriptions, now specifying the nature of the beings emerging from the glory. Historically, Ezekiel was among the exiles in Babylon, a context where questions about God's presence, power, and connection to His people were paramount since the Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed. This vision, initiated with the dynamic appearance of these living creatures, serves to reassure the exiles that God's presence and sovereignty are not confined to Jerusalem but are active even in a foreign land. The depiction subtly counters pagan polytheistic beliefs by demonstrating the living, dynamic nature of the one true God and His powerful attendants, contrasting with the inert idols of Babylon.

Ezekiel 1 5 Word analysis

• And (וְ wě): A simple connective, joining this new detail to the preceding description of the whirlwind, cloud, and fire, indicating a direct emergence.
• from the midst of it (מִתּוֹכָהּ mittôḵāh): Literally "from its midst/interior." Refers to the "fire" and "radiant light" described in verse 4. This implies the living creatures were not external additions but integral, intrinsic manifestations originating from the very heart of the divine glory and fire. Their existence is a direct outflow of God's presence, highlighting purity of origin.
• came (בָּאָה bāʾāh): A verb of emergence or coming forth. It describes the appearance of the creatures from the core of the fiery brilliance.
• the likeness (דְּמוּת děmût): This Hebrew word is crucial. It means "likeness," "resemblance," or "model," but not absolute identity. It distinguishes the created being from the Creator. The creatures resemble or appear as something, without being that exact thing in essence. This emphasizes appearance, ensuring clarity that these beings are not literal manifestations of what they represent, but forms that convey meaning to Ezekiel.
• of four (אַרְבַּע ʾarbaʿ): The number four. This often signifies cosmic completeness or global reach in biblical symbolism (e.g., four cardinal directions, four winds of heaven). It suggests these creatures relate to the totality of creation or God's sovereignty over the entire earth.
• living creatures (חַיּוֹת ḥayyôṯ): From ḥay (life, alive). Literally "living ones" or "living beings." This term emphasizes their vitality and dynamism, directly contrasting with lifeless idols and highlighting the living God. They are active, animate entities, not static representations. Later in Ezekiel (Eze 10), these are explicitly identified as "cherubim."
• And this was their appearance (וְזֶה מַרְאֵיהֶן wězeh marʾêhen): This phrase introduces the following detailed descriptions of their form. "Appearance" (marʾê) emphasizes the visual aspect, underscoring that Ezekiel is recounting a visual experience.
• they had (לָהֶם lāhem): Possessive. "To them was..."
• the likeness of a man (וּדְמוּת אָדָם ûḏěmût ʾāḏām): Crucially, "likeness of ʾāḏām," meaning humanity or man. This signifies that, fundamentally, these beings possessed an upright, human-like form as their primary or foundational characteristic, despite the complex and non-human features that will be revealed later. This may connect to humanity being made in God's image, or it could imply intelligence, rationality, and uprightness often associated with humanity. The human likeness might serve as a relatable point of reference for Ezekiel in understanding the divine, as well as a representation of all created rational beings.

Ezekiel 1 5 Bonus section

The term dmut ("likeness") is a key theological concept throughout this vision. It prevents a crude identification of these figures with actual divine attributes and emphasizes symbolic representation. Ezekiel sees what appears like these creatures, preventing any anthropomorphism of God Himself, who is Spirit. The immediate introduction of "likeness of a man" before their animal features, wings, or multitude of eyes (which appear in later verses) foregrounds a certain order or hierarchy of understanding – perhaps suggesting that humanity's created form, bearing God's image, is the most fundamental or relatable aspect even of these divine attendants. These beings are divine "cherubim," fulfilling roles seen throughout Scripture—guarding holiness (Gen 3), serving as God's throne-bearers (Psalms), and being associated with His active presence in the world. Their emergence from the fire and radiance emphasizes their divine origin and connection to God's burning holiness.

Ezekiel 1 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:5 begins the intricate description of the celestial beings that underpin God's throne, signifying divine majesty and mobility. Emerging directly from the blazing heart of God's presence, these "living creatures" are characterized first by their sheer vitality, a contrast to the dead idols common in the ancient Near East. Their foundational appearance as having the "likeness of a man" is highly significant; it establishes a primary understanding of these complex beings. While later verses reveal they possess multiple faces and extraordinary features, the initial and emphasized human form suggests qualities such as intelligence, purpose, moral agency, or perhaps an embodiment of God's sovereignty over creation, often seen through humanity's delegated dominion. This divine introduction highlights that even amidst overwhelming glory and terrifying power, there is an underlying structure of ordered intelligence, reflecting God's ultimate wisdom and design, making Him knowable and approachable even in judgment. The number "four" further alludes to the comprehensive nature of these beings, suggesting their pervasive involvement in upholding divine order across creation.