Ezekiel 1:6 kjv

And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

Ezekiel 1:6 nkjv

Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.

Ezekiel 1:6 niv

but each of them had four faces and four wings.

Ezekiel 1:6 esv

but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.

Ezekiel 1:6 nlt

except that each had four faces and four wings.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 6 Meaning

This verse describes a fundamental aspect of the four living creatures seen in Ezekiel’s vision: each possessed four faces and four wings. This precise description signifies the multifaceted nature, comprehensive awareness, swiftness, and readiness for divine service inherent in these celestial beings who bear the throne of God.

Ezekiel 1 6 Context

Ezekiel 1:6 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision received by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, during the fifth year of Judah's exile (around 593 BC). This awe-inspiring vision initiates his prophetic ministry. The verse specifically details two key features of the four living creatures (later identified as Cherubim) that emerged from the whirlwind and cloud of fire accompanying God's glory. Chapter 1 introduces the highly structured imagery of God's mobile throne-chariot, demonstrating that Yahweh's presence is not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem but is portable and transcends geographical boundaries, extending even to the exiles in Babylon. This provides immense comfort and reassurance that God is still active and sovereign despite their circumstances, while also challenging pagan beliefs about localized deities.

Ezekiel 1 6 Word analysis

• Each (וּלְאַרְבַּע - u'le'arba'):

  • This initial particle u ("and") connects to previous descriptions, adding detail.
  • The Hebrew construct with the prefix le- ("to/for") followed by arba' ("four") emphasizes that each of the individual creatures possessed these distinct features, highlighting a consistent and uniform design.
  • It signifies an organized and purposeful arrangement for every single one of the celestial beings.

• had (implicit):

  • The Hebrew phrase implies possession or belonging.
  • The translation "had" accurately conveys that these characteristics were inherent to the creatures.

• four (אַרְבַּע - arba'):

  • The number four in biblical symbolism frequently denotes universality, completion, or the terrestrial realm (e.g., four cardinal directions, four corners of the earth).
  • When applied to the creatures, it suggests comprehensive understanding and authority over all creation (reflected in the faces of man, lion, ox, eagle).
  • It also hints at an ordered and complete system in God's service.

• faces (פָּנִים - panim):

  • Hebrew panim (plural for "face") also can mean "presence" or "countenance."
  • Refers to the distinct visages described later in Ezek 1:10 (man, lion, ox, eagle).
  • Signifies comprehensive awareness, discernment, and expression. Possessing multiple faces allows these beings to simultaneously attend to multiple aspects or directions.
  • It reflects the multifaceted nature of God's wisdom, power, and oversight, as these creatures bear His throne.

• and each of them (וְאַרְבַּע - v'arba'):

  • The Hebrew repeats the conjunction "and" (vav) followed by "four," implicitly connecting this feature (wings) to each creature just as with the faces.
  • This repetition reinforces the identical and symmetrical configuration across all four living creatures.

• had (implicit):

  • Again, this verb is implied from the Hebrew possessive construction.

• four (אַרְבַּע - arba'):

  • Repetition of "four" here emphasizes the numerical correspondence and symmetry between the faces and the wings. This suggests balance, order, and full functionality in their roles.
  • It further underscores the concept of wholeness and completeness in their design and function.

• wings (כְּנָפַיִם - knafayim):

  • Hebrew knafayim (plural for "wing") can also denote "edges" or "extremities."
  • Primarily represents swiftness, mobility, and perpetual readiness to carry out divine commands without hesitation.
  • Can also symbolize covering or protection (Ps 91:4), or reverent concealment (Isa 6:2), indicating awe in the divine presence.
  • The wings enable rapid and unhindered movement for God's purposes, illustrating His omnipresent reach and swift execution of His will.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Each had four faces": This phrase introduces the extraordinary multiplicity of perspective inherent in each living creature. It foreshadows the specific types of faces (man, lion, ox, eagle) that collectively represent the pinnacle of God's creation, encompassing aspects of wisdom, sovereignty, strength, and transcendence. This comprehensive vision allows them to perceive and serve God from every angle, signifying a profound, multidirectional awareness.
• "and each of them had four wings": This highlights the creatures' uniform mobility and promptness in executing divine will. The symmetrical number of faces and wings (four of each) underscores a harmonious balance between their attributes of discernment/perception and their capacity for swift, unrestricted action. The wings provide not only a means of transport but also represent an ever-present readiness for service, emphasizing the dynamic nature of God's divine government. The doubling of the "four" motif accentuates totality in their being and service.

Ezekiel 1 6 Bonus section

• The composite nature of the living creatures' faces, combining humanity with dominant types of animal creation, highlights their representative role—they embody and glorify the Creator as prime examples of creation’s intelligence, power, service, and transcendence.
• The structured repetition of "four" throughout this description (four creatures, four faces on each, four wings on each) strongly suggests order, completeness, and universal application. In biblical numerology, four often signifies completeness or universality related to the created world (e.g., four winds, four corners of the earth). This imagery grounds the celestial vision in a way that relates it to all aspects of existence.
• The cherubim's consistent appearance in guarding Eden (Gen 3), their depiction on the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 25), and their adornment in the Temple (1 Ki 6) firmly links them to God's holiness, His presence, and His throne, underscoring their sacred function within this grander vision of His portable glory.
• While Revelation 4 describes similar living creatures with a different wing count (six), the consistent element of multiple faces and wings across both Ezekiel and Revelation points to an essential characteristic of celestial beings serving near God's throne: multifaceted perspective, comprehensive awareness, and immediate readiness to perform divine directives.

Ezekiel 1 6 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:6 serves as a foundational description of the cherubim that accompany God’s majestic throne. The specification of "four faces" and "four wings" for each creature immediately establishes their extraordinary nature, differentiating them from ordinary beings. The "four faces," elaborated in verse 10 (man, lion, ox, eagle), represent comprehensive intelligence, sovereignty, strength for service, and transcendence—embodying the totality of God's power, wisdom, and omnipresence, which these creatures reflect and serve. They possess perceptive abilities from all directions, seeing all aspects of divine command. The "four wings" symbolize extreme swiftness, universal reach, and perpetual readiness to execute God’s will, conveying the dynamic and unhindered nature of His divine operation. These combined attributes demonstrate the unparalleled power and omnipresence of the Lord, assuring the exiles that His authority is absolute, not bound by geography, and meticulously administered by perfectly attuned, multifaceted celestial servants. This vivid imagery also served as a theological counterpoint to the polytheistic, animal-headed deities of Babylon, firmly asserting the singularity and absolute sovereignty of Yahweh.