Ezekiel 1:7 kjv

And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

Ezekiel 1:7 nkjv

Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze.

Ezekiel 1:7 niv

Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.

Ezekiel 1:7 esv

Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze.

Ezekiel 1:7 nlt

Their legs were straight, and their feet had hooves like those of a calf and shone like burnished bronze.

Ezekiel 1 verses

Ezekiel 1 7 Meaning

This verse precisely details three characteristics of the living creatures in Ezekiel's inaugural vision: their supernaturally "straight legs," their feet with "the sole of a calf’s foot," and their dazzling appearance, shining "like the color of burnished bronze." These features signify the creatures' unwavering steadfastness, their distinct supernatural nature, and the radiant purity, strength, and glory associated with the divine presence they manifest.

Ezekiel 1 7 Context

Ezekiel 1 describes the prophet Ezekiel's inaugural vision of God's glory while he was in exile in Babylon, by the Chebar River (circa 593 BC). This revelation was crucial, as it challenged the common Israelite belief that God's presence was confined to the Temple in Jerusalem. The "living creatures" depicted in this chapter are fundamental components of an elaborate divine throne-chariot, which powerfully illustrates God's sovereign mobility and His active presence among His dispersed people. This detailed, almost architectural, description of the beings and their functions underscores their supernatural, otherworldly nature, emphasizing the holiness and majestic sovereignty of the God of Israel. This dynamic vision starkly contrasted with the static and often grotesque idols of Babylonian worship, proclaiming the living, glorious, and ubiquitous God of Israel.

Word Analysis

• Word by word analysis:

  • וְרַגְלֵיהֶם (ve·rag·le·heym): "And their legs." Regel (רֶגֶל) signifies a foot or leg. The plural suffix -eihem means "their." This begins the physical description, focusing on the creatures' means of locomotion and stability.
  • רֶגֶל יְשָׁרָה (re·gel ye·sha·rah): "straight legs." Yesharah (יְשָׁרָה) conveys straightness, uprightness, or being level. In this context, it suggests a supernatural rigidity or unbending quality, indicating movement that is direct, unhindered, and divinely directed, unlike normal biological motion.
  • וְכַף רַגְלֵיהֶם (ve·khaf rag·le·heym): "and the sole of their feet." Kaf (כַּף) denotes the palm of a hand or the sole of a foot. This term specifies the part making contact with the ground, crucial for stability and movement.
  • כְּכַף רֶגֶל עֵגֶל (ke·khaf re·gel 'e·gel): "like the sole of a calf’s foot." Egel (עֵגֶל) refers to a young bull or calf. This unique comparison implies a shape that is firm, possibly rounded or cloven-hoofed, providing stable and perhaps agile footing. It may also allude to the purity associated with clean animals in the Mosaic Law.
  • וְנֹצְצִים (ve·notz·tze·tzim): "and they sparkled" or "they gleamed." Derived from natsatz (נָצַץ), meaning to glitter or radiate light, this participle describes an inherent, vibrant luminosity emanating from the creatures, signifying their divine association.
  • כְּעֵין (ke·'ein): "like the appearance/color of" or "as the eye of." Ayin (עַיִן) can mean "eye" or "appearance," "color." Here, it points to the visual quality, describing the outward aspect or hue.
  • נְחֹשֶׁת קָלָל (ne·chosh·eth qa·lal): "burnished bronze" or "polished bronze." Nechoshet (נְחֹשֶׁת) refers to bronze or copper, a metal known for strength. Qalal (קָלָל) means burnished, polished, or gleaming, suggesting a brilliant, reflective sheen obtained through refinement or high polish.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "their legs were straight legs": This emphasizes a unique, non-natural mode of being and movement. The unbending nature signifies stability, directness, and the unimpeded execution of divine will. There is no faltering or deviation, implying the unwavering steadfastness of those who serve the Divine. It suggests that their movement is controlled supernaturally, embodying direct purpose.
  • "and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot": This unusual simile speaks to the creatures' groundedness and readiness for action. A calf's foot is typically sturdy and firm, often implying clean footing or the firm tread of an animal designated for the altar, indicating purity or stability. The "sole" highlights the solid contact surface, perhaps a smooth and round base, signifying stability and quick, unhesitating readiness for divine errands.
  • "and they sparkled like the color of burnished bronze": "Burnished bronze" is a profound symbol of divine glory, purity, strength, and judgment. Bronze was frequently used in the Tabernacle and Temple for items like the altar and laver, linking it to purification and sacrifice. The act of "burnishing" suggests refinement by fire, implying ultimate purity and dazzling brilliance. This radiant quality underscores the awesome, formidable, and holy presence of these beings, reflecting the intense glory and unblemished perfection of the God they attend. It also connects them to divine judgment and strength that has been tried and found pure.

Ezekiel 1 7 Bonus section

The precise, almost anatomical, description in Ezekiel 1:7 is not merely an artistic embellishment but a theological cornerstone. The amalgamation of unusual physical traits (unbending limbs, distinctive foot shape, and fiery sheen) points to a realm of existence transcending the natural. These details collectively communicate profound spiritual truths: the divine agents' perfect alignment with God's will (straight legs), their assured stability in carrying out their functions (calf's sole), and their awe-inspiring presence imbued with divine purity, power, and glory (burnished bronze). This imagery is particularly resonant for the exiles, asserting God's magnificent presence and control even when His earthly Temple lies in ruins, assuring them of His dynamic and unwavering sovereign rule.

Ezekiel 1 7 Commentary

Ezekiel 1:7 contributes significantly to the prophet's magnificent vision, presenting celestial beings of an altogether distinct, otherworldly character. The "straight legs" signify a mode of movement that is direct, purposeful, and unbending, reflecting the unchanging will and decisive nature of God Himself. The "sole of a calf’s foot" suggests remarkable stability and a swift, firm footing, indicative of their readiness and unwavering determination in divine service. The most striking element is their appearance "like the color of burnished bronze." This brilliant, highly reflective metal, often associated with divine judgment and sacred implements in the Tabernacle, conveys an aura of purity, strength, and overwhelming glory. These combined attributes underscore the formidable power, unswerving resolve, and majestic holiness of the God who, though exiled, remains sovereign and actively present among His people.