Ezekiel 10 16

Ezekiel 10:16 kjv

And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.

Ezekiel 10:16 nkjv

When the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also did not turn from beside them.

Ezekiel 10:16 niv

When the cherubim moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the cherubim spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not leave their side.

Ezekiel 10:16 esv

And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them. And when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels did not turn from beside them.

Ezekiel 10:16 nlt

When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved with them. When they lifted their wings to fly, the wheels stayed beside them.

Ezekiel 10 verses

Ezekiel 10 16 Meaning

The verse describes the cherubim, upon which the glory of the LORD rested, carrying the throne-like structure. It signifies divine mobility and presence, illustrating that God is not bound by earthly locations but can manifest His presence and power wherever His cherubim, the earthly representation of His active glory, are moved. This imagery emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to advance His purposes through His celestial agents.

Ezekiel 10 16 Context

Ezekiel chapter 10 describes a vision of the cherubim and the glory of the LORD leaving the Temple in Jerusalem. This vision occurs during Ezekiel's exile in Babylon. The prophet had previously seen a similar vision of the glory departing (Ezekiel 1). The detailed account in chapter 10 serves to confirm the divine judgment pronounced against Jerusalem and the Temple for their persistent sin and idolatry. The departure of God's glory signifies that God has indeed abandoned His house and that His presence will no longer protect or inhabit the sin-filled city. This specific verse, Ezekiel 10:16, highlights the movement of these divine vehicles carrying the glory, emphasizing the inescapable nature of God's judgment and the transition of His presence. The historical context is the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, a period of intense national crisis for the Israelites.

Ezekiel 10 16 Word Analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ - wə): A common conjunction, linking clauses and indicating continuation or addition. Here, it connects the action of the cherubim to their previous description or actions.
• when (Hebrew: כִּי - kī): Can mean "when," "for," "that," or introduce a cause or reason. Here, it signifies a conditional or temporal relation.
• they (Hebrew: הֵמָּה - hēmmah): Plural pronoun, referring back to the cherubim mentioned in previous verses.
• went (Hebrew: הָלַךְ - halak): To go, walk, move. Indicates movement or departure.
• that (Hebrew: קוֹל - qol): Voice, sound. In this context, referring to the sound of their movement.
• of (Hebrew: קוֹל - qol): Demonstrates possession or origin of the sound.
• their (Hebrew: מִשְׂרָה - mišra): The exact word here might be a specific descriptor related to the movement or equipment of the cherubim, though it's a less common word, possibly indicating "a charge," "a custody," or related to "keeping/moving." Some translations suggest a connection to "their guidance" or "their course." The context of accompanying wheels suggests a coordinated movement. (This specific Hebrew word requires careful contextual analysis, possibly indicating the control or specific manner of their movement, distinct from mere walking).
• wings (Hebrew: כָּנָף - kānāp̄): Wing, edge, extremity. Refers to the appendages of the cherubim.
• lifted up (Hebrew: נָשָׂא - nāśā): To lift, carry, bear, raise. Denotes an action of elevation or carrying.
• they (Hebrew: הֵמָּה - hēmmah): Again, referring to the cherubim.
• to be lifted up (Hebrew: לְרוּמָה - lə·rū·māh): Infinitive form of "to lift up" or "to be raised." Indicates the purpose or nature of their movement.

Words-group analysis:

• "when they went": Emphasizes the action and departure, marking a progression in the vision.
• "the sound of their wings": Associates a audible phenomenon with their movement, signifying immense power and scale. The sound is not random but characteristic of their operational capacity.
• "lifted up their wings to be lifted up": This phrase suggests a deliberate and empowered movement, not just passive soaring but an active elevation, a distinct and intentional rise, likely assisted by the wheels. This highlights their responsive capability to the divine command, mirroring the Spirit's guidance.

Ezekiel 10 16 Bonus Section

This imagery of mobile cherubim with wheels is unique to Ezekiel's visions, possibly symbolizing the dynamic, multifaceted nature of God's sovereignty and presence. Unlike stationary idols, the divine presence described here is active and purposeful in its movement. This vision serves as a precursor to the destruction of the Temple, signifying God’s withdrawal and judgment, but also hints at God’s ability to extend His presence and kingdom beyond the physical boundaries of the earthly sanctuary, as ultimately realized in the person of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. The "sound of their wings" can be compared to the "great rushing" sound mentioned in Ezekiel 3:12, suggesting the Spirit's active presence and power accompanying God's will.

Ezekiel 10 16 Commentary

The verse depicts a powerful, audible movement of the cherubim as they elevate themselves, preparing to depart or reposition. The "sound of their wings" is significant; it's not a gentle rustle but likely a deep, resonant sound, indicating their majestic and powerful nature. The repetition of "lifted up" emphasizes their agency in responding to the divine will, as they raise their wings not just for flight, but for being raised, a motion synchronized with their carrying capacity and the direction of God's glory. This reflects God's presence being portable, able to move with His people or execute His judgment.