Ezekiel 10 21

Ezekiel 10:21 kjv

Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.

Ezekiel 10:21 nkjv

Each one had four faces and each one four wings, and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.

Ezekiel 10:21 niv

Each had four faces and four wings, and under their wings was what looked like human hands.

Ezekiel 10:21 esv

Each had four faces, and each four wings, and underneath their wings the likeness of human hands.

Ezekiel 10:21 nlt

for each had four faces and four wings and what looked like human hands under their wings.

Ezekiel 10 verses

Ezekiel 10 21 Meaning

This verse describes the movement of the cherubim and the wheels accompanying them, a crucial element in Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing from Jerusalem. It signifies divine judgment and the departure of God's presence due to the sin of His people.

Ezekiel 10 21 Context

Ezekiel chapter 10 depicts a solemn scene of God's departure from His temple in Jerusalem, signifying the impending judgment and destruction of the city and the temple by the Babylonians. The vision is presented as a manifestation of God's wrath against Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The cherubim and the wheels are animated extensions of God's divine chariot throne, moving in unison with His presence. The specific verse details the coordinated movement of these celestial beings and mechanisms, highlighting the majestic yet terrifying power of the God of Israel as He withdraws His presence. This event has profound theological implications for the Israelites, suggesting abandonment and loss of divine favor.

Ezekiel 10 21 Word Analysis

• And (וְ, ve): A conjunction indicating connection, continuation, or transition. Here, it links the actions of the cherubim and the wheels, emphasizing their unified movement.
• the cherubims (כְּר֛וּבִ֔ים, kərūḇîm): The plural of cherub (כְּרוּב, kərūḇ). These are celestial beings, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. In Ezekiel's vision, they are part of God's throne-chariot. Their name might be related to the concept of "to be near" or "bless." They are multifaceted, powerful, and instrumental in conveying God's presence and actions.
• went forth (וַיֵּצְא֗וּ, way·yē·ṣə·’û): From the root יָצָא (yā·ṣā), meaning "to go out," "to come forth." It signifies movement from one place to another, an exit. Here, it denotes the movement of the cherubim away from their stationary position in the temple.
• every one (אִ֣ישׁ, ’îš): Hebrew for "man" or "each one." It emphasizes individual responsibility or participation in a collective action. Here, it suggests each cherub moved independently yet in accordance with the divine plan.
• by his wings (לְנָטְרֹתָ֑יו, lə·nā·ṭər·tāw): The preposition לְ (lə) means "to" or "for." נָטְרֹת (nā·ṭər·ōt) is the plural of נָטְרָה (nā·ṭə·rā), related to guarding or protecting, likely referring to the wings themselves as the means of movement or being spread out. The suffix –ָיו (-āw) means "his." This phrase describes how they propelled themselves, using their wings.
• and the wheels (וְהָגַלְגַּלִּ֗ים, wə·hā·ḡal·ḡal·lîm): The conjunction וְ (wə) again connects. הגַּלְגַּלִּים (ha·ḡal·ḡal·lîm) is the plural of גַּלְגַּל (ḡal·ḡal), meaning "wheel." The definite article הָ (hā) signifies "the." These wheels are depicted as integral to the cherubim's mobility and are described as having the appearance of chrysolite or beryl.
• beside them (מִצִּדְּהֶ֑ם, mi·ṣi·dê·hem): The preposition מִן (min) means "from" or "beside." צִדּוּ (ṣi·dû) means "side" or "rib." The suffix –ֶהָ (-ê·hem) means "them." This indicates the wheels were situated adjacent to the cherubim, suggesting a close connection and coordinated motion.
• even (גַּ֣ם, ḡam): Means "also" or "even." It reinforces the inclusion of the wheels in the same directive action of moving.
• every one (אֶחָ֗ד, ’e·ḥāḏ): Hebrew for "one." This repeats the emphasis on individual participation of each wheel.
• turning (סוֹבֵב, sō·ḇêḇ): A participle from the root סוּב (sûḇ), meaning "to turn round," "to go about," "to surround." It implies a rotational movement or readiness to turn in any direction.
• where (אָנָה, ’ā·nā): An interrogative adverb meaning "where?" or "whither?". In this context, coupled with the verbs, it emphasizes that the cherubim and wheels were ready to go in any direction indicated by the divine will.
• the spirit (הָר֔וּחַ, hā·rû·aḥ): Refers to the Spirit of God, the active, animating force of God. The definite article הָ (hā) specifies it as "the" Spirit.
• was to go (לָלֶ֙כֶת֙, lā·lə·ḵɛṯ): From the infinitive לָלֶ֙כֶת (lā·lə·ḵɛṯ) of the verb הָלַךְ (hō·lə·ḵê), meaning "to go" or "to walk." It indicates the intended or permitted direction of movement.
• they went forth (הֵ֣מָּה, hêm·māh): Pronoun "they," emphatically repeated here.
• in their presence (בְּצוּדֵיהֶ֛ם, bə·ṣū·ḏê·hem): Preposition בְּ (bə) meaning "in" or "with." צוּד (ṣûḏ) can refer to a companion or presence. The suffix –ֶיהָ (-ê·hem) is "their." This indicates they moved in the direction that the Spirit was going, as companions to that movement.

Words-group analysis:

The phrase "where the spirit was to go, they went forth, every one" links the autonomous movement of the cherubim and wheels directly to the direction of the Spirit. This isn't just any movement; it's directed movement, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the coordinated execution of His will by His divine entourage. The repetition of "every one" underscores the completeness and unity of the action—no part lagged behind.

Ezekiel 10 21 Bonus Section

This verse builds upon the earlier description in Ezekiel chapter 1, where the four living creatures and the wheels were first introduced. The repetition and specific reference in chapter 10 serve to reinforce the solemnity and certainty of God's departure. Scholars note that the structure and movement described here are meant to convey a sense of awe and terror, highlighting the unapproachability and transcendence of God as He executes His judgments. The phrase "where the Spirit was to go" implies that God's Spirit is the prime mover and director of this procession of judgment, underscoring His active involvement even in the dismantling of His chosen sanctuary.

Ezekiel 10 21 Commentary

Ezekiel 10:21 vividly portrays the majestic and synchronized movement of the cherubim and their accompanying wheels, a key element in the vision of God's departing glory. This isn't merely a mechanical description; it's a theological statement. The cherubim, beings intimately associated with God's presence and holiness, along with the complex wheels, which represent God's omnipotence and omnipresence, all move according to the direction of the Spirit of God. This unified motion signifies that God's withdrawal from His temple and from Israel is a deliberate act, guided by His divine will and executed with perfect precision. It foreshadows judgment but also hints at God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even His own perceived absence. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is not bound to a place, but wherever His Spirit leads, His entire entourage moves with Him.