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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 1:5 and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/26_Ezk_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 1:5 - The Four Living Creatures" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/1-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/1-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm" title="Ezekiel 1:4">◄</a> Ezekiel 1:5 <a href="/ezekiel/1-6.htm" title="Ezekiel 1:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />From the center of the cloud came four living beings that looked human,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Also out of the midst thereof <i>came</i> the likeness of four living creatures. And this <i>was</i> their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also from within it <i>came</i> the likeness of four living creatures. And this <i>was</i> their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And within it there were figures with the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The likeness of four living creatures came from it, and this was their appearance: They looked something like a human,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The form of four living creatures came from it. And this was their appearance: They had human form, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and in that center I saw what looked like four living creatures. They were somewhat like humans, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In the center of the cloud I saw what looked like four living creatures. They were shaped like humans,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />At the center of the storm I saw what looked like four living creatures in human form, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Deep inside it, the likenesses of four living beings were visible. Their appearances were similar to human forms, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In the fire were what looked like four living beings. In their appearance they had human form,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Also from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Out of its center came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: They had the likeness of a man. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And out of its midst [is] a likeness of four living creatures, and this [is] their appearance; a likeness of man [is] to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And out of its midst is a likeness of four living creatures, and this is their appearance; a likeness of man is to them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And from its midst the likeness of four living creatures: and this their vision; and the likeness of a man to them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And in the midst thereof the likeness of four living creatures: and this was their appearance: there was the likeness of a man in them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And in its midst, there was the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: the likeness of a man was in them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />From within it figures in the likeness of four living creatures appeared. This is what they looked like:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In the middle of it was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they were of human form.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Also out of the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And from within it was the likeness of four living creatures, and this was their appearance: as the likeness of the sons of men<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And in the midst as it were the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; the likeness of a man was upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=44" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/1.htm">The Four Living Creatures</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4</span>I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: ū·mit·tō·w·ḵāh (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">and within it</a> <a href="/hebrew/1823.htm" title="1823: də·mūṯ (N-fsc) -- Likeness, similitude. From damah; resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like.">was the form</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·ba‘ (Number-fs) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">of four</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">living creatures.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: wə·zeh (Conj-w:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">And this was</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’ê·hen (N-mpc:: 3fp) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">their appearance:</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hên·nāh (Prep-l:: Pro-3fp) -- ">They had</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">a human</a> <a href="/hebrew/1823.htm" title="1823: də·mūṯ (N-fsc) -- Likeness, similitude. From damah; resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like.">form,</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>but each had four faces and four wings.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6-8</a></span><br />And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/7-3.htm">Daniel 7:3-8</a></span><br />Then four great beasts came up out of the sea, each one different from the others: / The first beast was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and given the mind of a man. / Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-4.htm">Revelation 19:4</a></span><br />And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying: “Amen, Hallelujah!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2-3</a></span><br />Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-8.htm">Revelation 5:8-10</a></span><br />When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. / And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. / You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-11.htm">Revelation 7:11</a></span><br />And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/15-7.htm">Revelation 15:7</a></span><br />Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-3.htm">Revelation 14:3</a></span><br />And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-14.htm">Revelation 5:14</a></span><br />And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-1.htm">Revelation 19:1</a></span><br />After this I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude in heaven, shouting: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/4-4.htm">Revelation 4:4</a></span><br />Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/11-16.htm">Revelation 11:16</a></span><br />And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/7-13.htm">Revelation 7:13-14</a></span><br />Then one of the elders addressed me: “These in white robes,” he asked, “who are they, and where have they come from?” / “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/14-6.htm">Revelation 14:6</a></span><br />Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a></span><br />Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Also out of the middle thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.</p><p class="hdg">the likeness</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6</a></b></br> And before the throne <i>there was</i> a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, <i>were</i> four beasts full of eyes before and behind.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/6-6.htm">Revelation 6:6</a></b></br> And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and <i>see</i> thou hurt not the oil and the wine.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/lamentations/4-8.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/psalms/89-6.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-39.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Figures</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">Form</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-2.htm">Forms</a> <a href="/jeremiah/52-30.htm">Four</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Human</a> <a href="/psalms/106-20.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/judges/8-18.htm">Resembling</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-13.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Beings</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-14.htm">Figures</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ezekiel/41-18.htm">Forms</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-6.htm">Four</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-8.htm">Human</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Resembling</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-15.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-16.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">The time of Ezekiel's prophecy at Chebar.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">His vision of four cherubim;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/1-15.htm">of the four wheels;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">and of the glory of God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and within it was the form of four living creatures.</b><br>The vision of Ezekiel begins with a remarkable sight of four living creatures, which are later identified as cherubim in <a href="/ezekiel/10.htm">Ezekiel 10</a>. These creatures are symbolic of God's majesty and power, often associated with His divine presence. The number four may represent universality, as it is frequently used in Scripture to denote completeness (e.g., four corners of the earth). The living creatures are also seen in <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6-8</a>, indicating their role in the heavenly realm. Their presence within the vision signifies the holiness and sovereignty of God, as cherubim are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Genesis 3:24</a>) and the Ark of the Covenant (<a href="/exodus/25-18.htm">Exodus 25:18-22</a>).<p><b>And this was their appearance:</b><br>The description of the living creatures' appearance is detailed and symbolic, emphasizing their otherworldly nature. The vivid imagery serves to convey the awe-inspiring and mysterious aspects of God's creation. The appearance of these creatures is not meant to be understood literally but rather as a representation of divine attributes and functions. The detailed description underscores the importance of the vision and the message Ezekiel is about to receive.<p><b>They had a human form,</b><br>The human form of the living creatures suggests intelligence, will, and the ability to communicate, reflecting the image of God in humanity (<a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a>). This anthropomorphic aspect highlights the connection between the divine and human realms, as well as the role of these creatures as intermediaries between God and His people. The human form also points to the incarnation of Christ, who took on human flesh to dwell among us (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). This aspect of the vision foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus, who bridges the gap between heaven and earth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the vision of the four living creatures.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/four_living_creatures.htm">Four Living Creatures</a></b><br>Mysterious beings that appear in Ezekiel's vision, each having a human form but with unique features that symbolize various aspects of God's creation and attributes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel receives his visions. It represents a place of judgment but also of revelation and hope.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_vision.htm">The Vision</a></b><br>A divine revelation given to Ezekiel, symbolizing God's glory and presence, even in exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_exile.htm">The Exile</a></b><br>The historical context of Ezekiel's prophecy, where the Israelites are in Babylon, experiencing God's judgment but also His continued communication and promise of restoration.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_glory.htm">God's Sovereignty and Glory</a></b><br>The vision of the living creatures emphasizes God's supreme authority and majestic presence, reminding us of His control over all creation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humanity's_role_in_creation.htm">Humanity's Role in Creation</a></b><br>The human form of the creatures signifies the unique role of humanity in reflecting God's image and participating in His divine purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_exile.htm">Hope in Exile</a></b><br>Even in times of judgment and exile, God reveals His presence and offers hope, encouraging us to trust in His promises during difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_and_mystery_in_scripture.htm">Symbolism and Mystery in Scripture</a></b><br>The symbolic nature of the vision invites us to explore the depths of God's revelation, encouraging a deeper study and understanding of His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/worship_and_reverence.htm">Worship and Reverence</a></b><br>The vision calls us to respond in worship and reverence to God's holiness and majesty, aligning our lives with His divine will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_tetramorph's_art_significance.htm">What is the significance of The Tetramorph in art?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_zombies.htm">What is the Bible's perspective on zombies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_skeptics_accept_revelation_4_6-8.htm">How can skeptics accept the four living creatures of Revelation 4:6–8 as literal or even metaphorical without parallel evidence outside the text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_angels_possess_wings.htm">Do angels possess wings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">The likeness of four living creatures </span>next appeared from this centre of the fiery cloud. The word "likeness" is not without significance. The prophet would make it plain that this was a vision, that these were symbolic, not actually existing creatures. Their prominent characteristic is that they were "living." This word is used over and over again in connection with them (see <a href="/context/ezekiel/1-13.htm" title="As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.">Ezekiel 1:13-15</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/1-19.htm" title="And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.">Ezekiel 1:19</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/1-21.htm" title="When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.">Ezekiel 1:21</a>, &c.); and in fact, in Ezekiel and Revelation (<a href="/ezekiel/4-6.htm" title="And when you have accomplished them, lie again on your right side, and you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed you each day for a year.">Ezekiel 4:6</a>, &c., where it is mis-translated <span class= "ital">beasts</span>) it occurs nearly thirty times. The same characteristic is further emphasized in <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm" title="And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.">Ezekiel 1:14</a> by the speed, "as of a flash of lightning," with which they "ran and returned," by the multiplicity of eyes in the wheels connected with them (<a href="/ezekiel/1-18.htm" title="As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.">Ezekiel 1:18</a>), and by their going instantly "whithersoever the spirit was to go" (<a href="/ezekiel/1-20.htm" title="Wherever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.">Ezekiel 1:20</a>); while in <a href="/revelation/4-8.htm" title="And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.">Revelation 4:8</a> it is said that "they rest not day and night." Their life is represented as most closely connected with the source of all life, the "living God," whose throne is seen in the vision (<a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm" title="And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above on it.">Ezekiel 1:26</a>) as above the heads of these "living creatures," . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The likeness of four living creatures.</span> The Authorized Version is happier here in its rendering than in <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6</a>, where we find "beasts" applied to the analogues of the forms of Ezekiel's vision. There the Greek gives <span class="greek">ζῶα</span>, as the LXX. does here, while in <a href="/daniel/7-3.htm">Daniel 7:3-7</a> we have <span class="greek">θήρια</span> In <a href="/ezekiel/10-15.htm">Ezekiel 10:15</a> they are identified with the "cherubim" of the mercy seat; but the fact that they are not so named here is presumptive evidence that Ezekiel did not at first recognize them as identical with what he had heard of those cherubim, or with the other like forms that were seen, as they were <span class="accented">not</span> seen, in the temple (<a href="/1_kings/6-29.htm">1 Kings 6:29</a>; <a href="/1_kings/7-29.htm">1 Kings 7:29</a>), on its walls (<a href="/2_chronicles/3-7.htm">2 Chronicles 3:7</a>), and on its veil or curtain (<a href="/exodus/36-35.htm">Exodus 36:35</a>). What he sees is, in fact, a highly complicated development of the cherubic symbols, which might well appear strange to him. It is possible (as Dean Stanley and others have suggested) that the Assyrian and Babylonian sculptures, the winged bulls and lions with human heads, which Ezekiel may have seen in his exile, were elements in that development. <span class="cmt_word">The likeness of a man.</span> This apparently was the first impression. The "living creatures" were not, like the Assyrian forms just referred to, quadrupeds. They stood erect, and had feet and hands as men have. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and within it</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִ֨תּוֹכָ֔הּ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mit·tō·w·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[was] the form</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּמ֖וּת</span> <span class="translit">(də·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1823.htm">Strong's 1823: </a> </span><span class="str2">Resemblance, model, shape, like</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of four</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבַּ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">living creatures.</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיּ֑וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And this [was]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְזֶה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their appearance:</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְאֵֽיהֶ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(mar·’ê·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They had</span><br /><span class="heb">לָהֵֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·hên·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2007.htm">Strong's 2007: </a> </span><span class="str2">Themselves</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a human</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">form,</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּמ֥וּת</span> <span class="translit">(də·mūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1823.htm">Strong's 1823: </a> </span><span class="str2">Resemblance, model, shape, like</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/1-5.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 1:5 Out of its midst came the likeness (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 1:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>