King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 1:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 1:11 in the King James Version says “Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. stretched: or, divided above”

Ezekiel 1:11 · KJV

Context

9

Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

10

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

11

Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. stretched: or, divided above

12

And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.

13

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wings 'stretched upward' toward God demonstrate perpetual worship and readiness for divine commands. Two wings touching another cherub shows interconnectedness of worship—God's servants minister in community, not isolation. Two wings covering their bodies (cf. Isa. 6:2) represents humility and reverence before God's holiness. Even sinless beings cover themselves, acknowledging the gulf between creature and Creator. This models proper worship: community, reverence, and readiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The four-faced cherubim description parallels Isaiah's seraphim (Isa. 6:2) and John's living creatures (Rev. 4:6-8), suggesting a consistent angelic order surrounding God's throne. The wing configuration—two up, two covering—appears across multiple prophetic visions, indicating this is standard heavenly protocol. Ancient temple iconography reflected this, with cherubim decorating the ark of the covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the cherubim's posture of worship—wings upward, bodies covered—teach us about approaching God with reverence?
  2. How does the communal touching of wings challenge modern individualistic approaches to worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּפְנֵיהֶ֕ם1 of 12

“Thus were their faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְכַנְפֵיהֶ֥ם2 of 12

“and their wings”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

פְּרֻד֖וֹת3 of 12

“were stretched”

H6504

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

מִלְמָ֑עְלָה4 of 12

“upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

אִ֔ישׁ5 of 12

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּשְׁתַּ֣יִם6 of 12

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חֹבְר֣וֹת7 of 12

“were joined”

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

אִ֔ישׁ8 of 12

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּשְׁתַּ֣יִם9 of 12

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

מְכַסּ֔וֹת10 of 12

“covered”

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

אֵ֖ת11 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גְּוִיֹתֵיהֶֽנָה׃12 of 12

“their bodies”

H1472

a body, whether alive or dead

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 1:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 1:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:2Ezekiel 1:23Ezekiel 10:19Ezekiel 10:16

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