King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 1:24 Mean?

Ezekiel 1:24 in the King James Version says “And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.”

Ezekiel 1:24 · KJV

Context

22

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

23

And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.

24

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

25

And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.

26

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

Read Ezekiel 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ezekiel describes the sound of the living creatures' wings: 'And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.' The comparison to 'great waters' recalls how God's voice is described elsewhere (Psalm 29:3, Revelation 1:15, 14:2). The phrase 'voice of the Almighty' (qol Shaddai, קוֹל שַׁדַּי) identifies the sound as divine—God's presence produces overwhelming auditory majesty matching the visual glory. The 'noise of an host' (qol machaneh, קוֹל מַחֲנֶה) suggests military might, depicting God as divine warrior with angelic armies. The movement and stillness of the wings demonstrates perfect responsiveness to God's will—they move when He commands, rest when He ordains. This teaches that all creation exists to serve God's purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, divine beings were often associated with storm imagery—thunder, lightning, mighty waters. The four living creatures (cherubim) attend God's mobile throne, showing His presence isn't static but actively engaged with creation. The alternating sound and silence (wings moving/resting) demonstrates controlled, purposeful action rather than chaotic movement. For exiles who questioned whether God was active or had abandoned them, this vision assured that He remains sovereign, powerful, and engaged. The imagery influenced later apocalyptic literature (Daniel, Revelation) and Jewish mysticism (Merkavah tradition).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of God's voice as mighty waters remind you of His power and authority?
  2. What does the creatures' responsive obedience (moving and stopping) teach about aligning your will with God's?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וָאֶשְׁמַ֣ע1 of 17

“I heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

כְּק֣וֹל3 of 17

“as the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

כַנְפֵיהֶֽן׃4 of 17

“of 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

כְּק֣וֹל5 of 17

“as the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

מַ֨יִם6 of 17

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּ֤ים7 of 17

“of great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

כְּק֣וֹל8 of 17

“as the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

שַׁדַּי֙9 of 17

“of the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

בְּלֶכְתָּ֔ם10 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

כְּק֣וֹל11 of 17

“as the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הֲמֻלָּ֖ה12 of 17

“of speech”

H1999

a sound

כְּק֣וֹל13 of 17

“as the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

מַחֲנֶ֑ה14 of 17

“of an host”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

בְּעָמְדָ֖ם15 of 17

“when they stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

תְּרַפֶּ֥ינָה16 of 17

“they let down”

H7503

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

כַנְפֵיהֶֽן׃17 of 17

“of 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

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 1:24 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 1:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 43:2Daniel 10:6Psalms 29:3-9Revelation 1:15Revelation 19:6Psalms 68:33

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 1 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes