King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 1:27 Mean?

Ezekiel 1:27 in the King James Version says “And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.”

Ezekiel 1:27 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.

28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'colour of amber' (Hebrew: chashmal, possibly electrum—gold-silver alloy) and 'appearance of fire' surrounding the divine figure emphasizes glory and holiness. Fire throughout Scripture represents God's consuming holiness (Heb. 12:29), while amber/electrum suggests refined preciousness. The brightness 'round about' indicates God's glory radiating in all directions—nothing escapes His presence. This theophany reveals that approaching God requires reverence; His holiness consumes all impurity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Electrum, a naturally occurring gold-silver alloy, was highly prized in ancient metallurgy for its beauty and rarity. The combination of amber and fire creates a brilliant, terrible appearance beyond natural experience. Ezekiel's description attempts to communicate transcendent reality through earthly metaphors. Ancient Near Eastern divine appearances typically involved fire, but Yahweh's glory surpasses all pagan theophanies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the fire surrounding God's appearance remind us that His holiness makes casual approach impossible?
  2. What does the precious metal imagery teach us about the infinite value and beauty of God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
רָאִ֙יתִי֙1 of 20

“And I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְּעֵ֣ין2 of 20

“as the colour”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

חַשְׁמַ֗ל3 of 20

“of amber”

H2830

probably bronze or polished spectrum metal

כְּמַרְאֵה4 of 20

“and from the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

אֵ֔שׁ5 of 20

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

בֵּֽית6 of 20

“within”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לָהּ֙7 of 20
H0
סָבִֽיב׃8 of 20

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

כְּמַרְאֵה9 of 20

“and from the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

מָתְנָיו֙10 of 20

“of his loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

וּלְמָ֑עְלָה11 of 20

“even upward”

H4605

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

כְּמַרְאֵה12 of 20

“and from the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

מָתְנָיו֙13 of 20

“of his loins”

H4975

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

וּלְמַ֔טָּה14 of 20

“even downward”

H4295

downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes

רָאִ֙יתִי֙15 of 20

“And I saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כְּמַרְאֵה16 of 20

“and from the appearance”

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

אֵ֔שׁ17 of 20

“of fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

וְנֹ֥גַֽהּ18 of 20

“and it had brightness”

H5051

brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

ל֖וֹ19 of 20
H0
סָבִֽיב׃20 of 20

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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 1:27 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 1:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 1:4Ezekiel 8:2Hebrews 12:29Psalms 97:2Deuteronomy 4:24Psalms 50:3

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