King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 1:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 1:5 in the King James Version says “Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the li...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.”

Ezekiel 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. Ezekiel: Heb. Jehezkel

4

And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. infolding: Heb. catching itself

5

Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

6

And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

7

And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. straight: Heb. a straight foot

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'four living creatures' (arba chayyot) introduce the cherubim who bear God's throne-chariot, though they're not identified as cherubim until Ezekiel 10:20. The phrase 'likeness of four living creatures' employs demut (likeness/resemblance), emphasizing that what Ezekiel sees approximates reality beyond human categories. The repeated use of 'likeness' throughout chapter 1 (appearing 10 times) indicates the inadequacy of language to capture transcendent glory. These beings combine features of humanity ('likeness of a man'), lions (royalty/strength), oxen (service/strength), and eagles (swiftness/transcendence), representing all animate creation worshiping the Creator. Their composite nature appears in Revelation 4:6-8, where the four living creatures continually worship God. The human form indicates intelligence and moral capacity, pointing to humanity's unique creation in God's image while acknowledging that even the highest creatures serve as throne-bearers for the Almighty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Cherubim appear throughout biblical theology as guardians of God's holiness: barring Eden's entrance (Genesis 3:24), flanking the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-22), and adorning the temple's inner sanctuary (1 Kings 6:23-28). Ancient Near Eastern art frequently depicted composite creatures—sphinx-like beings combining human heads with lion bodies and wings—guarding temples and palaces. Ezekiel's cherubim surpass these pagan counterparts in complexity and theological significance, emphasizing that all creation exists to glorify God. For the exiles, seeing cherubim in Babylon confirmed that God's presence had not abandoned them to Babylonian deities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the composite nature of the cherubim illustrate that all creation exists to serve and glorify God?
  2. What does the inadequacy of Ezekiel's language ('likeness,' 'appearance') teach us about the limits of human understanding when encountering divine glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּמִ֨תּוֹכָ֔הּ1 of 9

“Also out of the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

דְּמ֥וּת2 of 9

“had the likeness”

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

אַרְבַּ֣ע3 of 9

“of four”

H702

four

חַיּ֑וֹת4 of 9

“living creatures”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְזֶה֙5 of 9
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מַרְאֵֽיהֶ֔ן6 of 9

“And this was their 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),

דְּמ֥וּת7 of 9

“had the likeness”

H1823

resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like

אָדָ֖ם8 of 9

“of a man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לָהֵֽנָּה׃9 of 9

“they”

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 4:6-8Ezekiel 1:26Revelation 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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