King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 10:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 10:4 in the King James Version says “Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory. went up: Heb. was lifted up”

Ezekiel 10:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. thine hand: Heb. the hollow of thine hand

3

Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

4

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory. went up: Heb. was lifted up

5

And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.

6

And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.

Read Ezekiel 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the beginning of God's glory departing from the temple—one of Scripture's most tragic moments. The glory that had filled the temple at its dedication (1 Kings 8:10-11) now begins to withdraw. The Shekinah glory 'went up from the cherub' (the ark's mercy seat) and stood at the temple threshold, while 'the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.' This departure occurs in stages, demonstrating God's reluctance to abandon His dwelling place. The cloud recalls the wilderness tabernacle and Sinai theophanies, reminding of God's covenant presence. The brightness intensifying as glory departs creates dramatic irony—the temple grows physically brighter even as spiritual glory withdraws. This teaches that outward religious forms can continue while God's presence departs, a warning against empty ritualism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The temple had been God's dwelling place since Solomon's dedication (circa 959 BC), approximately 375 years before this vision. During those centuries, despite Israel's repeated apostasies, God's presence remained. But the idolatrous abominations Ezekiel witnessed in chapter 8—culminating in priests worshiping the sun in God's own sanctuary—made continued divine presence impossible. Holiness cannot coexist with such brazen desecration. The glory's staged departure (10:4, 10:18-19, 11:22-23) shows God's hesitation to execute judgment. The exiles needed to understand that Jerusalem's coming destruction wasn't arbitrary divine anger but necessary consequence of persistent covenant violation that had finally driven God's presence from His temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we recognize when God's presence is withdrawing from our worship while outward forms continue?
  2. What would cause God's glory to depart from churches or individual lives today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיָּ֤רָם1 of 18

“went up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

כְּב֥וֹד2 of 18

“Then the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָֽה׃3 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵעַ֣ל4 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכְּר֔וּב5 of 18

“from the cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

עַ֖ל6 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִפְתַּ֣ן7 of 18

“and stood over the threshold”

H4670

a stretcher, i.e., a sill

הַבַּ֙יִת֙8 of 18

“and the house”

H1004

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

מָֽלְאָ֔ה9 of 18

“was filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הַבַּ֙יִת֙10 of 18

“and the house”

H1004

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

אֶת11 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הֶ֣עָנָ֔ן12 of 18

“with the cloud”

H6051

a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud

וְהֶֽחָצֵר֙13 of 18

“and the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

מָֽלְאָ֔ה14 of 18

“was filled”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת15 of 18
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

נֹ֖גַהּ16 of 18

“of the brightness”

H5051

brilliancy (literally or figuratively)

כְּב֥וֹד17 of 18

“Then the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יְהוָֽה׃18 of 18

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 10:4 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 10:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 1:28Ezekiel 9:3Revelation 15:8Ezekiel 10:18Ezekiel 11:22-232 Chronicles 5:13-14

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