King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:13 in the King James Version says “I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over a...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing. touched: Heb. kissed”

Ezekiel 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

12

Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.

13

I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing. touched: Heb. kissed

14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. in bitterness: Heb. bitter heat: Heb. hot anger

15

Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Read Ezekiel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'noise of the wings of the living creatures' touching each other creates an overwhelming auditory experience accompanying the visual glory. Wings touching in worship and coordinated motion produces sound testifying to God's presence. The description emphasizes the sensory totality of encountering divine glory—not merely visual, but auditory. Creation itself makes noise in worship, setting the pattern for human praise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern theophanies often included overwhelming sensory experiences—Moses' burning bush crackled, Sinai thundered and smoked, Isaiah's temple shook. Ezekiel's vision continues this pattern: divine revelation overwhelms human senses, demanding total attention. The exile context meant this vision came far from Jerusalem's temple, yet manifested the same overwhelming glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the auditory dimension of this vision remind us that worship engages our entire being, not merely intellectual assent?
  2. What does creation's noise in God's presence teach us about all reality testifying to divine glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְק֖וֹל1 of 13

“I heard also the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

כַּנְפֵ֣י2 of 13

“of the 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

הַחַיּ֗וֹת3 of 13

“of the 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

מַשִּׁיקוֹת֙4 of 13

“that touched”

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

אִשָּׁ֣ה5 of 13

“one”

H802

a woman

אֶל6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲחוֹתָ֔הּ7 of 13

“another”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

וְק֖וֹל8 of 13

“I heard also the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

הָאוֹפַנִּ֖ים9 of 13

“of the wheels”

H212

a wheel

לְעֻמָּתָ֑ם10 of 13

“over against”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

וְק֖וֹל11 of 13

“I heard also the noise”

H6963

a voice or sound

רַ֥עַשׁ12 of 13

“rushing”

H7494

vibration, bounding, uproar

גָּדֽוֹל׃13 of 13

“of a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 10:16-17Ezekiel 1:24Ezekiel 10:52 Samuel 5:24Ezekiel 1:15

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