Ezekiel 1:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I saw {H7200} as the colour {H5869} of amber {H2830}, as the appearance {H4758} of fire {H784} round about {H5439} within {H1004} it, from the appearance {H4758} of his loins {H4975} even upward {H4605}, and from the appearance {H4758} of his loins {H4975} even downward {H4295}, I saw {H7200} as it were the appearance {H4758} of fire {H784}, and it had brightness {H5051} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I saw what looked like gleaming, amber-colored fire radiating from what appeared to be his waist upward. Downward from what appeared to be his waist, I saw what looked like fire, giving a brilliant light all around him.

Berean Standard Bible

From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.

American Standard Version

And I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the appearance of his loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 1:27 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the divine majesty, describing the appearance of the figure seated upon the throne in Ezekiel's inaugural vision. This verse, rich in sensory imagery, portrays an indescribable being enveloped in a radiant, fiery brilliance that emanates from the waist both upward and downward, suggesting an all-consuming and perfectly symmetrical glory. It underscores the overwhelming holiness and transcendent power of God, revealed to the prophet in a moment of profound national despair, assuring Israel of God's unconfined presence and sovereign control even in exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 1:27 is the culmination of a meticulously detailed and highly symbolic vision that began with a whirlwind and a great cloud, out of which came four living creatures (Ezekiel 1:4-14). These creatures, each with four faces and four wings, are then described in conjunction with astonishing "wheels within wheels" (Ezekiel 1:15-21), moving in perfect synchronicity with the Spirit. Above these creatures and wheels was a firmament, "as the colour of the terrible crystal" (Ezekiel 1:22-25), upon which rested a throne of sapphire. It is upon this throne that a figure "as the appearance of a man" is seen (Ezekiel 1:26), and Ezekiel 1:27 then elaborates on the resplendent, fiery nature of this divine occupant, leading into the prophet's prostration (Ezekiel 1:28). This progression builds the reader's awe, moving from the general chaos of the storm to the highly ordered, yet utterly transcendent, presence of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision recorded in Ezekiel 1 occurred in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile, around 593 BC, by the Chebar River in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1-3). This was a period of profound crisis for the Israelites. Jerusalem had been conquered, the Temple was still standing but soon to be destroyed, and a significant portion of the population, including Ezekiel, had been deported. They were far from their homeland, their religious center, and their king, leading to questions about God's presence, power, and faithfulness. In this context, Ezekiel's vision served as a powerful theological affirmation: God's glory was not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem; He was sovereign even in Babylon, demonstrating His transcendent power and immanent presence to a disoriented people. The imagery draws on ancient Near Eastern iconography of divine thrones and chariots, but transforms them to emphasize YHWH's unique, incomparable majesty.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of Ezekiel's prophecy, powerfully introduced in this inaugural vision, is the **Glory of God** (Hebrew: _kavod_). The intense visual descriptions in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory") emphasize God's overwhelming majesty, His transcendent power, and His unapproachable holiness. The imagery of "fire" and "brightness" consistently points to God's **Purity and Holiness**, signifying His unblemished character and His consuming judgment against sin, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire"). Furthermore, the vision's occurrence in Babylon underscores God's **Sovereignty and Omnipresence**, demonstrating that His presence is not limited by geographical location or human circumstances, a vital message for the exiled community who felt abandoned. This vision also establishes Ezekiel's prophetic authority, as he is commissioned by this glorious God to speak to a rebellious house ([Ezekiel 2:3-5](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3-5 - Ezekiel's Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amber (Hebrew, _chashmal'_):** This unique term, found only in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:4, 1:27, 8:2), is often translated "amber" or "electrum." The Ground Truth Strong's data indicates "probably bronze or polished spectrum metal," suggesting a material that is both precious and intensely radiant. In the context of divine appearance, _chashmal_ conveys a sense of brilliant, fiery luster, a shimmering, almost electric quality that is both awe-inspiring and difficult to define, emphasizing the ineffable nature of God's glory. It is not merely a color but a glowing, living substance.
* **Appearance (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** From the root _raʼah_ (to see), _marʼeh_ denotes "a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape... or (mental) a vision." The repeated use of "appearance" in Ezekiel 1:27 ("as the appearance of fire," "from the appearance of his loins") underscores that Ezekiel is not seeing God directly in His essence, but rather a manifestation or a visible form of His glory. This term highlights the revelatory yet veiled nature of the divine encounter, emphasizing that human perception can only grasp a semblance of God's true being.
* **Brightness (Hebrew, _nôgahh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to shine," _nôgahh_ signifies "brilliancy (literally or figuratively); bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining." This word captures the intense luminosity and radiant splendor that surrounds the divine figure. It is not merely light but a powerful, active effulgence that emanates from God, contributing to the overwhelming and unapproachable nature of His presence. This brightness is an inherent quality of the divine being, symbolizing His glory, purity, and illuminating power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I saw as the colour of amber":** Ezekiel begins by describing a general, shimmering quality, which he likens to _chashmal_. This sets the stage for the divine figure, indicating an extraordinary, luminous, and perhaps metallic-like brilliance that is distinct from mere light or fire.
* **"as the appearance of fire round about within it":** This clause immediately clarifies that the "amber" quality is not static but dynamic, characterized by an internal, pervasive fiery appearance. The "within it" suggests that the fire is not merely external but an intrinsic part of the divine manifestation, burning intensely from within.
* **"from the appearance of his loins even upward":** The description then becomes more specific, localizing the origin of this fiery appearance to the "loins" (waist) of the figure. The fire extends upwards from this point, covering the upper half of the divine form.
* **"and from the appearance of his loins even downward":** Symmetrically, the fiery appearance also extends downwards from the loins, enveloping the lower half of the figure. This creates an image of a being entirely consumed and defined by this radiant, internal fire, from head to foot.
* **"I saw as it were the appearance of fire":** This phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and summary, emphasizing that the dominant visual impression was one of pure, intense fire. The repetition reinforces the overwhelming nature of this phenomenon and the primary element of the divine manifestation.
* **"and it had brightness round about":** Finally, the verse concludes by noting the surrounding effulgence. This "brightness" (_nôgahh_) indicates a radiant halo or aura of light that emanated from the fiery figure, further contributing to its majestic and unapproachable splendor. It suggests an outward emanation of the internal fire, filling the space around the divine presence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 1:27 is rich in **Symbolism**, where "fire," "amber," and "brightness" are not literal descriptions but represent the ineffable qualities of God: His holiness, purity, glory, and consuming power. The **Repetition** of "appearance of fire" and "from the appearance of his loins" serves to emphasize the central visual element and the symmetrical nature of the divine manifestation, reinforcing the prophet's awe and the indescribable nature of what he saw. The use of "as" or "as it were" (Hebrew: _ke_) throughout the vision, including in this verse, is a form of **Simile** or **Analogy**, indicating that human language and earthly comparisons are inadequate to fully capture the divine reality. This linguistic humility underscores the **Transcendence** of God, acknowledging that His true form is beyond full human comprehension, yet He graciously reveals a glimpse of His glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 1:27 powerfully asserts the absolute sovereignty and unparalleled glory of God, even in the midst of Israel's exile and despair. The fiery, radiant appearance of the divine figure speaks to God's inherent holiness and His unchangeable nature, assuring the exiles that His character and power remain undiminished, regardless of their circumstances or the destruction of the Temple. This vision establishes that God's presence is not confined to a physical structure but is transcendent and omnipresent, capable of manifesting His glory anywhere. It also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's glory, which will not be in a temple made with hands, but in the person of Christ and in the New Creation.

* [Exodus 24:17](/exodus/24-17 "Exodus 24:17 - The Appearance of the Glory of the Lord")
* [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "Revelation 4:3 - The Appearance of God on the Throne")
* [Psalm 104:2](/psalm/104-2 "Psalm 104:2 - God Clothed with Light")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 1:27 calls us to a profound sense of awe and reverence for the God who reveals Himself in such overwhelming glory. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and suffering, this vision reminds us that God remains on His throne, majestic and sovereign, untouched by human limitations or earthly turmoil. Just as Ezekiel's vision brought hope and assurance to a people in exile, so too can it comfort us in our own seasons of difficulty, reminding us that God is present, powerful, and glorious, even when His ways are mysterious. It challenges us to move beyond a casual understanding of God, prompting us to worship Him with the reverence His infinite splendor demands, recognizing that the One who is "as the appearance of fire" is also the One who draws near to His people. This vision encourages us to seek His presence, knowing that even a glimpse of His glory can transform our perspective and renew our hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "fire" and "brightness" in Ezekiel 1:27 shape your understanding of God's holiness and majesty?**
* **In what ways does God's revelation of His glory to Ezekiel in exile speak to moments of despair or uncertainty in your own life?**
* **What does it mean to approach a God whose "appearance of fire" is both beautiful and terrifying, and how should this affect our worship?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in our daily lives, reflecting on passages like Ezekiel 1:27?**

### FAQ
**What is "amber" (chashmal) in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `chashmal` (H2830), translated as "amber" in the KJV, is a term unique to Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 1:4, 1:27, 8:2). While "amber" refers to fossilized tree resin, most scholars believe `chashmal` refers to "electrum," a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. This metal was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its brilliant, fiery luster, especially when polished. Therefore, the "color of amber" or "appearance of electrum" suggests a dazzling, shimmering, and intensely radiant quality, perfectly suited to describe the overwhelming and ineffable glory of God. It conveys a sense of preciousness combined with an almost electric, living brilliance.

**Why is God described with such intense and fiery imagery in Ezekiel 1:27?**

Answer: The use of "fire" and "brightness" to describe God's appearance in Ezekiel 1:27 is highly symbolic and consistent with biblical descriptions of divine presence. Fire in Scripture often represents God's **holiness and purity**, signifying His unapproachable nature and His consuming judgment against sin ([Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")). It also conveys His **glory and majesty**, indicating His supreme power and transcendent splendor, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) or the glory on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:17). For the exiled Israelites, this imagery would have been both terrifying and comforting: terrifying because of God's unapproachable holiness, but comforting because it affirmed that their God was still powerfully present and active, even far from the Temple, demonstrating His undiminished sovereignty over all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's vision of God's fiery glory, culminating in the description of the figure on the throne in Ezekiel 1:27, finds its ultimate and most accessible fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel saw a veiled "appearance" of God's glory, the New Testament declares that Jesus is "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")). In Christ, the unapproachable fire of God's holiness and majesty became incarnate, tabernacling among us so that we could "behold his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The "brightness round about" seen by Ezekiel is fully embodied in Jesus, who is the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), illuminating the darkness of sin and revealing the Father. Furthermore, the fiery judgment and purification symbolized by the "appearance of fire" are fulfilled in Christ's work on the cross, where He bore the consuming fire of God's wrath against sin, and in His future return, when He will come in "flaming fire" to bring judgment and salvation ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - The Lord Jesus Revealed from Heaven")). Thus, the terrifying yet glorious vision of Ezekiel points forward to the Lamb of God, who is both the consuming fire of divine holiness and the illuminating light of divine grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 1:4

¶ 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.

Ezekiel 8:2

Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Psalms 97:2

Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Revelation 1:14

His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;