Ezekiel 1:5

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.

Also out of the midst {H8432} thereof came the likeness {H1823} of four {H702} living creatures {H2416}. And this was their appearance {H4758}; they {H2007} had the likeness {H1823} of a man {H120}.

Inside, there appeared to be four living creatures that looked like human beings;

and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form,

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

Commentary

Ezekiel 1:5 introduces a pivotal element of the prophet Ezekiel's inaugural vision: the appearance of four living creatures emerging from the midst of the fiery cloud. This verse begins to describe their initial form, notably stating they had the "likeness of a man," a detail that immediately anchors the mysterious vision in something relatable, yet profoundly symbolic.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's profound prophetic call, occurring while he was among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar River in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1). The preceding verses describe a dramatic celestial phenomenon—a whirlwind, a great cloud, flashing fire, and brilliant light—from which these creatures appear. This vision served to authenticate Ezekiel's divine commission and to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence and power were not confined to Jerusalem but were active even in their foreign captivity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Theophany: The appearance of these creatures is part of God's self-manifestation, revealing His glory and attributes in a tangible, albeit symbolic, way to Ezekiel. This vision underscores the theme of God's active involvement in human history.
  • Mysterious and Awe-Inspiring: The description of the creatures is inherently enigmatic, designed to evoke awe and emphasize the transcendent nature of God's heavenly court. Their complex forms suggest God's incomprehensible majesty.
  • Anthropomorphic Elements: The phrase "likeness of a man" highlights an intriguing aspect. While these creatures are clearly supernatural, this human resemblance suggests intelligence, personality, and perhaps God's interaction with humanity, or that these beings serve as agents in His plan for mankind, who was created in God's own likeness (Genesis 1:27).
  • Symbolism of Heavenly Beings: These "living creatures" are later identified as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:20), powerful angelic beings associated with God's throne and glory. Their initial human likeness is one facet of their multifaceted appearance, which includes faces of a lion, ox, and eagle (Ezekiel 1:10), symbolizing various attributes of God's dominion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "likeness" is demut (דְּמוּת), which signifies a resemblance or similitude rather than an exact replica. This is crucial because it indicates that Ezekiel is seeing a representation, not the literal form of these heavenly beings, reinforcing the symbolic nature of the entire vision. The term "living creatures" comes from ḥayyot (חַיּוֹת), emphasizing their vibrant, active, and inherent life, distinguishing them from inanimate objects or mere visions.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, beginning with these mysterious creatures, reminds us that God is actively involved in the world, even in times of despair or exile. His presence is not limited by human circumstances or geographical boundaries. The combination of the mysterious and the "likeness of a man" in the creatures suggests that while God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension, He reveals Himself in ways that allow us to grasp aspects of His character and purpose. It encourages us to seek God's presence and understanding even when circumstances are challenging, knowing that His glory can appear in unexpected places, offering hope and divine assurance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 4:6

    And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

  • Revelation 4:8

    ¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

  • Ezekiel 1:26

    ¶ 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.

  • Revelation 6:6

    And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.