Ezekiel 10:10

KJV

And [as for] their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And as for their appearances {H4758}, they four {H702} had one {H259} likeness {H1823}, as if a wheel {H212} had been in the midst {H8432} of a wheel {H212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their shape was the same for all four, like a wheel inside a wheel.

Berean Standard Bible

As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel.

American Standard Version

And as for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been within a wheel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:10 offers a profound continuation of the prophet's vision of the divine chariot-throne, specifically detailing the intricate and unified appearance of the accompanying wheels. The verse, stating that "they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel," underscores the extraordinary design and interconnected mobility of these celestial components, symbolizing God's unhindered sovereignty, precise control, and the mysterious yet perfectly ordered nature of His operations as His glorious presence prepares to depart from the Jerusalem Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 10:10 is situated within the prophet's second major vision, which elaborates on the divine glory first encountered in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's First Vision of God's Glory"). This chapter specifically describes the departure of the Lord's glory from the Jerusalem Temple, a significant and somber event preceding the city's destruction. The detailed description of the cherubim and their associated wheels (often referred to as *ophannim*) in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "The Glory of the Lord Departs from the Temple") deliberately mirrors and expands upon the earlier account in [Ezekiel 1:15-21](/ezekiel/1-15-21 "Ezekiel 1:15-21 - Description of the Wheels and Their Movement"). This repetition is not mere redundancy but serves to emphasize the profound significance, awe-inspiring complexity, and synchronized movement of these celestial entities, highlighting their role as instruments of divine mobility and the execution of God's sovereign will in judgment. The immediate verses preceding [Ezekiel 10:10](/ezekiel/10-10 "Ezekiel 10:10 - The Appearance of the Wheels") describe the cherubim's faces and the wheels' connection to them, setting the stage for this specific detail about the wheels' internal structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received these extraordinary visions during his exile in Babylon, by the Chebar Canal, in the early 6th century BC (circa 593-586 BC). This was a period of profound national crisis for the kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem under siege and its eventual destruction, along with the desolation of the Temple, being imminent. The Jewish exiles were grappling with the theological implications of their defeat, questioning God's presence, power, and faithfulness. In this context, the imagery of a dynamic, mobile divine chariot-throne (Merkabah) with wheels capable of instantaneous, multi-directional movement would have conveyed a powerful message. It affirmed God's unhindered sovereignty and omnipresence, even in exile, and His purposeful judgment against a rebellious nation. This vivid portrayal stood in stark contrast to the static, impotent idols worshipped in Jerusalem, underscoring the living, dynamic, and transcendent nature of the true God who was not confined to a single geographical location or temple.
* **Key Themes:** The intricate description of the wheels in [Ezekiel 10:10](/ezekiel/10-10 "Ezekiel 10:10 - The Appearance of the Wheels") significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipresence**, showcasing God's absolute control over all creation and His unhindered ability to move and act anywhere, at any moment. The wheels' capacity for instantaneous, multi-directional movement, without needing to turn, is a vivid metaphor for God's unconstrained dominion. Secondly, this detailed imagery highlights **Divine Wisdom and Order**. What appears complex or even paradoxical to human understanding is revealed as part of a perfectly designed and meticulously orchestrated divine plan, reflecting God's infinite intelligence at work. This theme of divine meticulousness is further elaborated in the precise architectural plans for the new Temple in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Lastly, the overwhelming and somewhat enigmatic nature of the vision, particularly the "wheel in the midst of a wheel," evokes a profound sense of **Mystery and Awe**, reminding humanity of the transcendent nature of God, whose ways and thoughts are far beyond full human comprehension, echoing the sentiments found in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Higher Ways").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **likeness (Hebrew, _dᵉmûwth'_):** From the root meaning "to resemble," this word denotes a similarity in appearance, form, or fashion. In Ezekiel's visions, it frequently describes the *appearance* or *similitude* of divine beings or structures, emphasizing that while they are seen and described, they are not necessarily fully grasped in their true, transcendent essence. Rather, they are presented in a form comprehensible to the prophet's human perception. Here, it stresses the uniformity and shared characteristic of the four wheels, indicating a harmonious and coherent design.
* **wheel (Hebrew, _ʼôwphân'_):** Derived from an unused root signifying "to revolve," this term specifically refers to a wheel. In Ezekiel's unique context, the *ophannim* are not merely mechanical parts but are depicted as living, intelligent components of the divine chariot-throne, intrinsically linked to the cherubim and moving in perfect synchronicity with the divine Spirit. The repetition of "wheel...of a wheel" underscores their unique, complex, and interconnected structure, distinguishing them from ordinary wheels.
* **midst (Hebrew, _tâvek'_):** Meaning "a bisection" or "the center," this word implies an inner position or arrangement. The phrase "in the midst of a wheel" suggests a concentric or perpendicular arrangement, perhaps akin to a gyroscope, where one wheel is nested within another. This arrangement allows for movement in any direction without needing to turn, conveying incredible agility, precision, and the absence of any hindrance to God's movement or purpose. It highlights the dynamic and unconstrained nature of the divine presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [as for] their appearances, they four had one likeness":** This initial clause establishes a fundamental characteristic of the four wheels accompanying the cherubim. Despite their complex nature and the awe-inspiring details of their construction, their external manifestation or "appearances" (mar'eh) were unified. They shared a singular, consistent "likeness" (demuth), indicating a harmonious and coherent design rather than a chaotic jumble of disparate elements. This suggests a profound divine order, purpose, and aesthetic underlying their form, reflecting the perfection of their Creator.
* **"as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel":** This is the most striking and enigmatic part of the description, employing a simile ("as if," Hebrew *ka'asher*) to compare the supernatural reality to something familiar, yet transcending ordinary experience. The imagery of one wheel nested within another, possibly at right angles or concentrically, implies an extraordinary capacity for multi-directional movement without the need for turning. This unique design speaks to the wheels' perfect responsiveness to the divine Spirit, enabling instantaneous movement in any direction the cherubim, and thus God's glory, wished to go. It powerfully symbolizes unhindered divine mobility, omnipresence, and the precise execution of God's sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:10 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Simile** to convey its profound theological truths. The entire vision of the cherubim and wheels is deeply **Symbolic**, representing various facets of God's character and His operations in the world. Specifically, the "wheel in the midst of a wheel" is a powerful **Symbol** of God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and the intricate yet perfectly ordered nature of His divine will. It symbolizes unhindered mobility, absolute control, and the seamless execution of His purposes across all creation, demonstrating that no obstacle can impede His movement or plan. The phrase "as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel" functions as a **Simile**, where the prophet attempts to describe an indescribable, supernatural reality by comparing it to a known, albeit complex, mechanical structure. This use of simile highlights the prophet's struggle to articulate the profound, otherworldly nature of his vision, inviting the reader into a sense of awe and mystery regarding the divine. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the word "wheel" (Hebrew *ʼôwphân*) emphasizes the central role and unique, complex design of these components within the divine chariot-throne.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound imagery of "a wheel in the midst of a wheel" powerfully communicates God's absolute sovereignty and the intricate, yet perfectly ordered, nature of His divine operations. It speaks to a God who is not confined by human limitations, spatial dimensions, or the need for physical reorientation, capable of moving and acting instantaneously in any direction. This vision assures us that even amidst chaos, judgment, or seemingly inexplicable events, God's purposes are being meticulously fulfilled through His unhindered power and wisdom. It underscores the truth that divine providence is not haphazard but a precisely orchestrated dance of events, all moving according to His eternal, unchangeable plan, demonstrating His complete control over all circumstances.

* [Ezekiel 1:15-21](/ezekiel/1-15-21 "Ezekiel 1:15-21 - Description of the Wheels and Their Movement") - Provides the initial, parallel description of the wheels, emphasizing their interconnectedness and movement with the Spirit, reinforcing their divine nature.
* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalm/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence and Unfathomable Knowledge") - Highlights God's omnipresence, reinforcing the idea that there is no place one can flee from His Spirit, echoing the multi-directional and unhindered movement of the wheels.
* [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33-36 "Romans 11:33-36 - The Unsearchable Wisdom and Knowledge of God") - Celebrates the unsearchable depths of God's wisdom, knowledge, and judgments, resonating with the intricate, mysterious, and perfectly designed nature of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of the wheels, though profoundly mysterious and challenging to fully comprehend, offers a powerful anchor for faith in a world that often feels chaotic, unpredictable, and beyond our control. The image of "a wheel in the midst of a wheel" reminds us that God's plans are always in motion, perfectly coordinated, and moving towards His sovereign purpose, even when we cannot discern the full picture or understand the immediate circumstances. This should cultivate a deep and abiding trust in His unseen hand, knowing that He is orchestrating all things—both the mundane and the monumental—for His glory and the ultimate good of those who love Him, even in times of personal upheaval, national crisis, or global uncertainty. It calls us to relinquish our human need for complete understanding and instead rest in the profound wisdom, unhindered power, and unwavering faithfulness of our Creator, whose ways are infinitely higher than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "a wheel in the midst of a wheel" challenge or expand your understanding of God's control and dynamic movement in your personal life and in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most difficult to trust God's unseen, intricate plan, especially when circumstances seem chaotic or contradictory to your expectations?**
* **What does Ezekiel's vision teach you about the nature of God's wisdom and the inherent limits of human comprehension when attempting to grasp divine realities?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "a wheel in the midst of a wheel"?**

Answer: This phrase describes the unique, complex, and interconnected design of the wheels (Hebrew: *ophannim*) accompanying the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision. It suggests a concentric or perpendicular arrangement, perhaps like a gyroscope, allowing the wheels to move instantaneously in any direction—forward, backward, or sideways—without needing to turn or reorient. This symbolizes God's unhindered mobility, omnipresence, and the perfectly coordinated execution of His divine will. It conveys that God's purposes are always in motion, precise, and unstoppable, regardless of perceived obstacles or human limitations, as seen in [Ezekiel 1:17](/ezekiel/1-17 "Ezekiel 1:17 - Wheels Move Without Turning").

**Are these literal wheels, or symbolic?**

Answer: While described with vivid physical characteristics, the "wheels" in Ezekiel's vision are widely understood to be profoundly symbolic, representing aspects of God's divine presence, power, and activity. They are an integral part of a larger, highly symbolic vision of God's throne-chariot (Merkabah). Their intricate design, their connection to the cherubim, and their movement in perfect synchronicity with the Spirit ([Ezekiel 1:20-21](/ezekiel/1-20-21 "Ezekiel 1:20-21 - The Spirit in the Wheels")) point to their function as instruments of divine mobility, sovereignty, and the execution of God's judgments and purposes, rather than literal, physical wheels in the human sense. They convey theological truths about God's nature and actions.

**How does this vision relate to God's glory departing the Temple?**

Answer: Ezekiel 10, including the detailed description of the wheels, is central to the narrative of God's glory departing from the Jerusalem Temple. This departure was a solemn act of judgment due to the people's pervasive idolatry, rebellion, and moral corruption. The dynamic movement of the cherubim and wheels, which bear God's throne, signifies the physical relocation of God's manifest presence from the Temple. The wheels' ability to move in any direction without turning underscores the fact that God's departure is a deliberate, unhindered act of sovereign judgment, not a forced retreat. It emphasizes His absolute control even in the act of withdrawing His presence, preparing the way for the Temple's destruction and the subsequent exile of His people, as explicitly detailed in [Ezekiel 11:22-23](/ezekiel/11-22-23 "Ezekiel 11:22-23 - The Glory of the Lord Departs the City").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound imagery of the "wheel in the midst of a wheel" in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing unhindered divine mobility, sovereign control, and intricate divine design, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the wheels moved in perfect harmony with the Spirit to execute God's will, so too did Christ perfectly embody and enact the divine purpose. He is the visible image of the invisible God, through whom all things were created and by whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The omnipresence and unhindered movement of God, hinted at in the wheels, are fully realized in Christ, who declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's intricate, sovereign plan for redemption, moving with perfect precision to accomplish salvation where human efforts failed. The mystery and awe evoked by Ezekiel's vision are resolved in the Incarnation, where the incomprehensible God became comprehensible in human form, allowing us to draw near to the divine majesty through Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God's power, wisdom, and omnipresent rule, the very center around which all of God's redemptive purposes revolve, making Him the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 1:16

The appearance of the wheels and their work [was] like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work [was] as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

Psalms 97:2

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

Psalms 36:6

Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.