Ezekiel 10:14

KJV

And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And every one {H259} had four {H702} faces {H6440}: the first {H259} face {H6440} was the face {H6440} of a cherub {H3742}, and the second {H8145} face {H6440} was the face {H6440} of a man {H120}, and the third {H7992} the face {H6440} of a lion {H738}, and the fourth {H7243} the face {H6440} of an eagle {H5404}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every one [of the k'ruvim] had four faces: the first face was the face of a keruv, the second face was the face of a man, the third the face of a lion and the fourth the face of an eagle.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.

American Standard Version

And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:14 offers a precise description of the four distinct faces possessed by each cherub in the prophet's vision, detailing them as the face of a cherub, a man, a lion, and an eagle. This verse is situated within a profound and awe-inspiring account of God's glory departing from the Temple in Jerusalem, a poignant depiction of divine judgment and the impending exile of Israel. The intricate imagery underscores the multifaceted nature of God's attributes and the comprehensive power and wisdom of His celestial attendants, revealing His absolute sovereignty even amidst national crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 10:14 is part of a continuation of the prophet Ezekiel's initial vision of God's glory and the living creatures, first introduced in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory"). In chapter 10, these "living creatures" are explicitly identified as "cherubim" ([Ezekiel 10:1](/ezekiel/10-1 "Ezekiel 10:1 - Cherubim Identified")), clarifying their identity for the reader and reinforcing their role as guardians of God's holiness and throne-bearers. This particular verse refines the description of their faces, notably changing the "ox" face from [Ezekiel 1:10](/ezekiel/1-10 "Ezekiel 1:10 - The Four Faces") to "the face of a cherub," indicating a deeper revelation or a more precise theological identification as the vision progresses towards the departure of God's glory from the Temple ([Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory Departs")). The immediate context involves the command for judgment upon Jerusalem, with the cherubim facilitating the movement of God's presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry took place during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for the Judean people. They had been forcibly removed from their homeland, and the Temple, the physical manifestation of God's presence among them, was under threat and eventually destroyed. In this context of despair and questioning God's faithfulness, Ezekiel's visions served to reassert God's transcendent holiness, His unwavering sovereignty over all nations (including Babylon), and the justice of His judgment against Israel's idolatry and rebellion. The cherubim, familiar from Israelite iconography (e.g., on the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark")), would have been recognized as powerful celestial beings intimately associated with God's throne and presence, making their appearance in this vision particularly significant for a people grappling with the perceived absence of God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Ezekiel's vision, contributes significantly to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Majesty and Glory** of God, emphasizing His incomprehensible nature and the awe-inspiring power of His attendants. The intricate and formidable appearance of the cherubim serves to evoke profound reverence. Secondly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Omnipresence**. Despite the physical removal of His people from Jerusalem, God's presence is not confined to a single location; His throne is mobile, and His control extends universally. The cherubim, as instruments of His will, move according to His command, reinforcing His absolute authority. Thirdly, the distinct faces symbolize the **Comprehensive Attributes of God**, or the characteristics of His divine servants, suggesting that God's power, wisdom, and authority are all-encompassing and perfectly balanced, capable of executing His purposes with intelligence, strength, swiftness, and unwavering resolve.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faces (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, this word literally means "the face (as the part that turns)," but carries a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative, including presence, countenance, or even surface. In this context, it denotes the distinct visages of the cherubim, each representing a specific aspect of their being or the divine attributes they reflect. The repetition of "face" emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of each form.
* **cherub (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** From H3742, referring to an "imaginary figure" or celestial being. This term explicitly identifies the living creatures of Ezekiel 1, clarifying their nature. Cherubim are consistently depicted in Scripture as guardians of sacred space (e.g., [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard Eden")) and attendants to God's throne, signifying their role in upholding divine holiness and executing God's will.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** From H120, meaning "a human being." This face represents intelligence, reason, wisdom, and the moral aspect of divine governance. It suggests God's interaction with creation, particularly humanity, involves rationality and discernment.
* **eagle (Hebrew, _nesher'_):** From H5404, referring to "the eagle (or other large bird of prey)." This face symbolizes swiftness, far-sightedness, transcendence, and sovereign dominion. The eagle's ability to survey vast distances from a high vantage point speaks to God's omniscience and His ability to act decisively and comprehensively across all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every one had four faces:"** This opening clause establishes the common characteristic of all the cherubim in the vision – each possesses a multifaceted appearance, emphasizing their complex and awe-inspiring nature. The number "four" often symbolizes universality or completeness in biblical numerology.
* **"the first face was the face of a cherub,"** This is the most significant clarification from Ezekiel 1, where the first face was described as that of an "ox." Here, the prophet explicitly identifies it as "the face of a cherub," which some scholars interpret as the primary, defining face of the cherubim, or perhaps a more precise theological term for what was previously described functionally as an ox (representing strength and service).
* **"and the second face was the face of a man,"** This face signifies intelligence, wisdom, and moral discernment. It suggests that God's actions and the service of His attendants are characterized by reason and understanding, not arbitrary power.
* **"and the third the face of a lion,"** The lion, a symbol of strength, majesty, and royalty, points to God's sovereign power, courage, and kingship. It conveys the unyielding authority and might inherent in the divine presence.
* **"and the fourth the face of an eagle."** The eagle, known for its swiftness, keen sight, and ability to soar to great heights, represents transcendence, far-sightedness, and sovereign dominion. It speaks to God's omnipresence, His ability to see all, and His swift execution of justice and purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:14 is rich in **Symbolism**, where each animal face (cherub/ox, man, lion, eagle) represents distinct attributes of God or the comprehensive nature of His divine attendants. The **Imagery** is vivid and powerful, creating a mental picture of formidable, multi-faceted beings that evoke awe and reverence. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the face of a..." serves to emphasize the distinctness of each visage while simultaneously uniting them as components of a single, complex being. This use of repetition, combined with the detailed enumeration of the faces, contributes to the overall sense of divine order, precision, and comprehensive power at work in the vision. The description also employs **Merism**, where the listing of distinct yet complementary parts (the four faces) is used to convey a sense of completeness and totality regarding the attributes of God's glory and the beings who bear His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of the cherubim's faces in Ezekiel 10:14 is not merely an artistic flourish but a profound theological statement about the multifaceted nature of God's character and the comprehensive scope of His divine activity. These faces collectively symbolize God's attributes: the strength and steadfastness (cherub/ox), the intelligence and wisdom (man), the regal authority and courage (lion), and the transcendent sovereignty and swiftness (eagle). This imagery assures a people facing exile that their God is not limited or diminished, but rather possesses all power, wisdom, and authority necessary to execute His will, whether in judgment or in restoration. The vision underscores that God's presence, though seemingly departing from the Temple, remains universally sovereign and active, moving with purpose and power throughout creation.

* [Ezekiel 1:10](/ezekiel/1-10 "Ezekiel 1:10 - The Four Faces of the Living Creatures")
* [Revelation 4:7](/revelation/4-7 "Revelation 4:7 - The Four Living Creatures Around the Throne")
* [Psalm 103:20](/psalm/103-20 "Psalm 103:20 - Angels Obeying God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, with their four distinct faces, offers a powerful invitation to deepen our understanding and awe of God. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, this imagery reminds us that the God we worship is not one-dimensional but possesses a comprehensive array of perfections: He is wise and discerning, powerful and majestic, swift and transcendent, steadfast and serving. This vision encourages us to cultivate a holistic reverence for God, acknowledging His diverse attributes in our worship and daily lives. It calls us to trust in His absolute sovereignty, finding comfort in the knowledge that a God of such comprehensive power and wisdom is in complete control, even when our circumstances seem overwhelming or uncertain. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider how we, as His image-bearers, might reflect these divine characteristics in our own lives—exercising wisdom, demonstrating strength tempered with humility, acting with courage, and serving with steadfastness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the multifaceted description of the cherubim's faces deepen your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's comprehensive sovereignty, as depicted by the cherubim?**
* **How can reflecting on God's wisdom, power, majesty, and transcendence impact your daily walk and worship?**
* **What does the shift from "ox" to "cherub" for the first face suggest about the progressive revelation of God's truth?**

### FAQ

**Why are the faces of the cherubim described differently in Ezekiel 10:14 compared to Ezekiel 1:10?**

Answer: In [Ezekiel 1:10](/ezekiel/1-10 "Ezekiel 1:10 - The Faces of the Living Creatures"), the first face is described as an "ox," whereas in [Ezekiel 10:14](/ezekiel/10-14 "Ezekiel 10:14 - The Faces of the Cherubim"), it is explicitly called "the face of a cherub." This change is generally understood as a clarification or a more precise theological identification rather than a contradiction. Scholars suggest several reasons: 1) The "ox" face in chapter 1 may have been a specific form or type of cherubic face, and by chapter 10, Ezekiel is given a clearer understanding of the creatures' identity. 2) The "face of a cherub" could be the cherub's *own* distinctive face, which, like the ox, symbolizes strength and service. 3) It might reflect the progressive nature of revelation, where later in the vision, the prophet is given more direct and explicit terminology. The cherubim are consistent in their role and overall appearance, with this detail providing greater specificity.

**What do the four faces (cherub/ox, man, lion, eagle) symbolize?**

Answer: The four faces are rich in symbolism, collectively representing the comprehensive attributes of God and the perfection of His divine attendants. The **cherub/ox** (strength, steadfastness, service, labor) signifies unwavering power and dedication. The **man** (intelligence, reason, wisdom, moral discernment) points to God's rational and ethical governance. The **lion** (strength, majesty, royalty, courage) speaks of God's sovereign authority and kingship. The **eagle** (swiftness, far-sightedness, transcendence, sovereign dominion) represents God's omnipresence, omniscience, and ability to act decisively from a transcendent perspective. Together, they convey God's omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence – a complete understanding of His power, wisdom, and authority over all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The awe-inspiring vision of the cherubim in Ezekiel 10:14, with their multifaceted faces, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the cherubim reflect the comprehensive attributes of God, Christ Himself is the perfect embodiment of these divine perfections. He is the ultimate "face of a man," fully human yet without sin, demonstrating perfect wisdom and moral discernment ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom")). As the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), He embodies divine strength, majesty, and kingly authority, triumphing over sin and death. His ascension and sovereign rule over all creation echo the eagle's transcendent dominion and far-sightedness, for He sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us and governing all things ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ Upholds All Things")). Furthermore, the cherub's symbolism of strength and service points to Christ, who, though God, "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility")), ultimately serving humanity through His atoning sacrifice. Thus, the comprehensive glory and power revealed in Ezekiel's vision are perfectly and personally manifested in Jesus, the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Christ, Creator and Sustainer")).

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

Revelation 4:7

And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

1 Kings 7:36

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

Ezekiel 10:21

Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings.

1 Kings 7:29

And on the borders that [were] between the ledges [were] lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges [there was] a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen [were] certain additions made of thin work.

Ezekiel 1:6

And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

Ezekiel 1:10

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.