Ezekiel 1:8

And [they had] the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

And they had the hands {H3027} of a man {H120} under their wings {H3671} on their four {H702} sides {H7253}; and they four {H702} had their faces {H6440} and their wings {H3671}.

Beneath their wings they had human hands on their four sides. The four of them had faces and wings as follows:

Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings,

And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings thus:

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 1:8 (KJV)

Ezekiel 1:8 continues the prophet Ezekiel's awe-inspiring description of the living creatures he saw in his inaugural vision. This verse provides specific details about the structure and capabilities of these divine beings, emphasizing their unique blend of human and celestial characteristics.

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, which records the prophet's profound vision by the river Chebar in Babylon. Ezekiel, a priest living in exile, is called by God to be a prophet to the Jewish people. His prophetic ministry begins with an elaborate and symbolic vision of God's glory and mobility, manifested through a divine chariot-throne carried by four living creatures. Earlier verses, such as Ezekiel 1:5, introduce these beings, and subsequent verses detail their various features, including their faces, wings, and wheels. Verse 8 specifically focuses on their hidden capabilities and visible features.

Key Themes

  • Divine Capability and Agency: The phrase "the hands of a man under their wings" signifies intelligence, skill, and the ability to perform complex tasks. These are not merely symbolic figures but active agents in God's divine plan, capable of executing His will with precision and purpose. This suggests the beings are not just decorative but functional in their service to God's sovereignty.
  • Hidden Strength and Readiness: The hands are "under their wings," implying that their full capabilities might not always be immediately apparent but are always present and ready for action. This speaks to the efficient and concealed power that supports the divine operations.
  • Unified Purpose and Design: The repetition "they four had their faces and their wings" (which the KJV adds for clarity, drawing from the preceding verses like Ezekiel 1:6) reinforces the uniformity and coordinated nature of these beings. Each creature, despite its distinct features, functions as part of a cohesive unit serving the same divine purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "hands" is yad (Χ™ΦΈΧ“), which commonly refers to a hand but can also denote power, strength, or agency. The term "man" is 'adam (אָדָם), emphasizing humanity. So, "hands of a man" suggests not just physical appendages but the intelligent and purposeful action associated with human capability, elevated to a divine context. This highlights the sophisticated design of these beings, combining elements that speak of both created intelligence and supernatural power.

Related Scriptures

The appearance of "hands" in connection with divine beings or God's work is a recurring motif in scripture. For instance, the cherubim, often identified with these living creatures, are depicted in Genesis 3:24 guarding the way to the Tree of Life, implying active roles. Similarly, the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Exodus 25:20, have outstretched wings, though their hands are not explicitly mentioned in that context. The detailed description of these beings in Ezekiel's vision sets the stage for the revelation of God's glory later in the chapter, culminating in the vision of the likeness of a throne and a figure upon it.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, including the intricate details of verse 8, reassures us of God's meticulous design and infinite wisdom. It reminds us that even the supernatural beings who serve Him are perfectly equipped for their divine assignments. For believers today, this can be an encouragement that God's plans are executed with precision and power, often through means (like the "hidden hands") that are not always obvious to human sight. It underscores the profound truth that God is active, sovereign, and works through His creation with purpose and intelligence, even in the most complex and mysterious ways.

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

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:21 (4 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 10:18 (2 votes)

    Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

  • Ezekiel 8:3 (2 votes)

    And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

  • Ezekiel 10:11 (2 votes)

    When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

  • Ezekiel 10:2 (2 votes)

    And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter [them] over the city. And he went in in my sight.

  • Ezekiel 1:17 (2 votes)

    When they went, they went upon their four sides: [and] they turned not when they went.

  • Ezekiel 10:7 (2 votes)

    And [one] cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that [was] between the cherubims, and took [thereof], and put [it] into the hands of [him that was] clothed with linen: who took [it], and went out.