Ezekiel 1:23
And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
Original Language Analysis
וְתַ֙חַת֙
H8478
וְתַ֙חַת֙
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
1 of 17
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
הָרָקִ֔יעַ
And under the firmament
H7549
הָרָקִ֔יעַ
And under the firmament
Strong's:
H7549
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
כַּנְפֵיהֶ֣ם
were their wings
H3671
כַּנְפֵיהֶ֣ם
were their wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
3 of 17
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
אֲחוֹתָ֑הּ
toward the other
H269
אֲחוֹתָ֑הּ
toward the other
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
7 of 17
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
H376
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
H3680
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
H2007
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
11 of 17
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
H376
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
12 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
H3680
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
H2007
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
Strong's:
H2007
Word #:
15 of 17
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
Historical Context
The parallel to Isaiah's seraphim vision (Isa. 6:2-3) suggests consistent heavenly protocol across prophetic revelations. The covering of bodies before God's throne reflects ancient Near Eastern court protocol—subjects covered themselves before kings. Yet even sinless cherubim cover themselves, emphasizing God's transcendent holiness surpassing human royal authority infinitely.
Questions for Reflection
- If sinless cherubim cover themselves before God, how much more should we approach Him with reverence and humility?
- What does the upward stretch of wings teach us about balancing worship's reverence with eager reaching toward God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The wings 'stretched upward' and 'straight' demonstrate the perpetual readiness and perfect alignment of God's servants toward divine purposes. Two wings covering bodies (parallel to Isaiah 6:2) represents reverence and humility even among sinless beings. The covering suggests recognition of creature limitation before Creator glory. This models worship's proper posture: reaching toward God while acknowledging our unworthiness. Even perfect beings recognize the infinite gulf between Creator and creature.