Ezekiel 1:7
And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.
Original Language Analysis
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
1 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
2 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
H3709
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
4 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
5 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
H3709
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
6 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
7 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
עֵ֔גֶל
of a calf's
H5695
עֵ֔גֶל
of a calf's
Strong's:
H5695
Word #:
8 of 12
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
כְּעֵ֖ין
like the colour
H5869
כְּעֵ֖ין
like the colour
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
10 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Revelation 1:15And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.Daniel 10:6His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.Psalms 104:4Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:Ezekiel 1:13As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
Historical Context
Ezekiel received this vision in 593 BC by the river Chebar in Babylon, during the Jewish exile. The cherubim imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern iconography of winged creatures guarding divine thrones, but transforms pagan motifs into vehicles of Yahweh's glory. Bronze (or burnished brass) was highly valued in ancient metallurgy for strength and luster.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the cherubim's unwavering 'straight feet' challenge our tendency toward spiritual wandering and divided devotion?
- What does the use of animal imagery for God's throne guardians teach us about divine transcendence over creation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The living creatures' 'straight feet' and calf-like soles represent stable, unwavering obedience to divine direction. Feet cannot turn aside, showing the angelic beings' single-minded devotion to God's will. The 'brass' (bronze) appearance suggests refined strength and judgment (cf. Rev. 1:15). These cherubim, likely the same as those guarding Eden (Gen. 3:24), display God's holiness and power. Their unusual form emphasizes divine transcendence—God's throne attendants defy natural categories.