Ezekiel 1:11 - Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezekiel 1:11" mean?
Ezekiel 1:11 is part of a much larger and highly symbolic vision the prophet Ezekiel receives. To understand this verse, we need to consider the broader context: Ezekiel is seeing a vision of God's throne-chariot, which includes four living creatures (cherubim).
Here's a breakdown of the meaning of Ezekiel 1:11:
"Such were their faces": This refers back to the preceding verses (Ezekiel 1:5-10) where the creatures' appearances are described in detail. Each creature had four faces: a human face, a lion's face, an ox's face, and an eagle's face. These faces are symbolic of the cherubim's power, wisdom, strength, and swiftness, respectively, embodying the attributes of God's creation.
"Their wings were spread out above": This describes the position of the cherubim's wings. The fact that they are "spread out above" suggests protection and covering. It also emphasizes their readiness to move and fulfill God's commands. The wings reaching upwards may also symbolize a connection to the heavenly realm.
"Two wings of each one touched another": This detail is crucial. The wings touching each other create a sense of unity and interconnectedness between the creatures. It emphasizes that they are working in perfect harmony and unison to carry out God's will. It also suggests a shared purpose and a common devotion to serving God. The unity expressed in the touching wings also might symbolize the covenant or bond between the cherubim and God, or between each other in their service to God.
"and two covered their bodies": This suggests modesty and reverence. The act of covering their bodies indicates that even these powerful creatures acknowledge the holiness and glory of God. It signifies humility and a recognition of their subordinate position before the divine. It also underscores the idea that some aspects of God's being are inherently beyond human comprehension or scrutiny.
Symbolic Interpretations
The verse is rich in symbolism, and various interpretations exist:
Divine Attributes: The wings can represent God's power, protection, and omnipresence.
Harmony and Unity: The touching wings signify the unity and coordinated action of God's servants or the different aspects of God's character working in perfect harmony.
Reverence and Humility: Covering the bodies represents reverence for God's holiness and the recognition of His supreme authority.
Divine Mobility: The spread wings and readiness to move suggest God's active involvement in the world and His ability to act swiftly and decisively.
Overall Meaning
Ezekiel 1:11 contributes to the overall depiction of God's majesty, power, and holiness. The cherubim are not simply creatures; they are symbolic representations of God's attributes and agents of His will. The verse emphasizes their unity, reverence, and readiness to serve God's purposes. The vision as a whole is meant to communicate God's sovereignty and His ability to act in the world, even in the midst of chaos and exile.
Ezekiel 1:11 - Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies.
What does "Ezekiel 1:11" mean?
Ezekiel 1:11 is part of a much larger and highly symbolic vision the prophet Ezekiel receives. To understand this verse, we need to consider the broader context: Ezekiel is seeing a vision of God's throne-chariot, which includes four living creatures (cherubim).
Here's a breakdown of the meaning of Ezekiel 1:11:
"Such were their faces": This refers back to the preceding verses (Ezekiel 1:5-10) where the creatures' appearances are described in detail. Each creature had four faces: a human face, a lion's face, an ox's face, and an eagle's face. These faces are symbolic of the cherubim's power, wisdom, strength, and swiftness, respectively, embodying the attributes of God's creation.
"Their wings were spread out above": This describes the position of the cherubim's wings. The fact that they are "spread out above" suggests protection and covering. It also emphasizes their readiness to move and fulfill God's commands. The wings reaching upwards may also symbolize a connection to the heavenly realm.
"Two wings of each one touched another": This detail is crucial. The wings touching each other create a sense of unity and interconnectedness between the creatures. It emphasizes that they are working in perfect harmony and unison to carry out God's will. It also suggests a shared purpose and a common devotion to serving God. The unity expressed in the touching wings also might symbolize the covenant or bond between the cherubim and God, or between each other in their service to God.
"and two covered their bodies": This suggests modesty and reverence. The act of covering their bodies indicates that even these powerful creatures acknowledge the holiness and glory of God. It signifies humility and a recognition of their subordinate position before the divine. It also underscores the idea that some aspects of God's being are inherently beyond human comprehension or scrutiny.
Symbolic Interpretations
The verse is rich in symbolism, and various interpretations exist:
Divine Attributes: The wings can represent God's power, protection, and omnipresence.
Harmony and Unity: The touching wings signify the unity and coordinated action of God's servants or the different aspects of God's character working in perfect harmony.
Reverence and Humility: Covering the bodies represents reverence for God's holiness and the recognition of His supreme authority.
Divine Mobility: The spread wings and readiness to move suggest God's active involvement in the world and His ability to act swiftly and decisively.
Overall Meaning
Ezekiel 1:11 contributes to the overall depiction of God's majesty, power, and holiness. The cherubim are not simply creatures; they are symbolic representations of God's attributes and agents of His will. The verse emphasizes their unity, reverence, and readiness to serve God's purposes. The vision as a whole is meant to communicate God's sovereignty and His ability to act in the world, even in the midst of chaos and exile.