Ezekiel 1:13
New International Version
The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.

New Living Translation
The living beings looked like bright coals of fire or brilliant torches, and lightning seemed to flash back and forth among them.

English Standard Version
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Berean Standard Bible
In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.

King James Bible
As 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.

New King James Version
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.

New American Standard Bible
In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches moving among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.

NASB 1995
In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.

NASB 1977
In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.

Amplified Bible
Among the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches moving back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.

Christian Standard Bible
The likeness of the living creatures was like the appearance of blazing coals of fire or like torches. Fire was moving back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, with lightning coming out of it.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The form of the living creatures was like the appearance of burning coals of fire and torches. Fire was moving back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, with lightning coming out of it.

American Standard Version
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Contemporary English Version
The creatures were glowing like hot coals, and I saw something like a flaming torch moving back and forth among them. Lightning flashed from the torch every time its flame blazed up.

English Revised Version
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches; it went up and down among the living creatures: and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The living creatures looked like burning coals and torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning came out of the fire.

Good News Translation
Among the creatures there was something that looked like a blazing torch, constantly moving. The fire would blaze up and shoot out flashes of lightning.

International Standard Version
Now, in the midst of the living beings there was something that appeared to glow like coals kindled by a fire, like torches that moved back and forth between the living beings. The fire was dazzling, and lightning flashed from the fire.

Majority Standard Bible
In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.

NET Bible
In the middle of the living beings was something like burning coals of fire or like torches. It moved back and forth among the living beings. It was bright, and lightning was flashing out of the fire.

New Heart English Bible
And in the midst of the living creatures was an appearance of burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Webster's Bible Translation
As 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.

World English Bible
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went up and down among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning went out of the fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearances [are] as coals of fire—burning as the appearance of lamps; it is going up and down between the living creatures, and brightness [is] to the fire, and lightning is going forth out of the fire.

Young's Literal Translation
As to the likeness of the living creatures, their appearances are as coals of fire -- burning as the appearance of lamps; it is going up and down between the living creatures, and brightness is to the fire, and out of the fire is going forth lightning.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance as burning coals of fire, as the appearance of flames going about between the living creatures; and a shining to the fire, and from the fire will go forth lightning.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision dashing in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, with lightning going forth from the fire.

New American Bible
And the appearance of the living creatures seemed like burning coals of fire. Something indeed like torches moved back and forth among the living creatures. The fire gleamed intensely, and from it lightning flashed.

New Revised Standard Version
In the middle of the living creatures there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches moving to and fro among the living creatures; the fire was bright, and lightning issued from the fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of a lamp going to and fro among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the appearance of the beasts was as the appearance of burning fiery coals of fire, and like the appearance of a lamp walking among the beasts, and the fire was shining brightly and lightning was going out from it
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like coals of fire, burning like the appearance of torches; it flashed up and down among the living creatures; and there was brightness to the fire, and out of the fire went forth lightning.And in the midst of the living creatures there was an appearance as of burning coals of fire, as an appearance of lamps turning among the living creatures; and the brightness of fire, and out of the fire came forth lightning.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Four Living Creatures
12Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved. 13In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning.…

Cross References
Revelation 4:5
From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.

Revelation 1:14-15
The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. / His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.

Daniel 10:6
His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Revelation 10:1
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.

Exodus 3:2
There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.

Revelation 19:12
He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.

Isaiah 6:6
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Matthew 17:2
There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.

Acts 2:3
They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

Revelation 8:5
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

Revelation 11:19
Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.

Psalm 104:4
He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.

Revelation 15:8
And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

Hebrews 1:7
Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.”


Treasury of Scripture

As 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.

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.

Genesis 15:17
And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

Psalm 104:4
Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Jump to Previous
Appearance Beings Bright Brightness Burning Coals Creatures Darting Fire Flashing Forth Likeness Midst Moved Moving Something Torches
Jump to Next
Appearance Beings Bright Brightness Burning Coals Creatures Darting Fire Flashing Forth Likeness Midst Moved Moving Something Torches
Ezekiel 1
1. The time of Ezekiel's prophecy at Chebar.
4. His vision of four cherubim;
15. of the four wheels;
26. and of the glory of God.














The appearance of the living creatures
The Hebrew word for "appearance" is "מַרְאֶה" (mar'eh), which signifies a vision or a sight. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, this term underscores the supernatural and awe-inspiring nature of what he is witnessing. The "living creatures" are identified as cherubim in later chapters, representing divine beings that serve as attendants to God's throne. Their appearance is not ordinary but rather a manifestation of divine glory and power, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God.

was like burning coals of fire
The imagery of "burning coals of fire" evokes a sense of intense heat and purity. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fire often symbolized the presence of God, purification, and judgment. The Hebrew word for "coals" is "גַּחֶלֶת" (gachelet), which can also refer to live embers. This description suggests that the living creatures are not only radiant but also agents of God's purifying and consuming power, reflecting His holiness and the transformative nature of His presence.

or like torches
The comparison to "torches" further emphasizes the brilliance and illuminating quality of the living creatures. Torches in the ancient world were sources of light in darkness, symbolizing guidance, revelation, and truth. The Hebrew word "לַפִּיד" (lapid) for "torch" suggests a dynamic and active light, reinforcing the idea that these creatures are bearers of divine revelation and insight, illuminating the path for those who seek God.

Fire moved back and forth among the creatures
The movement of fire "back and forth" among the creatures indicates a dynamic and living presence. Fire in this context is not static but active, symbolizing the ever-present and active nature of God's Spirit. The Hebrew verb "הָלַךְ" (halak) for "moved" conveys a sense of continuous action, suggesting that God's presence is not confined but constantly at work, purifying, energizing, and empowering His creation.

it was bright
The brightness of the fire signifies the glory and majesty of God. The Hebrew word "נֹגַהּ" (nogah) for "bright" implies a radiant and overwhelming light. This brightness is a reflection of God's unapproachable light and holiness, which is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. It serves as a reminder of the divine nature of the vision and the transcendent glory of God that surpasses human understanding.

and lightning flashed out of it
The imagery of "lightning" flashing out of the fire adds an element of power and suddenness. Lightning in the biblical context often symbolizes divine revelation, judgment, and the swift execution of God's will. The Hebrew word "בָּרָק" (barak) for "lightning" suggests a forceful and immediate action, highlighting the authority and sovereignty of God. This element of the vision underscores the idea that God's presence is not only glorious but also powerful and active in the world, executing His divine purposes with precision and might.

(13) Like the appearance of lamps.--The word "and" before this phrase is not in the original, and should be omitted. The words are merely a further explanation. The cherubim were like burning coals of fire, like torches or lightnings. The word "lamps" does not refer to the material, but to the light, and whether in the Hebrew or in its Greek equivalent, is translated by torches (Nahum 2:4; John 18:3),firebrands (Judges 15:4), or lightnings (Exodus 20:18). Ezekiel could find no single word to express his meaning, and has therefore given two, that between them the idea of the fiery brilliancy may be better conveyed.

It went up and down.--" It" refers to the fire. This indescribable fiery appearance went up and down among the living creatures, "bright" in itself, and throwing out coruscations of "lightning."

Verse 13. - Like burning coals of fire, etc. It may not be amiss to note the fact that the phrase throughout the Bible denotes incandescent wood. The nearest approach to its use by Ezekiel is in 2 Samuel 22:9, 13. For "lamps," read, with the Revised Version, "torches." Here the vision of Ezekiel, in which the living creatures were thus incandescent, bathed, as it were, in the fire that played around them, yet not consumed, followed in the path of previous symbols - of the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), of the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:22), of the fire on Sinai (Exodus 19:18), of the "fire of the Lord" (Numbers 11:1-3), and the "fire of God" (2 Kings 1:12). Speaking generally, "fire," as distinct from "light," seems to be the symbol of the power of God as manifested against evil. "Our God is a consuming Fire" (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29). The red light of fire has in it an element of terror which is absent from the stainless white of the eternal glory, or from the sapphire of the visible firmament. Lightning (comp. Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:18; Daniel 10:6; Revelation 4:5; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 11:19; Revelation 16:18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the midst
וּדְמ֨וּת (ū·ḏə·mūṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1823: Resemblance, model, shape, like

of the living creatures
הַחַיּ֜וֹת (ha·ḥay·yō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

was the appearance
מַרְאֵיהֶ֣ם (mar·’ê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

of glowing
אֵ֗שׁ (’êš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

coals
כְּגַחֲלֵי־ (kə·ḡa·ḥă·lê-)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1513: An ember

of fire,
בֹּֽעֲרוֹת֙ (bō·‘ă·rō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 1197: To kindle, consume, to be, brutish

[or]
כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה (kə·mar·’êh)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

of torches.
הַלַּפִּדִ֔ים (hal·lap·pi·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3940: A flambeau, lamp, flame

Fire
לָאֵ֔שׁ (lā·’êš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire

moved back and forth
מִתְהַלֶּ֖כֶת (miṯ·hal·le·ḵeṯ)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

between
בֵּ֣ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

the living creatures;
הַחַיּ֑וֹת (ha·ḥay·yō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

it was bright,
וְנֹ֣גַהּ (wə·nō·ḡah)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5051: Brilliancy

and lightning
בָרָֽק׃ (ḇā·rāq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1300: Lightning, a gleam, a flashing sword

flashed
יוֹצֵ֥א (yō·w·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

out of
וּמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

it.
הָאֵ֖שׁ (hā·’êš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire


Links
Ezekiel 1:13 NIV
Ezekiel 1:13 NLT
Ezekiel 1:13 ESV
Ezekiel 1:13 NASB
Ezekiel 1:13 KJV

Ezekiel 1:13 BibleApps.com
Ezekiel 1:13 Biblia Paralela
Ezekiel 1:13 Chinese Bible
Ezekiel 1:13 French Bible
Ezekiel 1:13 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Ezekiel 1:13 As for the likeness of the living (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 1:12
Top of Page
Top of Page