Ezekiel 1:26
New International Version
Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.

New Living Translation
Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man.

English Standard Version
And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.

Berean Standard Bible
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.

King James Bible
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

New King James Version
And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.

New American Standard Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.

NASB 1995
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.

NASB 1977
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something in the likeness of a throne, like sapphire stone in appearance; and upon the likeness of the throne, high up, was the likeness of one with the appearance of a man.

Amplified Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, it appeared like [it was made of] sapphire or lapis lazuli; and [seated] on that which looked like a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.

Christian Standard Bible
Something like a throne with the appearance of lapis lazuli was above the expanse over their heads. On the throne, high above, was someone who looked like a human.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The shape of a throne with the appearance of sapphire stone was above the expanse. There was a form with the appearance of a human on the throne high above.

American Standard Version
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

Contemporary English Version
I then saw what looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure in the shape of a human.

English Revised Version
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Above the dome over their heads was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire. On the throne was a figure that looked like a human.

Good News Translation
Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure that looked like a human being.

International Standard Version
From above the canopy that was spread out over their heads, there appeared to be something reminiscent of a throne, resembling sapphire in form. There was the likeness of the appearance of a human being seated on the likeness of the throne high above.

Majority Standard Bible
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.

NET Bible
Above the platform over their heads was something like a sapphire shaped like a throne. High above on the throne was a form that appeared to be a man.

New Heart English Bible
Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.

Webster's Bible Translation
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

World English Bible
Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And above the expanse that [is] over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, [is] the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man on it from above.

Young's Literal Translation
And above the expanse that is over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, is the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man upon it from above.

Smith's Literal Translation
And from above to the expansion which was over their head as the appearance of a sapphire stone: the likeness of a throne, and over the likeness of a throne, the likeness as the appearance of a man upon it from above.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And above the firmament that was over their heads, was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of the sapphire stone, and upon the likeness of the throne, was a likeness as of the appearance of a man above upon it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And above the firmament, which was suspended over their heads, there was the likeness of a throne, with the appearance of the sapphire stone. And over the likeness of the throne, there was a likeness with the appearance of a man above it.

New American Bible
Above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne that looked like sapphire; and upon this likeness of a throne was seated, up above, a figure that looked like a human being.

New Revised Standard Version
And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a sapphire stone, as the likeness of a throne; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And above the tabernacle, above their heads, there was as it were the appearance of stone of sapphire and as the likeness of a throne, and upon the form of the throne was as it were the likeness and the appearance of a son of man upon it from above
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
that was over their head, there was as the appearance of a sapphire stone, and the likeness of a throne upon it: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as an appearance of a man above.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Divine Glory
25And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered. 26Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. 27From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.…

Cross References
Revelation 4:2-3
At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. / The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.

Revelation 1:13-16
and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest. / 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 7:9
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

Isaiah 6:1
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple.

Revelation 5:6-7
Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. / And He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the One seated on the throne.

Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / 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. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...

Daniel 10:5-6
I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. / 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.

Exodus 24:10
and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.

Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?

Psalm 47:8
God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.

Revelation 21:5
And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.”

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 7:55-56
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 1:15-17
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.


Treasury of Scripture

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above on it.

And above.

Ezekiel 1:22
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Ezekiel 10:1
Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

over

Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Ephesians 1:21,22
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: …

Philippians 2:9,10
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: …

the likeness of a

Psalm 45:6
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Isaiah 6:1
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Daniel 7:9,10,14
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire…

as the

Exodus 24:10
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

Isaiah 54:11
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

the appearance of a man

Genesis 32:24-30
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day…

Joshua 5:13-15
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? …

Joshua 6:1,2
Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in…

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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.














Above the expanse over their heads
This phrase indicates a position of supreme authority and transcendence. The "expanse" (Hebrew: "raqia") is reminiscent of the firmament described in Genesis 1:6-8, which separates the waters above from the waters below. In Ezekiel's vision, this expanse serves as a boundary between the divine and the earthly realms, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the separation between the holy and the profane. The imagery suggests that what Ezekiel is witnessing is not of this world, but a divine revelation from above, reinforcing the idea of God's omnipotence and omnipresence.

was the likeness of a throne
The "likeness" (Hebrew: "demut") suggests a representation or a vision rather than a physical object. This throne symbolizes divine authority and kingship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, thrones were symbols of power and judgment, often associated with deities and kings. The throne in Ezekiel's vision signifies God's ultimate rule over all creation, a central theme in the prophetic literature that underscores God's rightful place as the sovereign ruler.

in appearance like a sapphire
The "sapphire" (Hebrew: "sappir") is a precious stone known for its deep blue color, often associated with the heavens and divine beauty. In the ancient world, sapphires were considered symbols of purity and wisdom. The use of sapphire to describe the throne's appearance highlights the majesty and splendor of God's presence. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence, reminding the reader of the divine glory that surpasses human understanding.

and on the throne high above
The phrase "high above" emphasizes the exalted position of the throne, reinforcing the concept of God's supreme authority. In biblical literature, height is often associated with greatness and power. This imagery serves to remind the reader of God's elevated status above all earthly powers and principalities, a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic writings as a call to recognize and submit to God's ultimate authority.

was a figure like that of a man
The "figure like that of a man" (Hebrew: "adam") suggests a theophany, a visible manifestation of God in a form that is relatable to human beings. This anthropomorphic representation does not imply that God is human but rather that He reveals Himself in a way that can be comprehended by the prophet. This vision of God in human-like form foreshadows the incarnation of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire to relate to humanity and His willingness to reveal Himself to His people in ways they can understand.

(26) As the appearance of a sapphire stone.--Comp. Exodus 24:10, where the same description is applied to "the pavement under His feet" as here and in Ezekiel 10:1 to his throne, in either case indicating the intense clearness of the heavenly blue. The constant repetition of the words "likeness" and "appearance" is very striking throughout this vision. They occur five times in this verse, and four times in each of the two following. The prophet thus labours to make it plain that what he saw was not the realities of existing things, but certain symbolic representations given for the purpose of producing their fitting impression upon the mind. It is especially important to remember this in connection with "the likeness as the appearance of a man" "upon the likeness of the throne." It was not the Divine Being Himself whom Ezekiel saw, but certain appearances to impress upon him the character and attributes of Him whom "no man hath seen, nor can see."

The appearance of a man--As in the case of the cherubim the form of a man, as the highest known in nature, was made the groundwork to which all their peculiarities were attached, so here, in rising to something still higher, the same basis must be retained in the impossibility of anything better; only that which is added is more vague, as being incapable of any definite description, Yet possibly there may be even her a hint at the great truth of the incarnation. (Comp. Daniel 7:13; Revelation 1:13.)

Verse 26. - The likeness of a throne. The greatest glory was kept to the last. High above the azure expanse was the likeness of a throne (we note the constant recurrence of the word "likeness," nine times in this one chapter, as indicating Ezekiel's consciousness of the vision character of what he saw). The idea of the throne of the great King first appears in 1 Kings 22:19, is frequent in the Psalms (Psalm 9:4, 7; Psalm 11:4; Psalm 45:6), notably in Isaiah 6:1. In the visions of St John (Revelation 1:4, and passim) it is the dominant, central object throughout. As the appearance of a sapphire stone. The intense blue of the sapphire has made it in all ages the natural symbol of a heavenly purity. Ezekiel's vision reproduces that of Exodus 24:10. It appears among the gems of the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:18; Exodus 39:11) and in the "foundations" of Revelation 21:19. The description of the sapphire given by Pliny ('Hist. Nat.,' 37:9), as "never transparent, and refulgent with spots of gold," suggests lapis lazuli. As used in the Old Testament, however, the word probably means the sapphire of modern jewellery (Braun, 'De Vest. Sacerd.,' p. 630, edit. 1680). A likeness as of the appearance of a man. The throne, the symbol of the sovereignty of God over the "living creatures" and the "wheels," over the forces and the laws which they represented, is not empty. There was "a likeness as of the appearance" (we note again the accumulation of words intended to guard against the thought that what was seen was more than an approximate symbolism) "of a man." In that likeness there was the witness that we can only think of God by reasoning upward from all that is highest in our conceptions of human greatness and goodness, and thinking of them as free from their present limitations. Man's highest thought of God is that it is "a face like his face that receives him." He finds a humanity in the Godhead. It is noticeable that this preluding anticipation of the thought of the Incarnation, not recognized in the vision of Moses (Exodus 24:10) or Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), appears prominently in the two prophets of the exile - here and in the memorable Messianic vision of "One like unto the ['a,' Revised Version] Son of man" in Daniel 7:13. What might have been perilously anthropomorphic in the early stages of the growth of Israel, when men tended to identify the symbol with the thing symbolized, was now made subservient to the truth which underlies even anthropomorphic thought (comp. Revelation 1:13). Irenaeus ('Adv. Haer.,' 4:20. 10), it may be noted, dwells on the fact that Ezekiel uses the words, "'haec visio similitudmis gloriae Domini,' ne quis putaret forte eum in his proprie vidisse Deum."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Above
וּמִמַּ֗עַל (ū·mim·ma·‘al)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 4605: The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top

the expanse
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙ (lā·rā·qî·a‘)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7549: An expanse, the firmament, visible arch of the sky

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

their heads
רֹאשָׁ֔ם (rō·šām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7218: The head

[was]
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the likeness
דְּמ֣וּת (də·mūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1823: Resemblance, model, shape, like

of a throne
כִּסֵּ֑א (kis·sê)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

with the appearance
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה (kə·mar·’êh)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

of sapphire,
סַפִּ֖יר (sap·pîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5601: A gem, the sapphire

[and] on the throne
הַכִּסֵּ֔א (hak·kis·sê)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3678: Seat of honor, throne

high above
עָלָ֖יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

was a figure
דְּמ֣וּת (də·mūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1823: Resemblance, model, shape, like

like that
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה (kə·mar·’êh)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

of a man.
אָדָ֛ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 1:26 Above the expanse that was over their (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 1:25
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