Ezekiel 10:1
New International Version
I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of lapis lazuli above the vault that was over the heads of the cherubim.

New Living Translation
In my vision I saw what appeared to be a throne of blue lapis lazuli above the crystal surface over the heads of the cherubim.

English Standard Version
Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.

Berean Standard Bible
And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And I looked, and there in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim, there appeared something like a sapphire stone, having the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

New American Standard Bible
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them.

NASB 1995
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them.

NASB 1977
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance in the likeness of a throne, appeared above them.

Amplified Bible
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse (firmament) that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared something [glorious and brilliant] above them looking like a [huge] sapphire stone, formed to resemble a throne.

Christian Standard Bible
Then I looked, and there above the expanse over the heads of the cherubim was something like a throne with the appearance of lapis lazuli.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then I looked, and there above the expanse over the heads of the cherubim was something like sapphire stone resembling the shape of a throne that appeared above them.

American Standard Version
Then I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Contemporary English Version
I saw the dome that was above the four winged creatures, and on it was the sapphire throne.

English Revised Version
Then I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim, there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As I looked at the dome over the heads of the angels, I saw something that looked like a throne made of sapphire.

Good News Translation
I looked at the dome over the heads of the living creatures and above them was something that seemed to be a throne made of sapphire.

International Standard Version
As I continued to watch, there on the expanse above the heads of the cherubim was a massive sapphire stone that resembled a throne in form and appearance.

Majority Standard Bible
And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.

NET Bible
As I watched, I saw on the platform above the top of the cherubim something like a sapphire, resembling the shape of a throne, appearing above them.

New Heart English Bible
Then I looked, and saw, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

World English Bible
Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I look, and behold, on the expanse that [is] above the head of the cherubim, as a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne, He has been seen over them.

Young's Literal Translation
And I look, and lo, on the expanse that is above the head of the cherubs, as a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne, He hath been seen over them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall see, and behold, to the which is over the head of the cherubs, as a stone of sapphire, as the vision of the likeness of a throne was seen over them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I saw, and behold, in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubim, there appeared above them something like the sapphire stone, with the sight of the likeness of a throne.

New American Bible
Then I looked and there above the firmament over the heads of the cherubim was something like a sapphire, something that looked like a throne.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I looked, and above the dome that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in form resembling a throne.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim there appeared over them something with the appearance of a sapphire stone, and the form of a throne.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I saw the Tabernacle above the head of the Cherubim as the appearance of stone of sapphire, and like the appearance of the form of a throne above them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then I looked, and, behold, upon the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim, there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then I looked, and, behold, over the firmament that was above the head of the cherubs there was a likeness of a throne over them, as a sapphire stone.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Glory Exits the Temple
1And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire. 2And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in.…

Cross References
Revelation 4:6-8
And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Isaiah 6:1-4
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. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Revelation 1:15
His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters.

Daniel 7:9-10
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. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Revelation 15:5-8
After this I looked, and the temple—the tabernacle of the Testimony—was opened in heaven. / And out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in clean and bright linen and girded with golden sashes around their chests. / Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. ...

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.

Revelation 21:18
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.

Revelation 19:4
And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying: “Amen, Hallelujah!”

Isaiah 66:15
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.

Revelation 8:3-5
Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. / 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.

Psalm 104:3
laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.

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.

2 Chronicles 18:18
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left.

Revelation 5:11-12
Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. / In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”


Treasury of Scripture

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

I looked

Isaiah 21:8,9
And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights: …

Habakkuk 2:1
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

in the

Ezekiel 1:22-26
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…

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.

Revelation 4:2,3
And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne…

above

Ezekiel 10:20
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

Ezekiel 11:22
Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

Psalm 18:10
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

as the

Ezekiel 1:22,26
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…

Genesis 18:2,17,22,31
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, …

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

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Appearance Appeared Arch Cherubim Cherubims Cherubs Expanse Firmament Form Head Heads King's Likeness Ones Resembling Sapphire Seat Seemed Something Stone Throne Winged
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Ezekiel 10
1. The vision of the coals of fire, to be scattered over the city
8. The vision of the cherubim














Then I looked
The phrase "Then I looked" indicates a moment of divine revelation. Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, is granted a vision from God. The Hebrew root for "looked" is "ra'ah," which means to see or perceive. This is not merely a physical act of seeing but a spiritual insight granted by God. It emphasizes the importance of being spiritually attentive to God's revelations.

and saw above the expanse
The "expanse" refers to the firmament or the sky, a concept introduced in Genesis 1:6-8. In Ezekiel's vision, this expanse is a boundary between the earthly and the divine realms. The Hebrew word "raqia" is used here, suggesting a vast, stretched-out space. This imagery underscores the transcendence and majesty of God, who dwells above the heavens.

that was over the heads of the cherubim
Cherubim are angelic beings associated with the presence and glory of God. In the Hebrew Bible, they are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). The positioning of the expanse over their heads signifies their role as intermediaries between God and humanity, highlighting the holiness and separateness of God.

something like a throne
The "throne" symbolizes authority, sovereignty, and divine rule. In Hebrew, the word "kisse" is used, which denotes a seat of honor and power. This imagery is consistent with other biblical visions of God's throne, such as in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over all creation and His rightful place as King.

of sapphire
Sapphire, a precious gemstone, is often associated with beauty, purity, and heavenly glory. The Hebrew word "sappir" is used, which can refer to a brilliant blue stone. This description of the throne emphasizes the splendor and holiness of God's presence. In Exodus 24:10, a similar vision is described, where the pavement under God's feet is like sapphire, reinforcing the connection between divine revelation and heavenly majesty.

(1) As it were a sapphire stone.--Comp. Ezekiel 1:26. No mention is here made of a being upon the throne, but it is implied by the "he spake" of the following verse. The word cherubim corresponds throughout this chapter to the living creatures of Ezekiel 1.

Verses 1, 2. - Then I looked, etc. There follows on the work of judgment another theophany, like that of Ezekiel 1:15-28. In the "expanse," or firmament, like the "terrible crystal," there is seen as before the likeness of a sapphire throne (see Ezekiel 1:26, note). The form of the man who is the manifestation of Jehovah is implied, though not named. It is he who speaks to the captain of the six ministers of vengeance, himself the seventh, and bids him go in beneath the "whirling wheels" that are beneath the cherub (collective singular, as in Ezekiel 9:9), and fill his hands with coals of fire (Ezekiel 1:13), and scatter them over the city, as the symbol of its doom. We are reminded of Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:6); but there the work of the fire was to purify, here simply to destroy. Vers 3, 4. - Now the cherubim stood, etc. The position of the cherubim is defined, with a vivid distinctness of detail, which once more reminds us of Dante. They had been standing on the right, i.e. the southern side of the sanctuary. What follows is probably a reproduction of the change of positions described in Ezekiel 9:3, and the verbs should be taken, therefore, as pluperfects. The cloud of glory, as in 1 Kings 8:10, 11 and Isaiah 6:1, 2, the Shechinah, that was the taken of the Divine presence, filled the court, but the glory itself had moved to the threshold at the first stage of its departure.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And I looked
וָאֶרְאֶ֗ה (wā·’er·’eh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

and saw
וְהִנֵּ֤ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

above
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

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

the heads
רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the cherubim,
הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים (hak·kə·ru·ḇîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3742: Probably an order of angelic beings

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

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


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 10:1 Then I looked and see (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 9:11
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