Ezekiel 10:11
New International Version
As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the cherubim faced; the wheels did not turn about as the cherubim went. The cherubim went in whatever direction the head faced, without turning as they went.

New Living Translation
The cherubim could move in any of the four directions they faced, without turning as they moved. They went straight in the direction they faced, never turning aside.

English Standard Version
When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went, but in whatever direction the front wheel faced, the others followed without turning as they went.

Berean Standard Bible
When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved.

King James Bible
When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

New King James Version
When they went, they went toward any of their four directions; they did not turn aside when they went, but followed in the direction the head was facing. They did not turn aside when they went.

New American Standard Bible
When they moved, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they followed in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went.

NASB 1995
When they moved, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they followed in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went.

NASB 1977
When they moved, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they followed in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went.

Legacy Standard Bible
As they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they went in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went.

Amplified Bible
When they moved, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they followed in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went.

Christian Standard Bible
When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. But wherever the head faced, they would go in that direction, without pivoting as they went.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. But wherever the head faced, they would go in that direction, without pivoting as they went.

American Standard Version
When they went, they went in their four directions: they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

Contemporary English Version
so that they could move in any direction without turning. The wheels moved together whenever the creatures moved.

English Revised Version
When they went, they went upon their four sides: they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whenever the angels moved, they moved in any of the four directions without turning as they moved. They always moved in the direction they faced without turning as they moved.

Good News Translation
When the creatures moved, they could go in any direction without turning. They all moved together in the direction they wanted to go, without having to turn around.

International Standard Version
Whenever they moved, they proceeded without turning around as they moved, but they followed in the direction where their head was facing, without looking around as they moved.

Majority Standard Bible
When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved.

NET Bible
When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions they faced without turning as they moved; in the direction the head would turn they would follow without turning as they moved,

New Heart English Bible
When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn't turn as they went.

Webster's Bible Translation
When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked, they followed it; they turned not as they went.

World English Bible
When they went, they went in their four directions. They didn’t turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it. They didn’t turn as they went.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
In their going, they go on their four sides; they do not turn around in their going, for to the place to where the head turns, they go after it, they do not turn around in their going.

Young's Literal Translation
In their going, on their four sides they go; they turn not round in their going, for to the place whither the head turneth, after it they go, they turn not round in their going.

Smith's Literal Translation
In their going, upon their four sides they will go; they will not turn in their going, for to the place where the head will turn after it will they go; they will not turn in their going.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when they went, they went by four ways: and they turned not when they went: but to the place whither they first turned, the rest also followed, and did not turn back.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they went, they advanced in four parts. And they did not turn as they went. Instead, to the place to which they were inclined to go at first, the rest also followed, and they did not turn back.

New American Bible
When they moved, they went in any of the four directions without veering as they moved; in whatever direction the first cherub faced, the others followed without veering as they went.

New Revised Standard Version
When they moved, they moved in any of the four directions without veering as they moved; but in whatever direction the front wheel faced, the others followed without veering as they moved.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When they went, they went upon four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the first one went they followed it, they turned not as they went.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when they went out, they were going on their four sides, and they were not turning, but to the place where their Leader was going, after him they were going on, and were not turning
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
When they went, they went toward their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When they went, they went on their four sides; they turned not when they went, for whichever way the first head looked, they went; and they turned not as they went.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Glory Exits the Temple
10As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel. 11When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved. 12Their entire bodies, including their backs, hands, and wings, were full of eyes all around, as were their four wheels.…

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!”

Ezekiel 1:12-14
Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved. / 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. / The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning.

Isaiah 6:2-3
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 1:14-16
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. / He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

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 19:11-14
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. ...

Zechariah 6:1-8
And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. / The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, / the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. ...

Revelation 5:6-8
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. / When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Isaiah 1:15-17
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. / Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”

Revelation 15:7-8
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. / 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.

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.

Revelation 6:1-8
Then I watched as the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” / So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. / And when the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” ...

Isaiah 66:15-16
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. / For by fire and by His sword, the LORD will execute judgment on all flesh, and many will be slain by the LORD.

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.

2 Kings 2:11-12
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. / As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.


Treasury of Scripture

When they went, they went on their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

they went upon

Ezekiel 10:22
And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

Ezekiel 1:17
When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.

whither

Ezekiel 1:20
Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Matthew 8:8-10
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed…

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Cherubim Direction Directions Faced Followed Four Front Head Moved Moving Others Round Sides Turn Turned Turneth Turning Whatever Wheel Whither
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Cherubim Direction Directions Faced Followed Four Front Head Moved Moving Others Round Sides Turn Turned Turneth Turning Whatever Wheel Whither
Ezekiel 10
1. The vision of the coals of fire, to be scattered over the city
8. The vision of the cherubim














As they moved
The Hebrew root for "moved" is "halak," which means to walk or go. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe the movement of God's people or His divine presence. In this context, it signifies the purposeful and directed movement of the cherubim, symbolizing God's active and sovereign presence. The movement is not random but intentional, reflecting God's omnipresence and omnipotence.

they would go in any of the four directions
The phrase "four directions" is significant in biblical symbolism, representing completeness and universality. The number four often symbolizes the entirety of the earth (north, south, east, west). This indicates that God's presence and authority extend to all corners of the earth. The cherubim's ability to move in any direction without hindrance underscores the boundless reach of God's will and His ability to act anywhere and at any time.

without turning as they moved
The repetition of "without turning" emphasizes the unwavering and straightforward nature of the cherubim's movement. In Hebrew, the word "panah" means to turn or face. The lack of turning suggests a directness and focus in their mission, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His steadfast purpose. It also implies that God's plans are executed with precision and without deviation.

Wherever the head faced
The "head" here likely refers to the leading part of the cherubim or the direction of their gaze. In biblical terms, the head often symbolizes leadership, authority, and direction. This phrase indicates that the movement of the cherubim is guided by a divine intelligence and purpose. It suggests that God's direction is always intentional and guided by His wisdom.

they would go in that direction
This phrase reinforces the idea of obedience and alignment with divine will. The cherubim move in the direction they are led, symbolizing submission to God's authority. It serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's guidance in our own lives, trusting in His perfect plan and direction.

without turning as they moved
The repetition of this phrase highlights the consistency and reliability of God's actions. In a world that is often unpredictable and chaotic, this imagery provides reassurance of God's steadfastness. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are unchanging and that His plans are executed with unwavering faithfulness.

Verse 11. - Whither the head, etc. The word has been taken, as in Job 29:25, for the "chief" or "principal" wheel, that which for the time determined the course of the others. With all the complex structure of the cherubic chariot, all was simple in its action. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels, and that gave unity (Ezekiel 1:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When they moved,
בְּלֶכְתָּ֗ם (bə·leḵ·tām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

they would go
יֵלֵ֔כוּ (yê·lê·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

any of the four
אַרְבַּ֤עַת (’ar·ba·‘aṯ)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

directions,
רִבְעֵיהֶם֙ (riḇ·‘ê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7253: Fourth part, four sides

without
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turning
יִסַּ֖בּוּ (yis·sab·bū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

as they moved.
בְּלֶכְתָּ֑ם (bə·leḵ·tām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

But
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

wherever
הַמָּק֞וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

the head
הָרֹאשׁ֙ (hā·rōš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

faced,
יִפְנֶ֤ה (yip̄·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look

they would go
יֵלֵ֔כוּ (yê·lê·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in that direction,
אַחֲרָ֣יו (’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

without
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

turning
יִסַּ֖בּוּ (yis·sab·bū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

as they went.
בְּלֶכְתָּֽם׃ (bə·leḵ·tām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 10:11 When they went they went in their (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 10:10
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