Ezekiel 10:20
New International Version
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim.

New Living Translation
These were the same living beings I had seen beneath the God of Israel when I was by the Kebar River. I knew they were cherubim,

English Standard Version
These were the living creatures that I saw underneath the God of Israel by the Chebar canal; and I knew that they were cherubim.

Berean Standard Bible
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the River Chebar, and I knew they were cherubim.

New American Standard Bible
These are the living beings that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; so I knew that they were cherubim.

NASB 1995
These are the living beings that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; so I knew that they were cherubim.

NASB 1977
These are the living beings that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; so I knew that they were cherubim.

Legacy Standard Bible
These are the living creatures that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; so I knew that they were cherubim.

Amplified Bible
These are the living beings that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the River Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

Christian Standard Bible
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Chebar Canal, and I recognized that they were cherubim.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Chebar Canal, and I recognized that they were cherubim.

American Standard Version
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

Contemporary English Version
I knew for sure that these were the same creatures I had seen beneath the LORD's glory near the Chebar River.

English Revised Version
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the living creatures that I saw under the God of Israel at the Chebar River. I realized that they were angels.

Good News Translation
I recognized them as the same creatures which I had seen beneath the God of Israel at the Chebar River.

International Standard Version
These were the living beings that I had seen under the God of Israel on the bank of the Chebar River. I knew that they were cherubim.

Majority Standard Bible
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim.

NET Bible
These were the living creatures which I saw at the Kebar River underneath the God of Israel; I knew that they were cherubim.

New Heart English Bible
These were the living creatures that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

Webster's Bible Translation
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Kebar; and I knew that they were the cherubim.

World English Bible
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
It [is] the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar, and I know that they are cherubim.

Young's Literal Translation
It is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar, and I know that they are cherubs.

Smith's Literal Translation
This the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I shall know that they are the cherubs.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
This is the living creature, which I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chobar: and I understood that they were cherubims.

Catholic Public Domain Version
This is the living creature, which I saw under the God of Israel beside the river Chebar. And I understood that they were cherubim.

New American Bible
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar. Now I knew they were cherubim.

New Revised Standard Version
These were the living creatures that I saw underneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These were the living creatures that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubim.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
This is the Living Creature that I saw under the God of Israel on River Kebar, and I knew that they were the Cherubim
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
This is the living creature which I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chobar; and I knew that they were cherubs.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
God's Glory Exits the Temple
19As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the ground, with the wheels beside them as they went. And they stopped at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the LORD, with the glory of the God of Israel above them. 20These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim. 21Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 1:4-28
I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, / and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, / but each had four faces and four wings. ...

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 1:12-16
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, / 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. ...

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 5:6-14
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. ...

Exodus 25:18-22
Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. / And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. ...

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 37:16
“O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.

1 Kings 6:23-28
In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. / One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. / The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, ...

Revelation 15:7
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.

2 Chronicles 3:10-13
In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold. / The total wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long and touched the wall of the temple, and its other wing was five cubits long and touched the wing of the other cherub. / The wing of the second cherub also measured five cubits and touched the wall of the temple, while its other wing measured five cubits and touched the wing of the first cherub. ...

Revelation 7:11
And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. And they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God,

Psalm 99:1
The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!

Revelation 11:16
And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God,


Treasury of Scripture

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 cherubim.

the living

Ezekiel 10:15
And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.

Ezekiel 1:22-28
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 3:23
Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

the river

Ezekiel 1:1
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

and I

1 Kings 6:29-35
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without…

1 Kings 7:36
For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

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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














These were the living creatures
The phrase "living creatures" in Hebrew is "חַיּוֹת" (chayot), which signifies beings that are full of life and vitality. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, these creatures are not ordinary; they are divine beings that serve as attendants to the Almighty. The term underscores the vibrancy and dynamic nature of God's creation, reminding us of the life-giving power of God. These creatures are a testament to the divine order and the majesty of God's heavenly court.

I had seen
The verb "seen" in Hebrew is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), which implies not just a physical sight but a deeper, spiritual perception. Ezekiel's vision is not merely a dream or a figment of imagination; it is a profound revelation granted by God. This seeing is an act of divine grace, allowing Ezekiel to witness the heavenly realities that are usually hidden from human eyes. It emphasizes the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's ministry, where he is called to see and then communicate God's messages to His people.

beneath the God of Israel
The phrase "beneath the God of Israel" situates the vision within the context of God's sovereignty and His covenant relationship with Israel. The God of Israel is the one true God, distinct from the idols of the surrounding nations. This phrase highlights God's supremacy and His protective presence over His people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ongoing involvement in the affairs of Israel, even during their exile.

by the River Kebar
The River Kebar is a significant geographical location, as it is where Ezekiel received his initial vision (Ezekiel 1:1). This river, likely a canal near Babylon, represents the place of exile for the Israelites. Despite being far from their homeland, God reveals Himself to Ezekiel here, demonstrating that His presence is not confined to the land of Israel. It reassures the exiles that God is with them, even in foreign lands, and that His plans and purposes transcend geographical boundaries.

and I realized
The phrase "I realized" indicates a moment of recognition and understanding for Ezekiel. The Hebrew root "יָדַע" (yada) means to know or to perceive. This realization is a divine enlightenment, where Ezekiel comprehends the true nature of the vision he is witnessing. It reflects the process of spiritual growth and insight that comes from encountering God. For believers, it is a reminder of the importance of seeking understanding and wisdom from God in our spiritual journeys.

that they were cherubim
The identification of the living creatures as "cherubim" is crucial. 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). Their presence in Ezekiel's vision signifies the holiness and majesty of God. The cherubim serve as a powerful symbol of God's unapproachable glory and His divine protection over His people. This recognition by Ezekiel underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's heavenly realm and His ultimate authority over all creation.

Verse 20. - Once more the prophet asserts, with fresh emphasis, the identity of the two visions which it had been given him to see. Now, as it were, he understands why the first vision was seen as coming from the north. He does not tell us whether the journey of which he saw the beginning was to end. For the present there was a halt, as we learn from Ezekiel 11:23, "over the midst of the city." Even when the vision ended, it had not gone further than the Mount of Olives. We may conjecture, however, that he thought of its goal as that more sacred region of the heavens in which it had at first manifested itself (see note on Ezekiel 1:4). It was, at any rate, no longer in the temple. The banks of Chebar or any other place might become, as Bethel had been to Jacob (Genesis 28:17), as "the house of God" and "the gate of heaven."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
הִ֣יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

were the living creatures
הַחַיָּ֗ה (ha·ḥay·yāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

I had seen
רָאִ֛יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7200: To see

beneath
תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

the God
אֱלֹהֵֽי־ (’ĕ·lō·hê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

by the River
בִּֽנְהַר־ (bin·har-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

Kebar,
כְּבָ֑ר (kə·ḇār)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3529: Chebar -- a river of Babylon

and I knew
וָאֵדַ֕ע (wā·’ê·ḏa‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
הֵֽמָּה׃ (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

were cherubim.
כְרוּבִ֖ים (ḵə·rū·ḇîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3742: Probably an order of angelic beings


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 10:20 This is the living creature that (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 10:19
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