New International Version Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking. New Living Translation All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me. English Standard Version Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Berean Standard Bible The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Berean Literal Bible As the appearance of a rainbow that comes to be in the cloud on a day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness surrounding. It was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of YHWH. And I saw it, and I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice speaking. King James Bible As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. New King James Version Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking. New American Standard Bible Like the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. NASB 1995 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. NASB 1977 As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speaking. Legacy Standard Bible As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the radiance all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. And I saw this, and I fell on my face and heard a sound of a voice speaking. Amplified Bible As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory and brilliance of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell face downward and I heard a voice of One speaking. Berean Annotated Bible The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD {YHWH}. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Christian Standard Bible The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the LORD’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Holman Christian Standard Bible The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the LORD’s glory. When I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. American Standard Version As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. Contemporary English Version as colorful as a rainbow that appears after a storm. I realized I was seeing the brightness of the LORD's glory! So I bowed with my face to the ground, and just then I heard a voice speaking to me. English Revised Version As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. GOD'S WORD® Translation The brightness all around him looked like a rainbow in the clouds. It was like the LORD's glory. When I saw it, I immediately bowed down, and I heard someone speaking. Good News Translation that had in it all the colors of the rainbow. This was the dazzling light which shows the presence of the LORD. When I saw this, I fell face downward on the ground. Then I heard a voice International Standard Version The appearance of the radiant light resembled that of a rainbow shining in a cloud on a rainy day. This was what the appearance of the form of the glory of the LORD resembled. When I saw all of this, I fell flat on my face. Then I heard a voice speaking. NET Bible like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds after the rain. This was the appearance of the surrounding brilliant light; it looked like the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I threw myself face down, and I heard a voice speaking. New Heart English Bible As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice speaking. Webster's Bible Translation As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one speaking. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. World English Bible As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs the appearance of the bow that is in a cloud in a day of rain, so [is] the appearance of the brightness all around. Berean Literal Bible As the appearance of a rainbow that comes to be in the cloud on a day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness surrounding. It was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of YHWH. And I saw it, and I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice speaking. Young's Literal Translation As the appearance of the bow that is in a cloud in a day of rain, so is the appearance of the brightness round about. Smith's Literal Translation As the appearance of the bow which will be in the cloud in the day of rain, so the appearance of the shining round about This the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And I shall see it and I shall fall upon my face, and I shall hear the voice of him speaking. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs the appearance of the rainbow when it is in a cloud on a rainy day: this was the appearance of the brightness round about. Catholic Public Domain Version There was the appearance of the rainbow, as when it is in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the splendor on every side. New American Bible Just like the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day so was the appearance of brilliance that surrounded him. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face and heard a voice speak. New Revised Standard Version Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAs the appearance of the rainbow when it is in the clouds in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about him. Such was the vision of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face and I heard the voice of one who spoke. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like the appearance of a rainbow that is in a cloud in a day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness that was around him, and thus was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of LORD JEHOVAH, and I saw him, and I fell on my face, and I heard his voice that was speaking OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. Brenton Septuagint Translation As the appearance of the bow when it is in the cloud in days of rain, so was the form of brightness round about. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Divine Glory…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. 28The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. Cross References The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him Matthew 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Revelation 1:16 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. Acts 9:3 As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. Genesis 9:13-16 I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. / Whenever I form clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, / I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living creature of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. … Revelation 4:3 The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. 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. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. Exodus 24:16-17 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. / And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. 1 Kings 8:10-11 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown Daniel 10:9-10 I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. / Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. Matthew 17:6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. Revelation 1:17 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and heard a voice speaking. Acts 9:4-7 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. / “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” … John 12:28-29 Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” / The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 2 Peter 1:17-18 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” / And we ourselves heard this voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. Revelation 1:15-17 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. / When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, Treasury of Scripture As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. at the appearance of the bow Genesis 9:13-16 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth… Isaiah 54:8-10 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer… Revelation 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. This Ezekiel 8:4 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. Ezekiel 10:19,20 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above… Ezekiel 43:3 And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. I fell 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. Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. Jump to Previous Appearance Bow Brightness Cloud Clouds Face Fell Glory Heard Likeness Radiance Rain Rainbow Rainy Round Surrounding VoiceJump to Next Appearance Bow Brightness Cloud Clouds Face Fell Glory Heard Likeness Radiance Rain Rainbow Rainy Round Surrounding VoiceEzekiel 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 brilliant light all around Him The brilliant light surrounding Him revealed the radiant majesty of the LORD’s presence. It displayed His holiness, purity, and glory, making clear that Ezekiel stood before a heavenly manifestation of God. Mat 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone… was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. The rainbow recalled God’s covenant with Noah, joining the scene of judgment with the assurance of His mercy and faithfulness. Even as God prepared to judge Judah, He remained true to His promises. Gen 9:13-16 I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign… This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel saw a visible revelation of God’s glory rather than God’s full essence. The vision showed the splendor and authority of the LORD who was not confined to Jerusalem or its temple. Exo 24:16-17 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.… And when I saw it, I fell facedown Overwhelmed by the holiness and greatness of God, Ezekiel bowed in fear and reverence. His response recognized the distance between the holy God and sinful man. Dan 10:9-10 I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened… and heard a voice speaking. The LORD then addressed Ezekiel directly, beginning the prophet’s commission to speak God’s message to Israel. Act 9:4-7 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the one described in this passage. 2. The Glory of the LORD This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often depicted in the Old Testament as a radiant and overwhelming light. 3. The Rainbow Symbolizes God's covenant and mercy, reminiscent of the promise made to Noah after the flood. 4. The Vision Ezekiel's vision is a profound encounter with God's glory, illustrating His holiness and majesty. 5. The Voice Represents God's communication with Ezekiel, signifying divine revelation and instruction. Teaching Points The Majesty of God's PresenceGod's glory is overwhelming and awe-inspiring, reminding us of His holiness and our need for reverence. The Symbol of the Rainbow The rainbow signifies God's faithfulness and mercy, encouraging us to trust in His promises even in times of trial. Response to Divine Revelation Ezekiel's response of falling facedown illustrates the appropriate posture of humility and worship when encountering God's presence. God's Communication God speaks to His people, and we must be attentive and ready to listen to His voice through Scripture and prayer. Transformation through Encounter Encounters with God's glory should lead to transformation in our lives, prompting us to live in obedience and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 1:28?2. How does Ezekiel 1:28's imagery enhance our understanding of God's glory today? 3. What connections exist between Ezekiel 1:28 and Revelation's descriptions of God's throne? 4. How can we apply Ezekiel's vision to strengthen our daily worship practices? 5. In what ways does Ezekiel 1:28 inspire reverence and awe in our lives? 6. How does the "appearance of the rainbow" symbolize God's promises in our faith? 7. What does Ezekiel 1:28 reveal about God's glory and presence? 8. How does the imagery in Ezekiel 1:28 challenge our understanding of divine appearances? 9. Why is the rainbow significant in Ezekiel 1:28, and what does it symbolize? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 1? (28) As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud.--Comp. Revelation 4:3; Revelation 10:1. The addition, "in the day of rain," is not merely a reference to the ordinary natural phenomenon, but distinctly connects this vision with the gracious promise in Genesis, and shows that God, who has in this vision presented His attributes of terrible majesty, will add to them also those of mercy and loving-kindness. It was in both alike that He was to be made known to His people through the prophet who is now receiving his commission. This was the merciful "appearance of the brightness round about." I fell upon my face.--The immediate manifestation of the Divine has always proved overpowering to man. (Comp. Ezekiel 3:23; lea. 6:5; Daniel 8:17; Acts 9:4; Revelation 1:17. Comp. also Luke 5:8; Luke 8:37.) . . . Verse 28. - As the appearance of the bow. The glorious epiphany was completed, as in Revelation 4:3 and Revelation 10:1, by the appearance of the rainbow. The symbol of God's faithfulness, and of the hope that rested on it (Genesis 9:13). was seen in the glory of the Divine perfection, even in the midst of the fire of the Divine wrath. Mercy and love are thought of as over arching all the phenomena of the world and its history, attempering the chastisements which are needed for those with whom that love is dealing. The whole complex appearances of Ezekiel's descriptions, including the arch of prismatic colours, finds its nearest natural analogue, as has been before suggested (note on ver. 4), in the phenomena of the Northern Lights. I fell upon my face. As in Ezekiel 3:23; Daniel 8:17; Revelation 1:17, the prostrate attitude of lowliest adoration, the dread and awe of one who has seen the King, the Lord of hosts, and vet survives, was a preparation for the more direct revelation to his consciousness of the Word and will of Jehovah (comp. Dante 'Inferno,' 3:136; 5:142).
Ezekiel 1:28 presents a literal encounter with God’s glory: blazing light encircled by a covenant rainbow, unmistakably the LORD yet mercifully veiled in “appearance” and “likeness.” The vision underscores God’s holiness, faithfulness, and transcendence. Facedown worship is Ezekiel’s instinctive response, opening his ears to the divine voice that will guide his prophetic calling. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The appearanceכְּמַרְאֵ֣ה (kə·mar·’êh) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision of the brilliant light הַנֹּ֙גַהּ֙ (han·nō·ḡah) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5051: Brilliancy all around Him סָבִ֔יב (sā·ḇîḇ) Adverb Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around was like that מַרְאֵ֤ה (mar·’êh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision of a rainbow הַקֶּ֡שֶׁת (haq·qe·šeṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris in a cloud בֶעָנָ֜ן (ḇe·‘ā·nān) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud on a rainy הַגֶּ֗שֶׁם (hag·ge·šem) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1653: Rain, shower day. בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3117: A day This ה֕וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was the appearance מַרְאֵ֖ה (mar·’êh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision of the likeness דְּמ֣וּת (də·mūṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1823: Resemblance, model, shape, like of the glory כְּבוֹד־ (kə·ḇō·wḏ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness of the LORD. יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel And when I saw it, וָֽאֶרְאֶה֙ (wā·’er·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see I fell וָאֶפֹּ֣ל (wā·’ep·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie facedown עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and heard וָאֶשְׁמַ֖ע (wā·’eš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently a voice ק֥וֹל (qō·wl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6963: A voice, sound speaking. מְדַבֵּֽר׃ (mə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue Additonal Resources Ezekiel 1:28 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 1:28 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 1:28 Bible.com Ezekiel 1:28 NIV |
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