As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

EZEKIEL 1:13KJV
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Ezekiel 1:13 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 1:13 mean?

Ezekiel 1:13 describes the living creatures in the prophet Ezekiel’s vision as having an appearance like burning coals of fire and bright lamps, with fire moving among them and flashes of lightning coming out of the fire. This imagery shows the creatures as powerful, radiant, and full of energy, emphasizing their supernatural and awe-inspiring nature.

In this scene, Ezekiel is describing his vision by the river Chebar, where he sees four living creatures as part of a larger vision of God’s glory. The language paints a vivid picture of beings that are not only alive but also surrounded by intense brightness and movement, highlighting the mystery and majesty of what Ezekiel is witnessing.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 1:13

  • The word for "living creatures" is חַי (chay), which means "living" or "alive." This stresses that these are not statues or symbols but beings full of life and energy.
  • "Burning" uses the word בָּעַר (ba‘ar), often used for something set ablaze or consuming fire, suggesting intense, active energy rather than a gentle glow.
  • "Coals" is גַּחֶלֶת (gachelet), meaning hot, glowing embers. This adds to the sense of heat and dynamic movement, not just light.
  • "Lamps" is לַפִּיד (lapid), which refers to a torch or flame, reinforcing the idea of brightness and illumination.
  • "Lightning" is בָּרָק (baraq), which means a sudden, powerful flash, underlining the dramatic and startling aspect of the vision.

Why Ezekiel 1:13 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the living creatures in Ezekiel’s vision are not ordinary animals or angels but extraordinary beings closely connected to God’s presence.
  • The emphasis on fire, brightness, and lightning shows the creatures as both beautiful and fearsome, setting the tone for the rest of Ezekiel’s vision and underlining the seriousness of what he is about to witness.
  • Understanding these details helps the reader see how Ezekiel’s vision is meant to inspire awe and respect for the power and holiness of God, as revealed through these mysterious beings.

Where else these words appear

“lamps” Hebrew H3940 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
  • Judges 15:4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
  • Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

“coals” Hebrew H1513 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Psalms 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

“bright” Hebrew H5051 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.
  • Isaiah 60:3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
  • Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

“lightning” Hebrew H1300 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.