And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.

EZEKIEL 10:5KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 10:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 10:5 mean?

Ezekiel 10:5 describes how the noise from the wings of the cherubim was so loud that it could be heard all the way to the temple’s outer court, and this sound was compared to the powerful voice of God when He speaks. The verse highlights the overwhelming and awe-inspiring presence of God’s glory during Ezekiel’s vision.

In this scene, Ezekiel is witnessing a vision where God’s glory is departing from the temple in Jerusalem. The cherubim are angelic beings closely associated with God’s throne, and their wings create a thunderous sound. The comparison to the voice of the Almighty (God) emphasizes the seriousness and majesty of what is happening, showing that this is not an ordinary event but a moment filled with divine power.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 10:5

  • "sound" (קוֹל, qol): This word can mean both "sound" and "voice" in Hebrew, and here it links the noise of the cherubim’s wings to the voice of God, making the comparison more direct and vivid.
  • "cherubims'" (כְּרוּב, keruv): Refers to the special angelic beings seen in Ezekiel’s vision, emphasizing their unique role in God’s presence and glory.
  • "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai) and "God" (אֵל, El): These titles together stress God’s supreme power and authority, underlining the seriousness of the vision and the sound’s significance.

Why Ezekiel 10:5 matters

  • The verse helps readers understand the sheer magnitude of God’s presence, as even the sound associated with His throne is overwhelming and unmistakable.
  • By comparing the sound to God’s own voice, Ezekiel 10:5 connects the actions of the cherubim directly to God’s authority and presence, reinforcing the idea that what is happening is under God’s control.
  • This detail sets the tone for the surrounding passage, where God’s glory is preparing to leave the temple, marking a turning point in Israel’s history and signaling the seriousness of the coming judgment.

Where else these words appear

“outer” Hebrew H2435 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 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.
  • Ezekiel 40:17 Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement.
  • Ezekiel 42:7 And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
  • Job 27:13 This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

“cherubims'” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

“wings” Hebrew H3671 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
  • Job 37:3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
  • Ezekiel 1:6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.