King James Bible

Back to Reader

Ezekiel

1

:

5

Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

Lexicon

Verse part Definition: Part of speech: Strong's: Hebrew: Transliteration:
Also out of the midst hope Noun H8432 וּמִ֨תֹּוכָ֔הּ u·mit·to·v·chah,
thereof [came] the likeness fashion Noun H1823 דְּמ֖וּת de·mut
had the likeness fashion Noun H1823 דְּמ֥וּת de·mut
of four four Noun H702 אַרְבַּ֣ע ar·ba
Analysis:

Four: The world, four is the global number

The number "four" has a global or relates to the world. There are some common and similar expressions in the Scripture, which are "the four winds of the heavens" or "the four corners of the earth" or "the four ends of the heavens."  Each of these expressions relate to the earth or the world in a collective manner. In the book of Daniel chapter 2, one reads about a dream which Nebuchadnezzar dreamed. In this dream, he saw an image set up and this image had four distinct parts. Each of these parts represented an empire which ruled over the world.

In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 22, Israel is told to make a four-corner garment and place a tzitzit upon each corner. The tzitzit represents the Biblical commandments of the Torah (see Numbers chapter 15). These commandments are understood as being a framework for life in this world, as when one dies, the tzitzit are removed from one's four corner garment for burial. 

In the books of Ezekiel and Revelation, one encounters the four beasts, which are in the heavens and never cease to praise HaShem. It is understood that the four beasts who continuously say, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, Who was and is and is to come" (see Revelation 4:6-9) are related to the will of God for all the world (His creation). In a similar manner, one of the Seraphim called to another saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of Hosts, all of the earth (shall be) with His Glory." 

Loveisrael.org - Baruch Korman, Ph.D. - All Rights Reserved - Used with Permission 2016

and this he Pronoun H2088 וְזֶה֙ ve·zeh
And this [was] their appearance apparently Noun H4758 מַרְאֵֽיהֶ֔ן mar·'ei·hen,
of a man person Noun H120 אָדָ֖ם a·dam

Parallel Verses

Removed text
Added text
King James Bible Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Hebrew Greek English Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of Within it there were figures resembling four living creatures. beings. And this was their appearance; appearance: they had the likeness of a man.human form.
New American Standard Bible 1995 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of Within it there were figures resembling four living creatures. beings. And this was their appearance; appearance: they had the likeness of a man.human form.