A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.
Parallel translations
- WEB There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.
- KJV And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
- BSB And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.
- NASB And a voice came from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they let down their wings.
- NLT As they stood with wings lowered, a voice spoke from beyond the crystal surface above them.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A voice comes from above the expanse as the creatures stand still with lowered wings. Heaven falls silent to attend the voice of God.
Overview
The voice from above the expanse signals that One enthroned over all is about to speak. The creatures' stillness shows that all heaven submits and listens when God speaks. This anticipates the personal commission God will give Ezekiel. It reminds readers that God's word takes precedence over every other sound and power.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- Ezek 1:22Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched out over their heads above.
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Christ at the center
The promise of one Shepherd-King David, a new heart and new Spirit, and the river of life flowing from the temple all stream toward Christ, the good Shepherd who gives the Spirit.
How Ezekiel 1:25 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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