Bible Strands
Ezekiel 1:22
Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Ezekiel records a visionary account he receives while among the exiles, describing the spatial layout of the divine throne room. The description follows immediately after noting the synchronized motion of the living creatures and the wheels.
The words — The Hebrew דְּמוּת (de.Mut) translates literally as "likeness" or "resemblance," and רָקִיעַ (ra.Ki.a') means "expanse." These terms establish the structure as a representational boundary rather than a literal physical object.
The thread — The expanse appears again in Ezekiel 10:1 above the cherubim and in Ezekiel 1:26 as the base for a sapphire throne. John later adapts the visual motif in Revelation 4:6, describing a sea of glass like crystal before the throne.
Why it lands — The text demands acknowledgment of God's transcendent separation from creation while confirming His ordered presence within it. Readers must accept that divine reality is perceived through mediated forms rather than direct exposure.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 10:1 And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.
- Ezekiel 1:26 Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
- Revelation 4:6 And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back.
- Exodus 24:10 and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.
- Job 37:22 Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him.
- Revelation 4:3 The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.
- Revelation 21:11 shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.