And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This vision emphasizes that the divine reality is far beyond human comprehension, seen not as a physical object but as a "likeness" or "appearance." The repeated use of "likeness" underscores that Ezekiel is witnessing symbolic representations, not God in a literal, tangible form, hinting at future divine manifestations.
And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has just described the four living creatures and their movement, all pointing towards God's glory. Now, he lifts his gaze higher, above the expanse that covers them, to reveal the very seat of divine authority. This vision culminates in the appearance of a figure seated on this throne, presented in a human form.
Ezekiel sees a throne above the heavens, but it's not made of earthly stuff. What does this 'likeness' tell us about God?
The vision emphasizes that what Ezekiel sees are 'likenesses' and 'appearances,' not literal, physical objects. The throne isn't a chair made of wood or stone; it's a symbolic representation of God's sovereign authority and His glorious presence. The description of it being like a sapphire stone (Exodus 24:10) suggests immense clarity, purity, and a heavenly brilliance. This imagery points to the unapproachable holiness and majesty of God, reminding us that His rule transcends any material or earthly concept. It's the very presence of the Almighty, made visible in a way our finite minds can grasp.
Sitting on this majestic throne is a 'likeness as the appearance of a man.' Why this form, and what does it foreshadow?
The appearance of a human form above the throne is profoundly significant. It's not the literal God the Father, nor is it a created angel. This vision serves as a powerful, albeit veiled, premonition of the Incarnation – God becoming human in Jesus Christ. This form, described with such repeated emphasis on 'likeness,' suggests that God, in His infinite wisdom, chose to reveal Himself in a way that directly points to His Son, who would one day fully embody the God-man. It signifies that God's ultimate self-revelation to humanity would come through a human person, Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of the invisible God.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
raqia · Hebrew Noun
A vast, stretched-out surface serving as the boundary or foundation upon which God's presence rests, representing the separation between the heavenly and earthly realms.
kisse · Hebrew Noun
A seat of royal power and judicial authority, symbolizing the absolute sovereignty, rule, and dominion of God over all creation.
saphir · Hebrew Noun
A precious blue stone often associated with the heavenly realm, reflecting the holiness, purity, and celestial nature of God's dwelling place.
mar'eh adam · Hebrew Noun phrase
Refers to the manifestation of God in a form that resonates with humanity, often prefiguring the incarnation of Christ, showing that God is not an abstract force but a personal, relational Being.
Ezekiel's vision occurred during the Babylonian exile, a time when Jerusalem's destruction seemed to signal God's abandonment. The vivid imagery of God's throne, even amidst judgment, would have been a powerful, albeit terrifying, assurance of God's sovereignty and presence with His people, even in exile.
c. 627 BC
Ezekiel Born
Ezekiel, son of Buzi, is born into a priestly family in Jerusalem. He would have been trained in the Temple.
597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel, to Babylon.
c. 593 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's First Vision
Ezekiel receives his initial prophetic commission and sees the glorious vision of God's throne-chariot, described in chapters 1-3.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Despite Ezekiel's prophecies, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians, the Temple is destroyed, and a final wave of exiles are deported.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Last Recorded Vision
The book of Ezekiel concludes with visions of the restored Temple and land, offering hope for the future.
This passage also describes a heavenly vision with God seated on a throne, emphasizing His ancient and eternal nature, reinforcing the imagery of divine authority seen in Ezekiel.
Exodus 24:10Here, the elders see 'under His feet' something like a sapphire pavement, a similar celestial imagery that likely contributed to the vivid description of the throne's appearance in Ezekiel's vision.
Isaiah 6:1Isaiah's vision of the Lord high and lifted up on a throne is a foundational text for understanding divine majesty, and Ezekiel's vision can be seen as an expansion and further symbolic development of this encounter.
Revelation 1:13-16This New Testament passage describes a vision of Christ in glory, whose appearance is compared to brilliant colors and whose radiance is immense, echoing the glory and human-like form seen by Ezekiel as a prefiguration of the incarnate Son of God.
John 1:14The commentary highlights that the 'likeness of a man' on the throne is a significant precursor to the Incarnation, and John 1:14 directly states 'the Word became flesh,' connecting Ezekiel's vision to the ultimate revelation of God in human form.
calvinEzekiel 1:25-26: "And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings."
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Et super firmamentum [52] quae erat super caput eorum tanquam visio, vel aspectus lapidis saphiri similitudo solii: et super similitudinem sol…
clarkeEzekiel 1:26: "And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it."
A sapphire - The pure oriental sapphire, a large well cut specimen of which is now before me, is one of the most beautiful and resplendent blues that can be conceived. I have sometimes seen the heavens assume this illustrious hue. The human form above this canopy is su…
This vision emphasizes that the divine reality is far beyond human comprehension, seen not as a physical object but as a "likeness" or "appearance." The repeated use of "likeness" underscores that Ezekiel is witnessing symbolic representations, not God in a literal, tangible form, hinting at future divine manifestations.
Ezekiel has just described the four living creatures and their movement, all pointing towards God's glory. Now, he lifts his gaze higher, above the expanse that covers them, to reveal the very seat of divine authority. This vision culminates in the appearance of a figure seated on this throne, presented in a human form.
Ezekiel has just described the four living creatures and their movement, all pointing towards God's glory. Now, he lifts his gaze higher, above the expanse that covers them, to reveal the very seat of divine authority. This vision culminates in the appearance of a figure seated on this throne, presented in a human form.
"And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance." — This vision emphasizes that the divine reality is far beyond human comprehension, seen not as a physical object but as a "likeness" or "appearance." The repeated use of "likeness" underscores that Ez…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026