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American Standard Version

Ezekiel 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 a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Colors;   God;   Sapphire;   Thompson Chain Reference - Precious Stones;   Sapphire;   Stones, Precious;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Cherubim;   Precious Stones;  

Dictionaries:

- American Tract Society Bible Dictionary - Beasts;   Cherub;   Vision;   Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Cherubim;   Ezekiel;   Throne;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Cherub;   Sapphire;   Fausset Bible Dictionary - Encampment;   Firmament;   Sapphire;   Son of Man;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Angel;   Cherub, Cherubim;   Ezekiel;   Heaven;   Likeness;   Living Beings, Living Creatures;   Minerals and Metals;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Isaiah, Book of;   Jewels and Precious Stones;   Seraphim;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Colours;   Sapphire ;   Sea of Glass;   Wing ;   Morrish Bible Dictionary - Sapphire,;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Cherub;   Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types - Sapphire;   Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary - Light;   Sapphire;  

Encyclopedias:

- Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia - Babylonish Captivity, the;   International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Ancient of Days;   Appearance;   Glory;   Throne;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - Cabala;   Cherub;   Gems;   Revelation (Book of);   Sapphire;   Symbol;  

Devotionals:

- Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for November 27;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
Something like a throne with the appearance of lapis lazuli was above the expanse over their heads. On the throne, high above, was someone who looked like a human.
Hebrew Names Version
Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sappir stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.
King James Version
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.
English Standard Version
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.
New American Standard Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.
New Century Version
Now above the dome there was something that looked like a throne. It looked like a sapphire gem. And on the throne was a shape like a human.
Amplified Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, it appeared like [it was made of] sapphire or lapis lazuli; and [seated] on that which looked like a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.
World English Bible
Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And aboue the firmament that was ouer their heads, was the facion of a throne like vnto a saphir stone, and vpon the similitude of the throne was by appearance, as the similitude of a man aboue vpon it.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man.
Legacy Standard Bible
Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something in the likeness of a throne, like sapphire stone in appearance; and upon the likeness of the throne, high up, was the likeness of one with the appearance of a man.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
Contemporary English Version
I then saw what looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure in the shape of a human.
Complete Jewish Bible
Above the dome that was over their heads was something like a throne that looked like a sapphire. On it, above it, was what appeared to be a person.
Darby Translation
And above the expanse 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 a likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Easy-to-Read Version
There was something that looked like a throne on top of the bowl. It was blue like sapphire. There was also something that looked like a man sitting on the throne.
George Lamsa Translation
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a sapphire stone, as the likeness of a throne; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it.
Good News Translation
Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure that looked like a human being.
Lexham English Bible
And from above the expanse that was above their heads there was the likeness of a throne, looking like a sapphire, and above the likeness of the throne was a likeness similar to the appearance of a human on it, but above it.
Literal Translation
And from above the expanse that was over their heads was an appearance like a stone of lapis lazuli azure blue , the likeness of a throne. And on the likeness of the throne was a likeness in appearance like a man on it from above.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Aboue the firmament that was ouer their heades, there was the fashion off a seate, as it had bene made off Saphir. Apon the seate there sat one like a ma.
Bible in Basic English
And on the top of the arch which was over their heads was the form of a king's seat, like a sapphire stone; and on the form of the seat was the form of a man seated on it on high.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
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 a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.
King James Version (1611)
And aboue the firmament that was ouer their heads, was the likenesse of a Throne, as the appearance of a Saphyre stone, and vpon the likenesse of the Throne was the likenesse as the appearance of a man aboue vpon it.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And aboue the firmament that was ouer their heades, there was the fashion of a throne lyke a Saphir stone: and vpon the similitude of the throne by appearaunce, as the similitude of a man aboue vpon it.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
that was over their head, there was as the appearance of a sapphire stone, and the likeness of a throne upon it: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as an appearance of a man above.
English Revised Version
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 a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And on the firmament, that was aboue the heed of tho, was as the biholdyng of a saphire stoon, the licnesse of a trone; and on the licnesse of the trone was a licnesse, as the biholdyng of a man aboue.
Update Bible Version
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of man on it above.
Webster's Bible Translation
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.
New English Translation
Above the platform over their heads was something like a sapphire shaped like a throne. High above on the throne was a form that appeared to be a man.
New King James Version
And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.
New Living Translation
Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man.
New Life Bible
Above the large covering that was over their heads there was something that looked like a throne, and looked like it was made of sapphire. Sitting on the throne was what looked like a man.
New Revised Standard
And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And above the expanse that was over their heads, as the appearance of a sapphire stone, was the likeness of a throne, - and upon the likeness of a throne, was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And above the firmament that was over their heads, was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of the sapphire stone, and upon the likeness of the throne, was the likeness of the appearance of a man above upon it.
Revised Standard Version
And above the firmament 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 as it were of a human form.
Young's Literal Translation
And above the expanse that [is] over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, [is] the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man upon it from above.

Contextual Overview

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 a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above. 27 And I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the appearance of his loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him. 28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

And above: Abp. Newcome judiciously observes, "We need not allegorize the circumstances of this august vision too minutely. Many of them augment the splendour of the scene, while others, no doubt, have much significance; which should be pointed out rather by a correct judgment, than a luxuriant imagination." Ezekiel 1:22, Ezekiel 10:1

over: Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 1:22, Philippians 2:9, Philippians 2:10, 1 Peter 3:22

the likeness of a: Psalms 45:6, Isaiah 6:1, Daniel 7:9, Daniel 7:10, Daniel 7:14, Zechariah 6:13, Matthew 25:13, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 12:2, Revelation 4:2, Revelation 4:3, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 20:11

as the: Exodus 24:10, Isaiah 54:11

the appearance of a man: Genesis 32:24-30, Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua 6:1, Joshua 6:2, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:7, Jeremiah 23:5, Jeremiah 23:6, Daniel 10:18, Revelation 1:13, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 14:14

Reciprocal: Exodus 28:18 - sapphire Judges 13:20 - fell on 1 Kings 22:19 - I saw the Lord Song of Solomon 5:14 - his belly Jeremiah 3:17 - the throne Jeremiah 17:12 - General Ezekiel 8:2 - I beheld Ezekiel 8:4 - General Ezekiel 10:19 - and the glory Ezekiel 43:7 - the place of my throne Daniel 7:13 - one like Daniel 8:15 - as Daniel 10:16 - like John 1:18 - he hath Acts 7:55 - and saw Colossians 1:15 - the image Revelation 21:11 - her

Cross-References

Genesis 1:2
And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Genesis 1:4
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Genesis 1:6
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
Genesis 1:8
And God called the firmament Heaven. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.
Genesis 1:9
And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
Genesis 1:20
And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Genesis 1:24
And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind: and it was so.
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them: and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food:
Genesis 3:22
And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever—

Gill's Notes on the Bible

And above the firmament that [was] over their heads,.... The heads of the living creatures:

[was] the likeness of a throne; a symbol of Christ's kingly power and authority, who is the person that sat upon it; as he is God, he is on the same throne with his Father; as Mediator, he is King of saints, and was so from eternity; he exercised his office before his incarnation; and as he was prophesied of as a King, he came as one, though little known, and his kingdom was not with observation; upon his ascension he was declared Lord and Christ; and will appear on a throne, when he shall come to judge the world, and particularly in the New Jerusalem church state: and this throne was

as the appearance of a sapphire stone; which is a stone very clear and transparent; very hard, solid, and durable; very precious and excellent; and of an azure sky colour; denoting the clear manifestation of Christ's righteous judgments, in the ministration of his kingly office; the duration of his government; the excellency of it; and its heavenly nature and original:

and upon the likeness of the throne [was] the likeness of the appearance of a man above upon it; this was no other than Christ; who, though he was not really man before his incarnation, yet often appeared in the form of a man; and, through his incarnation, he was found in fashion as a man; and was really man, though not a mere man; nor was the person here designed; for that was the appearance and likeness of the glory of the Lord, Ezekiel 1:28; and this shows, that when Christ, as man, had done his work, he should sit down upon his throne above the firmament, being made higher than the heavens,

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Sapphire - Clear heavenly blue.

The appearance of a man - Deeply significant is the form of this manifestation. Here is no angel conveying God’s message to man, but the glory of the Lord Himself. We recognize in this vision the prophetic annunciation of the Holy Incarnation. We are told little of the extent to which the human form was made evident to the prophet. For the vision was rather to the mind than to the bodily eye, and even inspired language was inadequate to convey to the hearer the glory which eye hath not seen or ear heard, and which only by special revelation it hath entered into the heart of man to conceive.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Ezekiel 1:26. 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 supposed to represent Him who, in the fulness of time, was manifested in the flesh.


 
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