Ezekiel 1:21 When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

◄ Ezekiel 1:21 ►

New International Version
When the creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

New Living Translation
When the beings moved, the wheels moved. When the beings stopped, the wheels stopped. When the beings flew upward, the wheels rose up, for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

English Standard Version
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Berean Standard Bible
When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

King James Bible
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

New King James Version
When those went, these went; when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

New American Standard Bible
Whenever those went, they went; and whenever those stopped, they stopped. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose just as they did; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

NASB 1995
Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those stood still, these stood still. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

NASB 1977
Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those stood still, these stood still. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those stood still, these stood still. And whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them; for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Amplified Bible
Whenever those went, these went; and whenever those came to a stop, these came to a stop; and whenever those rose from the earth, the wheels rose close beside them, for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.

Christian Standard Bible
When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stopped, the wheels stopped; and when the creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose alongside them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose alongside them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

American Standard Version
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

English Revised Version
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So whenever the creatures moved, the wheels moved. Whenever the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still. And whenever the creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Good News Translation
So every time the creatures moved or stopped or rose in the air, the wheels did exactly the same.

International Standard Version
They moved around whenever they wanted to move around, and they stood still whenever they wanted to stand still; and whenever they rose from the earth, the wheels remained close beside them, because the wheels were also alive.

Majority Standard Bible
When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

NET Bible
When the living beings moved, the wheels moved, and when they stopped moving, the wheels stopped. When they rose up from the ground, the wheels rose up from the ground; the wheels rose up beside them because the spirit of the living being was in the wheel.

New Heart English Bible
When those [the living creatures] moved, these [the wheels] moved; and when those [the living creatures] stood still, and when those [the living creatures] rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Webster's Bible Translation
When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

World English Bible
When those went, these went. When those stood, these stood. When those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
In their going, they go; and in their standing, they stand; and in their being lifted up from off the earth, the wheels are lifted up alongside them; for a living spirit [is] in the wheels.

Young's Literal Translation
In their going, they go; and in their standing, they stand; and in their being lifted up from off the earth, lifted up are the wheels over-against them; for a living spirit is in the wheels.

Smith's Literal Translation
In their going, they will go: and in their standing, they will stand; and in their being lifted up from the earth the wheels will be lifted up with them: for the spirit of life in the wheels.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
When those went these went, and when those stood these stood, and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels also were lifted up together, and followed them: for the spirit of life was in the wheels.

Catholic Public Domain Version
When going forth, they went forth, and when standing still, they stood still. And when they were lifted up from the earth, the wheels, too, were lifted up together, so as to follow them. For the spirit of life was in the wheels.

New American Bible
Wherever the living creatures moved, the wheels moved; when they stood still, the wheels stood still. When they were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up with them. For the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

New Revised Standard Version
When they moved, the others moved; when they stopped, the others stopped; and when they rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
When the living creatures went, the wheels went; and when the creatures stood, they stood also; and when they were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up with them; for there was a living spirit in the wheels.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when they were going on, they were going on, and when they were standing still, they were standing still, and whenever they were lifted up from the Earth, the wheels were lifted up with them, because The Spirit was in the wheels

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
When those went, these went, and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
When those went, the wheels went; and when those stood, the wheels stood; and when those lifted themselves off the earth, they were lifted off with them: for the spirit of life was in the wheels.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Four Wheels
…20Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Revelation 4:6-8
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. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. / And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

Revelation 1:14-16
The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. / His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters. / He held in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp double-edged sword came from His mouth. His face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

Revelation 10:1
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.

Revelation 19:12
He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.

Daniel 7:9-10
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. / A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

Isaiah 6:1-4
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Revelation 5:6
Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.

Revelation 15:7
Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.

Revelation 21:11
shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal.

Revelation 22:1
Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

Zechariah 6:1-8
And again I lifted up my eyes and saw four chariots coming out from between two mountains—mountains of bronze. / The first chariot had red horses, the second black horses, / the third white horses, and the fourth dappled horses—all of them strong. ...

1 Kings 22:19
Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left.

Isaiah 66:15
For behold, the LORD will come with fire—His chariots are like a whirlwind—to execute His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire.

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.

Psalm 104:3-4
laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind. / He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.

Treasury of Scripture

When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

When those went

Ezekiel 1:19,20
And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up…

Ezekiel 10:17
When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.

of the living creature.

Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

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Ezekiel 1

1. The time of Ezekiel's prophecy at Chebar.
4. His vision of four cherubim;
15. of the four wheels;
26. and of the glory of God.

Berean Study Bible

When the creatures moved
The Hebrew word for "creatures" here is "חַיּוֹת" (chayot), which is often translated as "living beings" or "living creatures." This term emphasizes the vitality and dynamic nature of these beings, which are described in Ezekiel's vision. The movement of these creatures signifies the active and purposeful nature of God's creation. In a broader theological context, it reflects the idea that all of creation is under the sovereign direction of God, moving according to His divine will and purpose.

they also moved
This phrase underscores the unity and harmony between the creatures and the wheels, as described in the vision. The Hebrew verb "נָסַע" (nasa) for "moved" suggests a journey or a purposeful progression. This can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey in faith, where one's actions are in sync with divine guidance. It highlights the importance of being attuned to God's direction in our lives, moving in concert with His plans.

When the creatures stood still
The act of standing still, "עָמַד" (amad) in Hebrew, indicates a pause or a moment of rest. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, it suggests a moment of reverence or waiting upon the Lord. This can be interpreted as a call for believers to find moments of stillness in their lives, to listen and wait for God's guidance. It reflects the balance between action and contemplation in the spiritual life.

they also stood still
The repetition of the creatures' actions being mirrored by the wheels emphasizes the perfect synchronization and obedience to divine command. This can be seen as an illustration of the ideal relationship between God and His creation, where there is complete alignment with His will. For believers, it serves as a reminder to seek alignment with God's purposes, ensuring that our actions reflect His intentions.

and when the creatures rose from the ground
The rising from the ground, "רוּם" (rum) in Hebrew, symbolizes ascension or elevation. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual elevation or growth. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, it signifies the transcendence and majesty of God's presence. For the believer, it is a call to rise above earthly concerns and seek a higher, more spiritual perspective, aligning oneself with the heavenly.

the wheels rose along with them
The wheels rising in unison with the creatures further illustrates the theme of divine harmony and order. The Hebrew word for "wheels," "אוֹפַנִּים" (ophanim), is unique and suggests a complex, interconnected system. This can be seen as a representation of how all aspects of creation are interconnected and move according to God's design. For believers, it is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things under God's sovereignty and the importance of moving in harmony with His will.

because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels
The "spirit" (רוּחַ, ruach) here is a powerful term that denotes breath, wind, or spirit, indicating the life-giving force that animates the creatures and the wheels. This suggests that the same divine spirit that empowers the creatures also directs the wheels, symbolizing the omnipresence and omnipotence of God's spirit. For believers, it is a profound reminder of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and empowering our lives, ensuring that we are aligned with God's purposes and plans.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - When those went, these went. The words, strictly speaking, add nothing to the previous description; but the prophet appears to have wished to combine what he had before said separately, so as to make the picture complete, before passing on to the yet more glorious vision that next met his gaze.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When the creatures moved,
בְּלֶכְתָּ֣ם (bə·leḵ·tām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

the wheels moved;
יֵלֵ֔כוּ (yê·lê·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

when the creatures stood still,
וּבְעָמְדָ֖ם (ū·ḇə·‘ā·mə·ḏām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

the wheels stood still;
יַֽעֲמֹ֑דוּ (ya·‘ă·mō·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

and when the creatures rose
וּֽבְהִנָּשְׂאָ֞ם (ū·ḇə·hin·nā·śə·’ām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

from
מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the ground,
הָאָ֗רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

the wheels
הָאֽוֹפַנִּים֙ (hā·’ō·w·p̄an·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 212: A wheel

rose
יִנָּשְׂא֤וּ (yin·nā·śə·’ū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

alongside them,
לְעֻמָּתָ֔ם (lə·‘um·mā·ṯām)
Preposition-l | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5980: Society, near, beside, along with

because
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the spirit
ר֥וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

of the living creatures
הַחַיָּ֖ה (ha·ḥay·yāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

was in the wheels.
בָּאוֹפַנִּֽים׃ (bā·’ō·w·p̄an·nîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 212: A wheel

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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 1:21 When those went these went (Ezek. Eze Ezk)