Ezekiel 1:28 in the Hebrew text emphasizes not a direct description of God’s essence, but a careful testimony to the manifestation of His glory. The prophet uses the words “appearance,” “likeness,” and “radiance” to convey the majesty of the heavenly vision while also showing the limits of human perception of the holy God.
When people ask about the translation of Ezekiel 1:28 from Hebrew, it is important to remember: this verse belongs to one of the most solemn descriptions of God’s glory in the entire Bible. Ezekiel does not try to “paint” God literally. He speaks very carefully, as though choosing words that can convey at least a little of what he saw. That is why the verse repeatedly uses concepts such as “appearance” and “likeness.” For the Adventist understanding, this is especially important: God reveals Himself truly, but a human being perceives His glory only as much as he is able to bear.
“Like the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the radiance all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And I saw, and I fell on my face, and I heard a voice speaking.” Ezek. 1:28
A Translation Closer to the Hebrew Meaning
If we express the thought of the verse more closely to the Hebrew text, it may be rendered this way: “Like the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the radiance all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And I saw, and I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of the One who was speaking.” Such a rendering helps convey the rhythm of the original and the prophet’s special carefulness.
The Hebrew text contains several key expressions. First, “like the appearance of the rainbow” is an image of covenant, mercy, and heavenly glory. Second, “radiance all around” points to the surroundings of the throne or the divine presence. Third, the phrase “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” is extremely important: Ezekiel does not say that he saw God’s essence directly, but that he beheld a manifestation of glory.
Why does the prophet say: “appearance,” “likeness,” “glory”
This verse shows profound biblical theological caution. God is real, personal, and active, but His full glory is inaccessible to fallen humanity. Therefore, Ezekiel describes not the divine essence itself, but the visible revelation of God’s presence.
A similar idea is found in other places in Scripture. Moses also could not see God’s glory in its fullness.
“And He said, You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” Exod. 33:20
Therefore, Ezekiel’s language is not uncertainty, but rather reverent precision. He truly saw something, but honestly acknowledges: it was the “appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” For us, this is a lesson in humility before God’s revelation.
The symbol of the rainbow in the vision
The image of the rainbow here is not accidental. In the Bible, the rainbow is associated with covenant, mercy, and God’s faithfulness after judgment. After the flood, the Lord gave Noah the sign of the covenant precisely in the rainbow.
“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.” Gen. 9:13
Thus, in Ezekiel, the rainbow around the radiance of God’s glory points not only to majesty, but also to mercy. The prophet lived amid crisis, judgment, and exile, yet even in the heavenly vision God’s holiness is joined with covenant faithfulness. This harmonizes well with the Adventist understanding of God’s character: He is a righteous Judge, yet at the same time a God of mercy who remembers His people.
The book of Revelation continues the same image of the throne and the rainbow.
“And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” Rev. 4:3
This shows the unity of biblical revelation: God’s glory is terrifying to sin, but for the faithful heart it brings hope.
Ezekiel’s response: he fell on his face
The closing words of the verse are no less important than the vision itself. Ezekiel says: “I saw, and I fell on my face, and I heard a voice.” A true encounter with God’s glory leads not to self-exaltation, but to worship, humility, and readiness to listen.
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’” Isa. 6:8
The same was true of Isaiah, who first experienced reverence before the holiness of God and only then heard the commission. In Ezekiel, the order is the same: first glory, then humility, then the voice. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that true knowledge of God always leads to deeper humility and obedience, not to pride or dry curiosity.
What this text means for us today
Ezekiel 1:28 teaches several important truths. First, God reveals Himself truly. The vision was not an illusion—it was a real revelation. Second, human language is limited, so even the inspired prophet is compelled to speak through comparisons. Third, God’s glory is inseparably connected with His mercy, symbolically shown by the rainbow. And fourth, the right response to God’s revelation is worship and obedience.
For practical life, this verse calls us not to treat what is holy lightly. When we read Scripture, pray, or reflect on heavenly realities, it is important to come to God with reverence. At the same time, we need not fear Him as a cruel ruler: around His glory shines the rainbow of the covenant. Therefore, the practical application is simple: open the Bible daily with reverence, seek not only knowledge but an encounter with God’s glory, and respond to His voice with humble obedience.
