Translation of Ezekiel 1:28 from Hebrew

Ezekiel 1:28 in the Hebrew text does not emphasize a direct description of God’s essence, but rather a reverent testimony to the appearance of His glory. The prophet uses words such as “appearance,” “likeness,” and “brightness” to convey the majesty of the heavenly vision while simultaneously demonstrating the limit of human perception before a holy God.

When asking 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 attempt to “paint” God literally. He speaks with immense caution, as if carefully weighing every word to convey even a fraction of what he saw. This is why terms like “appearance” and “likeness” are repeated several times in the verse. For an Adventist understanding, this is especially significant: God reveals Himself genuinely, yet humanity perceives His glory only to the degree that a mortal can endure.

“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of One speaking.” Ezek 1:28

A Translation Closer to the Hebrew Meaning

Rendering the thought of the verse closer to the Hebrew text, it can be framed as follows: “As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on a day of rain, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. And I saw it, and I fell upon my face, and I heard the voice of One speaking.” Such a rendering helps one feel the cadence of the original and the prophet's profound restraint.

The Hebrew text contains several key phrases. First, “like the appearance of a rainbow”: this is an image of covenant, mercy, and heavenly glory. Second, the “surrounding radiance” points to the environment encircling the throne or the divine presence. Third, the phrase “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh” is crucial: Ezekiel does not say he beheld the divine essence directly, but rather that he gazed upon the manifestation of His glory.

Why the Prophet Says: “Appearance,” “Likeness,” “Glory”

This verse demonstrates deep biblical theological discretion. 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.

We find a similar truth elsewhere in Scripture. Moses likewise could not behold God’s glory in all its fullness.

“But He said, ‘You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.’” Exod 33:20

Hence, Ezekiel’s language reflects not uncertainty, but reverent precision. He truly saw something, yet he honestly confesses: it was “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” For us, this serves as 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. Throughout the Bible, the rainbow is associated with covenant, mercy, and God's faithfulness following judgment. After the Flood, the Lord gave Noah the sign of the covenant in the form of a 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 surrounding the radiance of God’s glory points not only to majesty, but also to grace. The prophet lived amid crisis, judgment, and exile, yet even in the heavenly vision, God’s holiness is intertwined with covenant faithfulness. This aligns beautifully with the Adventist understanding of God's character: He is a righteous Judge, yet simultaneously a God of mercy who remembers His people.

The Book of Revelation carries forward this very imagery 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 reveals the unity of divine revelation: the glory of God is dreadful to sin, yet brings hope to a faithful heart.

Ezekiel’s Reaction: Falling on His Face

The closing words of the verse are no less important than the vision itself. Ezekiel recounts: “I saw it, and I fell on my face, and I heard the voice.” A genuine encounter with God's glory leads not to self-exaltation, but to worship, humility, and a 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

It was the same with Isaiah, who first experienced awe before God’s holiness and only then heard the divine commission. With Ezekiel, the progression is identical: first the glory, then surrender, then the voice. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that a true knowledge of God always produces deeper humility and obedience, never pride or mere intellectual curiosity.

What This Text Means for Us Today

Ezekiel 1:28 teaches several vital truths. First, God reveals Himself genuinely. The vision was not an illusion; it was a real revelation. Second, human language has limits, which is why even an inspired prophet must rely on comparisons. Third, God’s glory is inextricably bound to His mercy, symbolically portrayed by the rainbow. And fourth, the proper response to God’s revelation is worship and obedience.

For practical living, this verse calls us never to treat the sacred casually. When we read Scripture, pray, or contemplate heavenly realities, it is vital to approach God with reverence. At the same time, we need not fear Him as a harsh tyrant: encircling His glory shines the rainbow of the covenant. Therefore, the practical application is simple: open your Bible each day with awe, seek not merely information but an encounter with God’s glory, and respond to His voice with humble obedience.