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Ezekiel 10:13

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 10:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling [wheels].” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling [wheels].
Ezekiel 10:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And as for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel have been within a wheel.
11When they went, they went in their four directions: they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
12And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, [even] the wheels that they four had.
13As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling [wheels].
14And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third face the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15And the cherubim mounted up: this is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar.
16And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also turned not from beside them.
← Ezekiel 10:12Ezekiel 10:14 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“As for the wheels, it was cried to them in my hearing, &c.] Or they were called, as the prophet heard in the vision, by the following name: O wheel, or, “the wheel”: for though there are several particular churches, yet they make up but one general assembly and Church of the firstborn, written in heaven; and will be all together in their perfect state, signified by the round form of the wheel; (see Gill on “<260115>Ezekiel 1:15”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“O wheel--rather, "they were called, whirling," that is, they were most rapid in their revolutions [MAURER]; or, better, "It was cried unto them, The whirling" [FAIRBAIRN]. Galgal here used for "wheel," is different from ophan, the simple word for "wheel." Galgal is the whole wheelwork machinery with its whirlwind-like rotation. Their being so addressed is in order to call them immediately to put themselves in rapid motion.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“According to the marginal rendering the present verse refers back to Ezekiel 10:2, Ezekiel 10:6, and tells us that the name “galgal, a rolling thing” (compare Isaiah 17:13), was given to the wheels in the seer’s hearing. But taking Ezekiel 10:14 as a description, and reading Ezekiel 10:15 immediately after Ezekiel 10:13, the meaning is clear. In the hearing Of the seer a voice calls upon the wheels, and, obedient to the call, the cherubim are lifted up and the wheels roll on. The word “galgal” would be better rendered “chariot” instead of “wheel;” “chariot” representing very well the collection of “wheels.” return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The wheels - As to their frame and motion. It was cried - Still there was one who guided, as by vocal direction. Unto them - To each of them. Ezekiel 10:14”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“it was cried: etc. or, they were called in my hearing, Wheel, or Galgal. Eze 10:13 Ezekiel 10:14”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification