Question
Gramps,
Please would you explain whether the creatures described in Ezekiel chapter one and elsewhere in the Bible (seen in visions as lacking imagery like that of God or humans) are symbolic or literal? Did the prophet Joseph Smith ever clarify these types of questions?
Chris
Answer
Chris,
The restored gospel actually gives us a surprisingly helpful answer.
According to Latter-day Saint doctrine, there are literal heavenly beings associated with these visions, but many of the details seen by the prophets are symbolic and intended to teach spiritual truths rather than provide a biological description of what these beings literally look like.
One of the greatest blessings of the Restoration is that Joseph Smith addressed questions that had puzzled Bible readers for centuries. One of those questions involved the mysterious “beasts” described in the book of Revelation, and his explanation helps us better understand similar visions in Ezekiel.
In Doctrine and Covenants section 77, Joseph Smith received inspired answers to questions about the book of Revelation. One question asked:
“What are we to understand by the four beasts, spoken of in the same verse?”
The Lord answered:
“They are figurative expressions, used by the Revelator, John, in describing heaven, the paradise of God… showing forth the glory of the classes of beings in the order or sphere of their creation.” (Doctrine and Covenants 77:2)
That answer is extremely important. Notice that the revelation does not say the beings themselves are imaginary. Instead, it says John used “figurative expressions” to describe heavenly realities.
In other words, the creatures are connected to real beings, but the prophetic description is symbolic. The symbols communicate truths about God’s creations, His glory, and His divine order.
This principle fits very well with Ezekiel’s vision. Ezekiel wasn’t trying to write a zoology textbook about heaven. He was describing a glorious spiritual vision using earthly language that could never fully capture what he saw.
Think about how difficult it would be to describe colors that no one on earth has ever seen or dimensions beyond our experience. Prophets often rely on symbols because heavenly realities simply don’t fit neatly into human vocabulary.
Ezekiel’s creatures each have four faces: a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (Ezekiel 1:10). Throughout scripture, these animals often symbolize different divine qualities. While interpretations vary, many Latter-day Saint scholars have suggested they represent characteristics such as intelligence, majesty, strength, service, swiftness, and divine power.
Likewise, the many eyes seen on the wheels and the creatures are commonly understood as symbols of complete awareness, knowledge, and watchfulness. The wheels themselves may represent God’s work moving throughout creation or His ability to accomplish His purposes everywhere.
Although we cannot always identify every symbol with certainty, the overall message is clear: God’s kingdom is perfectly organized, alive with intelligence, and filled with glory.
Isaiah also saw heavenly beings called seraphim.
“They had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.” (Isaiah 6:2)
Then, in Revelation chapter 4, John saw four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. Their descriptions resemble Ezekiel’s vision in several ways.
Rather than viewing these as conflicting accounts, Joseph Smith’s inspired explanation in Doctrine and Covenants 77 provides a key to understanding them all. The prophets witnessed real heavenly scenes, but they described them in symbolic language inspired by God.
Joseph Smith also taught an important principle about visions generally. Prophets often see things “after the manner of” symbolic representation, as spiritual truths are communicated through images that the human mind can grasp. Not every detail should be interpreted as a literal physical characteristic.
That doesn’t make the visions less real. In fact, it may make them more meaningful.
We see this pattern throughout scripture. Jesus described Himself as the Lamb of God, the Door, the Vine, and the Bread of Life. No Christian believes those titles deny His literal existence. Instead, the symbols reveal different aspects of His divine mission.
Similarly, when John describes Christ with a sharp, two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth (Revelation 1:16), Latter-day Saints understand that this symbolizes the power of God’s word rather than suggesting Jesus literally carries a sword in His mouth.
The same approach helps us understand Ezekiel’s remarkable vision.
Joseph Smith also emphasized that every living thing has a spirit. Doctrine and Covenants 77 teaches that the beasts John saw represented actual living creations of God that glorify Him. The revelation states they were “enjoying their eternal felicity.” This reminds us that God’s creations extend far beyond what we currently understand.
Exactly what those heavenly beings are like in their eternal state has not been fully revealed. The Church does not have an official interpretation of every detail in Ezekiel’s vision, and faithful Latter-day Saints may differ on some of the symbolism. What Joseph Smith’s revelation does provide is an inspired framework: there are real heavenly beings, but the prophetic descriptions employ figurative language.
Ultimately, Ezekiel chapter 1 is not meant to satisfy our curiosity about the appearance of heavenly creatures nearly as much as it is intended to fill us with awe at God’s majesty.
The climax of Ezekiel’s vision isn’t really the creatures or the wheels. It is the glorious throne of God and the radiant appearance of the Lord’s glory above everything else (Ezekiel 1:26-28). The unusual imagery directs our attention upward to God’s power, holiness, and sovereignty.
That is probably the most important lesson to remember. The symbols are fascinating, and it’s natural to wonder about them. But their purpose is to teach us about the greatness of God, the order of heaven, and the reality of His divine kingdom.
Thanks to Joseph Smith and the Restoration, we don’t have to choose between saying these visions are purely imaginary or insisting every detail is literally anatomical. The revealed answer is both simpler and richer. The heavenly beings are real, but the prophets often described them through inspired symbols that communicate eternal truths beyond the limits of ordinary language.
That perspective allows us to appreciate the beauty of Ezekiel’s vision without being distracted by trying to picture four-faced creatures as though they were standing before us. Instead, we can focus on the message the Lord intended—that heaven is real, God reigns in glory, and His creations, however marvelous they may be, all testify of His majesty.
Gramps
