Dictionary Article

One of the most frequent modes of God’s appearing to humans in the OT; a visual manifestation of the presence of God common in the narratives of the exodus, Sinai covenant, the wilderness wanderings, and the dedication of the temple. The Bible refers to this phenomenon in a variety of ways: the pillar of cloud and of fire (Ex 14:24); pillar of cloud (Ex 33:9-10; Nm 14:14); pillar of fire (Ex 13:21; Nm 14:14); cloud (Ex 40:34-35; Dt 1:33); fire (Dt 1:33; 4:12). Though the Bible itself does not use this designation, the cloud and associated theophanies (God-appearances) are often called the “Shekinah glory” or simply “the Shekinah”—terms that have entered Christian theology from rabbinic literature.

Show passage in OET: EXO 14:24

OET-RV EXO 14:24

24 By now morning was coming and Yahweh looked down through the pillar of fire and cloud, and he caused confusion for the Mitsri army.

OET-LV EXO 14:24

24 And_he/it _was in_the _watch _of the _morning and_ YHWH _he _looked _down to the _camp _of Miʦrayim/(Egypt) in_a _pillar _of fire and_cloud and_he _confused DOM the _camp _of Miʦrayim.

Show passage in OET: EXO 33:9–10

OET-RV EXO 33:9

9 Once he entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stand at the entrance of the tent, and Yahweh would speak with him.

OET-RV EXO 33:10

10 When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would get up and bow down at the entrance of their own tents.

OET-LV EXO 33:9

9 And_it _was just_ Mosheh _as _went to_the_tent the _pillar _of (the)_cloud it _came _down and_it _stood the _opening _of the _tent and_he _spoke with Mosheh.

OET-LV EXO 33:10

10 And_ all _of the_people _it _saw DOM the _pillar _of (the)_cloud standing the _opening _of the _tent and_ all _of the_people _it _arose and_they _bowed _down everyone the _opening _of his _tent _of_his.

Show passage in OET: NUM 14:14

OET-RV NUM 14:14

14 and they’ll report to the inhabitants of Kena’an (Canaan), because those inhabitants have heard that you, Yahweh, are right here in the middle of us Israeli people, and how your cloud rests on us, and how you lead us with that pillar of cloud that becomes a pillar of fire at night.

OET-LV NUM 14:14

14 And_they _will _say to the _inhabitant[s]_of the_earth/land (the)_this they _have _heard if/because _that you Oh_YHWH are_in_the _midst _of the _people the_this who eye in_eye he _was _seen you Oh_YHWH and_cloud _of_your is_standing over_them and_in_a _pillar _of cloud you are_going before_them by _day and_in_a _pillar _of fire night.

Show passage in OET: EXO 13:21

OET-RV EXO 13:21

21 During the day, Yahweh went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on the way, and at nighttime, he went in a pillar of fire to be light to them, so they could travel both in the daytime and at night.

OET-LV EXO 13:21

21 And_YHWH was_going before_them by _day in_a _pillar _of cloud to_guide_them the_journey and_night in_a _pillar _of fire to_give _light to/for_them to_go by _day and_night.

Show passage in OET: EXO 40:34–35

OET-RV EXO 40:34

34 Then a cloud covered the sacred tent and Yahweh’s power and bright light filled the residence

OET-RV EXO 40:35

35 and Mosheh (Moses) was unable to enter the tent because the cloud had settled on it and Yahweh’s splendour had filled the residence.

OET-LV EXO 40:34

34 And_ the_cloud _it _covered DOM the _tent _of meeting and_the _glory _of YHWH it _filled DOM the_tabernacle.

OET-LV EXO 40:35

35 And_not Mosheh he _was _able to_go into the _tent _of meeting if/because it _had _settled _down on/upon/above_him/it the_cloud and_the _glory _of YHWH it _had _filled DOM the_tabernacle.

Show passage in OET: DEU 1:33

OET-RV DEU 1:33

33 who had gone ahead of you to find a good place for you all to make your camp—using fire at night to show you all the way, and cloud in the daytime.

OET-LV DEU 1:33

33 Who_went before_you(pl) on_journey to_seek _out to/for_you(pl) a _place you_to_camp in_fire night to_show_you(pl) (in)_way which you(pl)_will _go on_it and_in_cloud by _day.

Show passage in OET: DEU 4:12

OET-RV DEU 4:12

12 Then Yahweh spoke to you from the middle of the flames—you heard the voice even though you couldn’t see anyone,

OET-LV DEU 4:12

12 And_ YHWH _he/it _spoke to_you(pl) from_the _middle _of the _fire a _sound _of words/messages you(pl) were_hearing and_a _form not_you(pl) were_seeing except a _voice.

Jump to OET EXO 14:24 section.

Jump to OET EXO 33:9–10 section.

Jump to OET NUM 14:14 section.

Jump to OET EXO 13:21 section.

Jump to OET EXO 40:34–35 section.

Jump to OET DEU 1:33 section.

Jump to OET DEU 4:12 section.

The cloud theophany is associated with a variety of functions; common to all of them is that it is a visible expression of the presence of God. The cloud filled the tabernacle and was there day and night as a witness to the presence of God (Ex 40:34-38). God appeared in the cloud on the Day of Atonement (Lv 16:2). God’s acceptance of the temple built as his dwelling is shown when the cloud comes at the dedication (1 Kgs 8:10-11; 2 Chr 5:13-14).

Show passage in OET: EXO 40:34–38

OET-RV EXO 40:34

34 Then a cloud covered the sacred tent and Yahweh’s power and bright light filled the residence

OET-RV EXO 40:35

35 and Mosheh (Moses) was unable to enter the tent because the cloud had settled on it and Yahweh’s splendour had filled the residence.

OET-RV EXO 40:36

36 From then onwards, whenever the cloud went up from over the residence, the Israelis would pack their camp and set out on their travels,

OET-RV EXO 40:37

37 but while the cloud remained, they would stay in that place until the cloud lifted.

OET-RV EXO 40:38

38 Yahweh’s cloud would be there during the day but it would become fire at night, and so the Israelis could always see it.

OET-LV EXO 40:34

34 And_ the_cloud _it _covered DOM the _tent _of meeting and_the _glory _of YHWH it _filled DOM the_tabernacle.

OET-LV EXO 40:35

35 And_not Mosheh he _was _able to_go into the _tent _of meeting if/because it _had _settled _down on/upon/above_him/it the_cloud and_the _glory _of YHWH it _had _filled DOM the_tabernacle.

OET-LV EXO 40:36

36 And_when_ the_cloud _was _taken _up from_under the_tabernacle the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) they _set _out in_all _of out _of_their _settings.

OET-LV EXO 40:37

37 And_if not the_cloud it _was _taken _up and_not they _set _out until the _day _of it_was _taken _up.

OET-LV EXO 40:38

38 If/because the _cloud _of YHWH was_over the_tabernacle by _day and_fire it _was night in/on/over_him/it to_the _eyes _of all _of the _house _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) in_all journeyings _of_their.

Show passage in OET: LEV 16:2

OET-RV LEV 16:2

2 and he told Mosheh:
¶ Tell your brother Aharon that if he doesn’t want to die, then he mustn’t just enter the holiest room inside the curtain at any old time. The atonement lid is on the sacred box, and I will appear in a cloud over that lid.

OET-LV LEV 16:2

2 And_ YHWH _he/it _said to Mosheh speak to ʼAhₐron your(ms)_brother/kindred and_not let _him _come at_every _of time into the _holy_place from_inside _of to_curtain to the _face _of the _atonement _cover which is_on the_box and_not he _will _die if/because in_cloud I _will _appear over the _atonement_cover.

Show passage in OET: KI1 8:10–11

OET-RV KI1 8:10

10 When the priests came back out of the holy place, a cloud filled Yahweh’s residence

OET-RV KI1 8:11

11 and the priests were unable to stand to minister because of the cloud, because Yahweh’s presence had filled his temple.

OET-LV KI1 8:10

10 And_he/it _was when_ the_priests _came _out from the _holy_place and_the_cloud it _filled DOM the _house _of YHWH.

OET-LV KI1 8:11

11 And_not the_priests they _were _able to_stand to_serve from_face/in _front _of the_cloud if/because the _glory _of YHWH it _filled DOM the _house _of YHWH.

Show passage in OET: CH2 5:13–14

OET-RV CH2 5:13

13 The trumpeters and singers performed together to praise and thank Yahweh, with the trumpets and cymbals on the highlights of the song to praise Yahweh:
⇔ “Yahweh is good to us,
⇔ because his loyal commitment continues forever.”
¶ Then Yahweh’s temple filled with a cloud,

OET-RV CH2 5:14

14 and the priests weren’t able to stay on their feet and continue ministering, because Yahweh’s brilliance had filled the temple.

OET-LV CH2 5:13

13 And_he/it _was as_one mmm and_to_singers to_make _heard a _voice one to_praise and_to_give _thanks to/for_YHWH and_just_as _lifted _up a _voice with_trumpets and_with_the _cymbals and_with_the _instruments _of (the)_song and_when_praised to/for_YHWH if/because he_is_good if/because is_forever loyalty _of_his _covenant and_the_house it _was _full a _cloud the _house _of YHWH.

OET-LV CH2 5:14

14 And_not the_priests they _were _able to_stand to_serve from_face/in _front _of the_cloud if/because the _glory _of YHWH it _filled DOM the _house _of the_ʼElohīm.

Jump to OET EXO 40:34–38 section.

Jump to OET LEV 16:2 section.

Jump to OET KI1 8:10–11 section.

Jump to OET CH2 5:13–14 section.

The cloud was also a protection for Israel. At its first appearance in the events of the exodus, the cloud positioned itself between the armies of Egypt and Israel, engulfing the Egyptians in darkness on the one side while lighting the way with its fire for Israel on the other (Ex 14:19-20). The psalmist recalled how God “spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night” (Ps 105:39, niv).

Show passage in OET: EXO 14:19–20

OET-RV EXO 14:19

19 Then God’s messenger who travelled ahead of the Israelis, moved and went behind them. Also the pillar of cloud moved from in front of them and stood behind them

OET-RV EXO 14:20

20 and so it was then between the coming Mitsrim and the Israelis. Then the cloud became darkness on the Mitsri (Egyptian) side, yet it lit up the other side, and no one could approach it all night.

OET-LV EXO 14:19

19 And_ the _messenger _of the_ʼElohīm who_had _been_going to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before the _camp _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) _he _set _out and_he/it _went (from)_behind_them and_ the _pillar _of (the)_cloud _it _set _out from_their_face/front and_it _stood (from)_behind_them.

OET-LV EXO 14:20

20 And_it _went between the _camp _of Miʦrayim and_between the _camp _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_he/it _was the_cloud and_the_darkness and_it _lit _up DOM the_night and_not this it _drew _near to this all _of the_night.

Show passage in OET: PSA 105:39

OET-RV PSA 105:39

39 He spread out a cloud for a covering
⇔ and a fire to give light at night.

OET-LV PSA 105:39

39 He _spread _out a _cloud to_a _covering and_fire to_give _light night.

Jump to OET EXO 14:19–20 section.

Jump to OET PSA 105:39 section.

The pillar also served as Israel’s guide during the exodus and wandering in the wilderness. “The Lord guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night. And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from their sight” (Ex 13:21-22, NLT). Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped (Nm 9:17). In spite of the sins of the people, the Lord God went ahead of them on their journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day (Dt 1:33). Subsequent generations would recount how God was their guide by day and night (Neh 9:12, 19 OET NEH 9:12 · OET NEH 9:19; Ps 78:14).

Show passage in OET: EXO 13:21–22

OET-RV EXO 13:21

OET-RV EXO 13:22

22 The daytime pillar of cloud and the nighttime pillar of fire, didn’t ever leave their place ahead of the people.

OET-LV EXO 13:21

21 And_YHWH was_going before_them by _day in_a _pillar _of cloud to_guide_them the_journey and_night in_a _pillar _of fire to_give _light to/for_them to_go by _day and_night.

OET-LV EXO 13:22

22 Not the _pillar _of (the)_cloud it _departed by _day and_the _pillar _of (the)_fire night to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before the_people.

Show passage in OET: NUM 9:17

OET-RV NUM 9:17

17 Whenever the cloud would be lifted up from the tent, then the Israelis would leave that place. Then wherever the cloud settled down, that’s where the Israelis would set up camp,

OET-LV NUM 9:17

17 And_to_the_mouth _of the _cloud of _the _taking _up from_under the_tent and_after thus the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) they _set _out and_in_the _place _of (of)_where it _settled _down there the_cloud there the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) they _encamped.

Show passage in OET: NEH 9:12; NEH 9:19

OET-RV NEH 9:12

12 You led them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and during the night with a pillar of fire to illuminate the way that they should go.

OET-RV NEH 9:19

19 you didn’t abandon them in the wilderness because you’re so merciful. You didn’t remove the pillar of cloud that led them on the way during the day, or remove the pillar of fire that shone at night for them to show them which way they should go.

OET-LV NEH 9:12

12 And_in_a _pillar _of cloud you_led _them by _day and_in_a _pillar _of fire night to_give _light to/for_them DOM the_way which they _walked in_it.

OET-LV NEH 9:19

19 And_you(ms) in_compassion(s)_of_your (the)_great not you_abandoned _them in_wilderness DOM the _pillar _of (the)_cloud not it _departed from_over_them in_daytime to_lead_them in_the_way and_DOM the _pillar _of (the)_fire at_night to_give _light to/for_them and_DOM the_way which they _walked in_it.

Show passage in OET: PSA 78:14

OET-RV PSA 78:14

14 In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
⇔ ^ and throughout the night with the light from fire.

OET-LV PSA 78:14

14 And_he_guided _them by_cloud by _day and_all the_night by_the_light _of a _fire.

Jump to OET EXO 13:21–22 section.

Jump to OET NUM 9:17 section.

Jump to OET NEH 9:12 section. · OET NEH 9:19 section.

Jump to OET PSA 78:14 section.

The cloud also had an oracular function (Ps 99:7). Not only did God speak from the cloud at Sinai (Ex 19:9, 16 OET EXO 19:9 · OET EXO 19:16; 34:1-25; Dt 4:11-12; 5:22), he also spoke from there when Israel rebelled (Ex 16:10; Nm 14:10; 16:42-43), when Aaron and Miriam had a quarrel with Moses (Nm 12:1-15), and when the 70 elders were appointed. Only Moses had this ready access to the very words of God. When Moses went into the tabernacle, “the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at the entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses” (Ex 33:9, NLT). At the death of Moses the Lord appears in the pillar at the tent and speaks of the coming apostasy of the nation (Dt 31:14-29).

Show passage in OET: PSA 99:7

OET-RV PSA 99:7

7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud.
⇔ They followed his instructions
⇔ and obeyed the rules that he gave them.

OET-LV PSA 99:7

7 In_a _pillar _of cloud he _spoke to_them they _kept testimonies _of_his and_the_decree which_he _gave to_them.

Show passage in OET: EXO 19:9; EXO 19:16

OET-RV EXO 19:9

9 and Yahweh told him, “Look, I’ll come to you in a thick cloud so that the people will be able to hear when I speak with you so they’ll also continue to trust you.”
¶ Then Mosheh told Yahweh the people’s words

OET-RV EXO 19:16

16 So on the morning of the third day, there was thunder and lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain, and an extremely loud horn blast, and all the people in the camp were trembling.

OET-LV EXO 19:9

9 And_ YHWH _he/it _said to Mosheh HERE I am_about _to _come to_you in_the _dark _cloud _of the _cloud in_account _of the_people it _may _hear when_speak_I with_you and_also in_you they _will _trust forever_perpetuity and_ Mosheh _he _told DOM the _words/messages _of the _people to YHWH.

OET-LV EXO 19:16

16 And_he/it _was on_day the_third when_came the_morning and_he/it _was thunder _claps and_lightning _flashes and_a _cloud heavy on the_mountain and_the_sound _of a _ram’s _horn strong very and_ all _of the_people which was_in_camp _it _trembled.

Show passage in OET: DEU 4:11–12

OET-RV DEU 4:11

11 “So you all approached the mountain and stood at its base while it blazed with fire that went up into the atmosphere even though the mountain was covered with dark, gloomy clouds.

OET-RV DEU 4:12

12 Then Yahweh spoke to you from the middle of the flames—you heard the voice even though you couldn’t see anyone,

OET-LV DEU 4:11

11 And_you(pl)_drew _near and_you(pl)_stood under the_mountain and_the_mountain was_burning with_fire to the _heart _of the_heavens darkness cloud and_thick _darkness.

OET-LV DEU 4:12

12 And_ YHWH _he/it _spoke to_you(pl) from_the _middle _of the _fire a _sound _of words/messages you(pl) were_hearing and_a _form not_you(pl) were_seeing except a _voice.

Show passage in OET: DEU 5:22

OET-RV DEU 5:22

22 Yahweh spoke those words in a booming voice from the middle of the fire, the cloud, and the gloom, to all your assembly on the mountain. That was all he said, and he wrote those instructions on two stone tablets and gave them to me.

OET-LV DEU 5:22

22 DOM the_words/messages the_these YHWH he _spoke to all _of assembly _of_your(pl) at_mountain from_the _middle _of the _fire the_cloud and_the _thick_darkness a _voice great and_not he _added and_he_wrote _them on two _of tablets _of stone(s) and_he_gave _them to_me.

Show passage in OET: EXO 16:10

OET-RV EXO 16:10

10 And so while Aharon spoke to all the Israelis, they turned toward the wilderness, and wow, Yahweh’s dazzling brightness appeared in the cloud!

OET-LV EXO 16:10

10 And_he/it _was just_ ʼAhₐron _as _spoke to all _of the _congregation _of the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_they _turned to the_wilderness and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE the _glory _of YHWH it _appeared in_cloud.

Show passage in OET: NUM 14:10

OET-RV NUM 14:10

10 Then the mass of people talked about killing them by throwing rocks at them, but Yahweh’s brilliant light suddenly appeared to all the Israelis from the sacred tent.

OET-LV NUM 14:10

10 And_ all _of the_congregation _they _said to_stone DOM_them with_stones and_the _glory _of YHWH it _appeared at_the _tent _of meeting to all _of the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

Show passage in OET: NUM 16:42–43

OET-RV NUM 16:42

42 But as the community gathered there against Mosheh and Aharon, they looked across to the sacred tent, and wow, the cloud covered over it and Yahweh’s brilliance appeared.

OET-RV NUM 16:43

43 Mosheh and Aharon went over to the front of the sacred tent,

OET-LV NUM 17:7

7  And_he/it _was when_ the_congregation _assembled on Mosheh and_on ʼAhₐron and_they _turned to the _tent _of meeting and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE it_covered _it the_cloud and_ the _glory _of YHWH _it _appeared.

OET-LV NUM 17:8

8  And_ Mosheh and_ʼAhₐron _he _came to the _face _of the _tent _of meeting.

Show passage in OET: EXO 33:9

OET-RV EXO 33:9

9 Once he entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stand at the entrance of the tent, and Yahweh would speak with him.

OET-LV EXO 33:9

9 And_it _was just_ Mosheh _as _went to_the_tent the _pillar _of (the)_cloud it _came _down and_it _stood the _opening _of the _tent and_he _spoke with Mosheh.

Jump to OET PSA 99:7 section.

Jump to OET EXO 19:9 section. · OET EXO 19:16 section.

Jump to OET DEU 4:11–12 section.

Jump to OET DEU 5:22 section.

Jump to OET EXO 16:10 section.

Jump to OET NUM 14:10 section.

Jump to OET NUM 16:42–43 section.

Jump to OET EXO 33:9 section.

Other theophanies having the features of cloud, fire, and light—or some combination—should probably be associated with the pillar of fire and cloud. Ezekiel saw an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by a brilliant light (Ez 1:4); when he looked inside the cloud, he saw a fire, creatures in the service of God, the throne of God, and the awesome presence of the one who sat upon it and spoke (vv 5-28). Ezekiel also had a vision of the glory of God leaving the temple, and later a vision of its return (chs 10; 43). In Daniel’s vision of the Ancient of Days, he sees one “like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven” to receive authority, glory, and power (Dn 7:13, niv). The phrase “son of man” becomes Jesus’ favorite self-designation in the Gospels. At the Transfiguration, when he reveals his own glory, the clouds envelop him (Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:34). At his ascension he is received into the clouds, and angels remind the apostles of his promise to return in the same way (Acts 1:9-11; see Mt 24:30; Mk 13:26; Lk 21:27; Rv 1:7).

Show passage in OET: EZE 1:4

OET-RV EZE 1:4

4 Then I looked, and there was a windstorm coming from the north—a huge cloud with lightning flashing inside it and brilliant light inside it and surrounding it, and fire inside the cloud made it look amber coloured.

OET-LV EZE 1:4

4 And_I _saw and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE a _wind _of storm was_coming from the_north a _cloud great and_fire flashing and_brightness to_him/it all _around and_was_from_the _middle _of_of _it like_the _appearance _of (the)_shining _substance from_the _middle _of the _fire.

Show passage in OET: DAN 7:13

OET-RV DAN 7:13

13 I was looking in the visions of the night, and suddenly, someone like a human male was coming with the clouds, and he came to the ancient one and was presented to him.

OET-LV DAN 7:13

13 Seeing I _was in_the _visions _of the_night and_lo with the _clouds _of the_heavens like_a _son _of man coming he _was and_unto the_one_ancient _of the_days he _reached and_before_him they_brought _him _near.

Show passage in OET: MAT 17:5

OET-RV MAT 17:5

5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud came over the top of them, and wow, a voice came out of the cloud saying, “This is my dear son that I get great pleasure from. Just listen to him.”

OET-LV MAT 17:5

5 Him still speaking, see, a_ bright _cloud overshadowed them, and see, a_voice out _of the cloud saying:
This is the son of _me, the beloved in whom I _took _pleasure, be _hearing from _him.

Show passage in OET: MRK 9:7

OET-RV MRK 9:7

7 Then a cloud shadowed them from the sun, and a voice came out of the cloud saying, “This is my dear son. Listen to him.”

OET-LV MRK 9:7

7 And a_cloud became overshadowing on _them, and a_voice became out _of the cloud:
This is the the beloved son of _me, be _hearing from _him.

Show passage in OET: LUK 9:34

OET-RV LUK 9:34

34 While he was still speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them and they were afraid as they entered the fog.

OET-LV LUK 9:34

34 And of _him saying these things, a_cloud became and overshadowed them, and they _were _afraid at the time to _come _in them into the cloud.

Show passage in OET: ACT 1:9–11

OET-RV ACT 1:9

9 After he’d said that and while they were still looking at him, he was lifted up into the sky until they could no longer see him because of the clouds.

OET-RV ACT 1:10