The Books of Enoch

by Joseph B. Lumpkin

Ophanim are described in 1 Enoch as never sleeping. They watch and guard the throne of God.The word ophan means "wheel” in Hebrew. For this reason the Ophanim have been associated with the chariots in Ezekiel and Daniel. They are mentioned as gagal, traditionally "the wheels of gagallin,” in "fiery flame" and "burning fire" of the four eye-covered wheels, each composed of two nested wheels, that move next to the winged Cherubim, beneath the throne of God. The four wheels move with the Cherubim because the spirit of the Cherubim is in them. These are also referred to as the "many-eyed ones" in 2 Enoch. The Ophanim are also equated as the "Thrones,” and associated with the "Wheels,” in the vision of Daniel 7:9. They carry the throne of God, hence the name. This may be a good time to explain the singular and plural in Hebrew. Whereas in English we add an “s” to denote a plural, in Hebrew an “im” is added. Thus, there is one Cherub but many Cherubim. There is one Seraph but many Seraphim. Knowing this fact may make the text easier to follow.