Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main hall. New Living Translation So the wingspan of the two cherubim side by side was 30 feet. They stood on their feet and faced out toward the main room of the Temple. English Standard Version The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the nave. Berean Standard Bible So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room. King James Bible The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. New King James Version The wings of these cherubim spanned twenty cubits overall. They stood on their feet, and they faced inward. New American Standard Bible The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet facing the main room. NASB 1995 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet facing the main room. NASB 1977 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet facing the main room. Legacy Standard Bible The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet facing the main room. Amplified Bible The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, their faces toward the Holy Place (the main room). Christian Standard Bible The wingspan of these cherubim was 30 feet. They stood on their feet and faced the larger room. Holman Christian Standard Bible The wingspan of these cherubim was 30 feet. They stood on their feet and faced the larger room. American Standard Version The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. English Revised Version The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. GOD'S WORD® Translation They stood on their feet and faced the main hall. International Standard Version The wings of these cherubim extended for 20 cubits as they stood on their feet and faced the front of the Temple. NET Bible The combined wingspan of these cherubim was 30 feet. They stood upright, facing inward. New Heart English Bible The wings of these cherubim were extended thirty-four feet and five inches: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. Webster's Bible Translation The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room. World English Bible The wings of these cherubim spread themselves out twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe wings of these cherubim are spreading forth twenty cubits, and they are standing on their feet and their faces [are] inward. Young's Literal Translation The wings of these cherubs are spreading forth twenty cubits, and they are standing on their feet and their faces are inward. Smith's Literal Translation The wings of these cherubims spreading twenty cubits: and they standing upon their feet, and their faces to the house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the wings of the two cherubims were spread forth, and were extended twenty cubits: and they stood upright on their feet, and their faces were turned toward the house without. Catholic Public Domain Version And so the wings of both cherubim were stretched out and extended for twenty cubits. Now they were standing upright on their feet, and their faces were turned toward the exterior house. New American Bible The combined wingspread of the two cherubim was thus twenty cubits. They stood upon their own feet, facing toward the nave. New Revised Standard Version The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits; the cherubim stood on their feet, facing the nave. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe wings of these cherubim were spread forth twenty cubits; they stood on their feet and their faces were inward. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The wings of these Cherubim were spread out twenty cubits, and those were standing on their feet and their faces were inward. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits; and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the wings of these cherubs expanded were of the length of twenty cubits: and they stood upon their feet, and their faces were toward the house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Cherubim…12The wing of the second cherub also measured five cubits and touched the wall of the temple, while its other wing measured five cubits and touched the wing of the first cherub. 13So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room. Cross References 1 Kings 6:27 And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched. Exodus 25:20 And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Isaiah 6:2 Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. Ezekiel 10:5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks. Revelation 4:8 And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 1 Kings 8:7 For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. Hebrews 9:5 Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. Exodus 37:9 And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Ezekiel 1:11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. Revelation 5:11-12 Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. / In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. Psalm 80:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth Psalm 99:1 The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake! Isaiah 37:16 “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven. Treasury of Scripture The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. inward. Exodus 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. Jump to Previous Cherubim Cherubs Cubits Extended Faces Facing Feet Forth Hall House Inner Inward Main Nave Outstretched Part Placed Room Spread Spreading Stood Themselves Twenty Upright WingsJump to Next Cherubim Cherubs Cubits Extended Faces Facing Feet Forth Hall House Inner Inward Main Nave Outstretched Part Placed Room Spread Spreading Stood Themselves Twenty Upright Wings2 Chronicles 3 1. The place and time of building the temple3. The measure and ornaments of the house 11. The cherubim 14. The veil and pillars So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. The cherubim described here are part of the inner sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches, making the total wingspan about 30 feet. This grand scale emphasizes the majesty and holiness of the temple, reflecting the glory of God. Cherubim are often associated with the presence of God, as seen in Genesis 3:24 and Ezekiel 10, where they serve as guardians of sacred spaces. The large wingspan signifies the protection and covering of God's presence over His people, similar to the imagery in Psalm 91:4, where God covers His people with His wings. They stood on their feet, facing the main room. Persons / Places / Events 1. CherubimAngelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. In the context of Solomon's Temple, they symbolize divine protection and the holiness of God's dwelling place. 2. Solomon's Temple The first temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. 3. Main Hall (Holy Place) The larger room in the temple where the priests performed daily rituals. It was separated from the Most Holy Place by a veil. Teaching Points Symbolism of the CherubimThe cherubim in the temple remind us of the holiness and majesty of God. They serve as a visual representation of His divine presence and protection over His people. God's Dwelling Among His People The construction of the temple signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Reverence in Worship The detailed description of the temple's construction, including the cherubim, calls believers to approach worship with reverence and awe, recognizing the sacredness of God's presence. The Role of Sacred Spaces While the physical temple was central to Israelite worship, believers today are reminded that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, calling for a life of holiness and dedication to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 3:13?2. How does 2 Chronicles 3:13 reflect God's majesty in temple design? 3. What significance do the cherubim hold in 2 Chronicles 3:13? 4. How can we honor God's presence in our worship spaces today? 5. Connect the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 to their role in Exodus. 6. How does understanding temple details enhance our reverence for God's holiness? 7. What is the significance of the cherubim's wingspan in 2 Chronicles 3:13? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 3:13 reflect God's majesty and holiness? 9. Why were cherubim chosen to be depicted in Solomon's temple according to 2 Chronicles 3:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 3? 11. 2 Chronicles 3:4 - How could the porch realistically be 120 cubits high when no known structures of that era matched such a height? 12. 2 Chronicles 3:10-13 - Could the massive cherubim described really be accommodated within the temple's recorded dimensions? 13. 2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 - Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy? 14. 2 Chronicles 13:3 - How historically plausible is an army of 400,000 under Abijah's command at that time? What Does 2 Chronicles 3:13 Mean So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits“ ‘So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits.’ ” (2 Chronicles 3:13) • Twenty cubits—about thirty feet—filled the Most Holy Place from wall to wall, matching Solomon’s overall design (1 Kings 6:23–27). • The size underscores the majesty of God’s throne room. Cherubim are never child-like figures; they are mighty guardians of holiness, just as Ezekiel saw them supporting the divine throne (Ezekiel 1:4-12). • The equal spread of their wings forms a continuous canopy over the Ark, a living testimony that God “sits enthroned between the cherubim” (Psalm 99:1). • Their measured symmetry reminds us that everything in God’s house is ordered, purposeful, and exact (Exodus 25:9; Hebrews 8:5). They stood on their feet “ ‘They stood on their feet.’ ” • Standing signals readiness to serve. The seraphim Isaiah saw were also standing, prepared to obey at once (Isaiah 6:2-3). • Unlike pagan idols that have no life (Psalm 115:4-7), these sculpted cherubim picture living beings, alert before God. • Stability matters in worship. God “firmly establishes” His servants (2 Samuel 7:24), and these statues reflect that firmness—no wobbling, no reclining, only steadfast presence. • The posture looks ahead to believers who will “stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36), confident because of His redemption. Facing the main room “ ‘…facing the main room.’ ” • Their gaze is outward, toward the Holy Place where priests ministered daily. This orientation links God’s throne with the life of His people (1 Kings 8:6-8). • The cherubim on the mercy seat also faced one another and looked down toward the atonement cover (Exodus 25:20), emphasizing both fellowship and watchfulness. • Facing forward hints at invitation: the pathway to God’s presence is open, later fulfilled when the temple veil was torn at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-22). • Direction matters in witness. Even today, we are called to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and, like these cherubim, draw attention to Him. summary Solomon’s towering cherubim—thirty-foot wings, standing firm, eyes fixed toward the worshipers—declare that God’s holiness, order, and welcome all meet in the Most Holy Place. Their size magnifies His glory, their posture models constant readiness, and their orientation signals an open way to His presence, ultimately realized through Christ, our true mercy seat. (13) The wings of these cherubims.--Or, These wings of the cherubim.Spread themselves forth.--Were outspreading (participle), 1Chronicles 28:18. And they stood.--Were standing. They were ten cubits high (1Kings 6:26). Inward.--See margin. Translate, toward the chamber. The cherubs did not face each other like the cherubim on the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20). Verse 13. - Their faces were inward; Hebrew, "were to the house," viz. to the holy place. The position of these cherubim, both as to wings and faces, was clearly different from that of those for the tabernacle of Moses. There they "cover the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces are one to another... toward the mercy-seat were the faces of the cherubim" (Exodus 25:20; Exodus 37:9). May this alteration in the time of Solomon indicate possibly one more advance in the developing outlook of Divine mercy to a whole world? Neither this place nor the parallel makes it certain whether the cherubim, that are here said to stand on their feet, stood on the ground, as some say they did. As regards those of the tabernacle, the prepositions used in Exodus 25:18, 19 and Exodus 37:7, 8 appear to lay stress on their position being a fixture at and on each extremity of the mercy-seat.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the total wingspanכַּנְפֵי֙ (kan·p̄ê) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 3671: An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle of these הָאֵ֔לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those cherubim הַכְּרוּבִ֣ים (hak·kə·rū·ḇîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3742: Probably an order of angelic beings [was] twenty עֶשְׂרִ֑ים (‘eś·rîm) Number - common plural Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth cubits. אַמּ֣וֹת (’am·mō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base They וְהֵ֛ם (wə·hêm) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They stood עֹמְדִ֥ים (‘ō·mə·ḏîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against their feet, רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם (raḡ·lê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda facing וּפְנֵיהֶ֥ם (ū·p̄ə·nê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face the [main] room. לַבָּֽיִת׃ (lab·bā·yiṯ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house Links 2 Chronicles 3:13 NIV2 Chronicles 3:13 NLT 2 Chronicles 3:13 ESV 2 Chronicles 3:13 NASB 2 Chronicles 3:13 KJV 2 Chronicles 3:13 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 3:13 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 3:13 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 3:13 French Bible 2 Chronicles 3:13 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 3:13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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