3742. kerub
Lexical Summary
kerub: Cherub, Cherubim (plural)

Original Word: כְּרוּב
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: kruwb
Pronunciation: keh-ROOB
Phonetic Spelling: (ker-oob')
KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims
NASB: cherubim, cherub
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. a cherub or imaginary figure

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
cherub, plural cherubims

An angelic being -- cherub, (plural) cherubims.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
probably an order of angelic beings
NASB Translation
cherub (25), cherubim (65).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
כְּרוּב91 noun masculine cherub; — ׳כ Exodus 25:19 26t.; plural כְּרוּבִים Psalm 99:1 33t.; כְּרֻבִים Exodus 25:18 29t.; (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic כְּרוּבָא √ dubious; Assyrian karâbu = be gracious to, bless DlHWB 350, but adjective karûbu is great, mighty, Idib. 352; on possibly connection with כְּרוּב compare Dl in BaerEzech. Xiii.; Assyrian kirubu = šêdu (name of winged bull in Assyrian; see LenOrigines 1. 118, Eng. Tr. 126 DlPar 154) has not been verified, compare see F.ZA i. 68 f. BudgeExpos. Apr. May, 1885 TeloniZa vi, 124 ff.; the older view, connecting ׳כ with γρύψ and deriving from Persian giriften, griffen, lacks evidence and probability. — Possibly the thunder-cloud underlies the conception); —

1 the living chariot of the theophanic God; possibly identified with the storm-wind Psalm 18:11 = 2 Samuel 22:11 וַיִּדְכַּב עַלכְּֿרוּב and he rode upon a cherub ("" flew swiftly on the wings of the wind).

2 as the guards of the garden of Eden Genesis 3:24 (J).

3 as the throne of Yahweh Sabaoth, in phrase (צְבָאוֺת) ישֵׁב הַכְּרוּבִים ׳י Yahweh Sabaoth throned on the cherubim 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2 = 1 Chronicles 13:6; the context shews that the cherubim of the ark of the covenant are referred to, and it is probable that the same reference to, and it is probable that the same reference is in 2 Kings 19:15 = Isaiah 37:16; Psalm 80:2; Psalm 99:1.

4 P gives an account of:

a. two cherubim of solid gold upon the slab of gold of the כַּמֹּרֶת facing each other with wings outstretched above, so as to constitute a basis or throne on which the glory of Yahweh appeared, and from whence He spake Exodus 25:18-22; Exodus 37:7-9; Numbers 7:89;

b. numerous cherubim woven into the texture of the inner curtains of the tabernacle and the veils Exodus 26:1,31; Exodus 36:8,35

5 Kings and Chronicles describe the cherubim of the temple:

a. two gigantic images of olive wood plated with gold, ten cubits high, standing in the דְּבִיר facing the door, whose wings five cubits each, extended, two of them meeting in the middle of the room to constitute the throne, two of them extending to the walls 1 Kings 6:23;-28; 1 Kings 8:6;-7 2Chronicles 3:10;-13; 2 Chron 5:7;-8; Chronicles (doubtless influenced by Ezekiel) represents them as the chariot of Yahweh 1 Chronicles 28:18;

b. images of cherubim were carved on the gold plated cedar planks which constituted the inner walls of the temple, and upon the olive wood doors 1 Kings 6:29;-35 2Chronicles 3:7; and on the bases of the portable lavers, interchanging with lions and oxen 1 Kings 7:29;-36; Chronicles also represents that they were woven in the veil of the דְּבִיר2Chronicles 3:14.

6 Ezekiel describes the cherubim:

a. as four living creatures, each with four faces, lion, ox, eagle, and man, having the figure and hands of men, and the feet of calves. Each has four wings, two of which are stretched upward, meeting above and sustaining the throne of Yahweh; two of them stretched downwards so as to cover the creatures themselves. The cherubim never turn but go straight forward, as do the wheels of the cherubic chariot, and they are full of eyes and are like burning coals of fire, Ezekiel 1:5;-28; Ezekiel 9:3; Ezekiel 10:1;-20; Ezekiel 11:22; the king of Tyre is scornfully compared with one of these, and is assigned a residence in Eden and the mountain of God Ezekiel 28:14;-16;

b. Ezekiel knows of no cherubic statues in the new temple, but represents the inner walls of the temple as carved with alternating palm trees and cherubim, each with two faces, the lion looking on one side, the man on the other. It is evident that the number and the form of the cherubim vary in the representations (compare Ezekiel 41:18-25). It is probable that the שְׂרָפִים of Isaiah 6:2;-6 are another form of the cherubim. The Apocalypse of the seals Rev 4-6 combines them in four ζῷα.

Topical Lexicon
Identification and Scope

Cherub (plural cherubim) designates a class of exalted heavenly beings who attend, support, and proclaim the presence of the LORD. Occurring about ninety-one times from Genesis through Ezekiel, they appear both as literal personages in visions and as patterned figures woven, carved, and overlaid with gold in Israel’s sanctuaries.

Principal Scriptural Landmarks

Genesis 3:24—first mention, guardians at Eden’s eastern gate.
Exodus 25–40—models for the Tabernacle, especially the Ark and curtains.
1 Kings 6–8; 2 Chronicles 3–5—massive cherubim in Solomon’s Temple.
• Psalms (notably 18, 80, 99)—the LORD “enthroned between the cherubim.”
Isaiah 37:16—Hezekiah’s prayer acknowledging the same throne symbolism.
Ezekiel 1; 10—prophet’s detailed vision equating “living creatures” with cherubim and portraying the departure of divine glory from the Temple.

Cherubim as Guardians of Sacred Space

Immediately after the fall, “He drove out the man and stationed cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden, with a flaming sword turning in every direction to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24). They mark the boundary between sinful humanity and holy presence, a theme that echoes wherever God meets His people.

The Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat

On Mount Sinai Moses is told, “Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the two ends of the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:18). Their outspread wings and downward gaze depict reverent attendance, while the space between them becomes the earthly focal point of divine self-revelation: “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 25:22). Once yearly on the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkles blood before these figures, prefiguring reconciliation ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Artistic Depictions in the Sanctuary

Cherubic motifs permeate the Tabernacle curtains (Exodus 26:1) and veil (Exodus 26:31), announcing that access to God is granted only through His ordained means. In Solomon’s Temple two fifteen-foot-high olive-wood cherubim overshadowed the Ark (1 Kings 6:23-28), while carved cherubim adorned the walls, doors, furnishings, and even the bronze Sea (1 Kings 7:29; 2 Chronicles 3:7). These representations reminded worshipers of the heavenly court surrounding the LORD.

Royal Throne Symbolism

Psalms repeatedly link Yahweh’s kingship with cherubic attendants: “He rode on a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind” (Psalm 18:10); “Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim” (Psalm 80:1); “He is exalted over all the peoples… He is holy” (Psalm 99:1-3). The imagery conveys mobility, sovereignty, and holiness, assuring Israel that the unseen God actively rules earth and heaven.

Prophetic Visions and Judgment

Ezekiel expands the portrait. In chapter 1 “four living creatures” exhibit four faces, four wings, and wheels within wheels full of eyes. In 10:20 the prophet identifies them: “These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim”. The departure of glory atop the cherubim foreshadows the Babylonian exile; yet by chapter 43 the glory returns, implying restoration. Cherubim thus herald both judgment and hope.

Messianic and Eschatological Overtones

Because the cherubim flank the mercy seat, their ministry anticipates the reconciling work of Jesus Christ. John uses similar imagery—“living creatures” ceaselessly praising God (Revelation 4–5)—to depict the heavenly throne room into which the Lamb enters. The cherubic chorus validates the crucified and risen Christ’s worthiness to open the scroll of history, assuring believers that redemption and consummation are certain.

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Holiness: The cherubim’s primary task is to guard and proclaim holiness. Christian worship and conduct must reflect the same reverence.
2. Atonement: Their position over the mercy seat underscores the necessity of substitutionary sacrifice, now fulfilled once for all in Christ’s blood.
3. Assurance: Scenes of the LORD riding, dwelling, and reigning among cherubim confirm His intimate yet transcendent rule over creation and history.
4. Hope: Ezekiel’s vision teaches that although sin drives away glory, repentance and divine grace restore fellowship.

Summary

The cherubim embody the intersection of heaven and earth. Whether standing sentinel at Eden, overshadowing the Ark, ornamenting the Temple, or supporting the fiery throne in prophetic vision, they testify that access to God is at once guarded and graciously granted—guarded because of His holiness, granted because of His covenant mercy, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ.

Forms and Transliterations
הַכְּר֔וּב הַכְּר֖וּב הַכְּר֗וּב הַכְּר֣וּב הַכְּר֤וּב הַכְּר֥וּב הַכְּר֨וּב הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים הַכְּרֻבִ֗ים הַכְּרֻבִ֛ים הַכְּרֻבִ֤ים הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃ הַכְּרֻבִים֒ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ הַכְּרוּב֙ הַכְּרוּבִ֑ים הַכְּרוּבִ֔ים הַכְּרוּבִ֖ים הַכְּרוּבִ֛ים הַכְּרוּבִ֜ים הַכְּרוּבִ֣ים הַכְּרוּבִ֥ים הַכְּרוּבִֽים׃ הַכְּרוּבִים֒ הַכְּרוּבִים֙ הכרבים הכרבים׃ הכרוב הכרובים הכרובים׃ וְהַכְּרֻבִ֗ים וּכְרוּבִ֔ים וּכְרוּב־ והכרבים וכרוב־ וכרובים כְּ֝רוּבִ֗ים כְּ֭רוּב כְּר֔וּב כְּר֖וּב כְּר֣וּב כְּר֨וּב כְּרֻבִ֖ים כְּרֻבִ֛ים כְּרֻבִֽים׃ כְּרוּבִ֖ים כְּרוּבִ֣ים כְּרוּבִ֧ים כְּרוּבִֽים׃ כְּרוּבִים֙ כְּרוּב־ כְרֻבִ֖ים כְרוּבִ֖ים כרבים כרבים׃ כרוב כרוב־ כרובים כרובים׃ לִכְר֔וּב לַכְּר֗וּב לַכְּרֻבִ֑ים לַכְּרֻבִ֔ים לַכְּרֽוּב׃ לַכְּרוּבִ֑ים לַכְּרוּבִ֗ים לכרבים לכרוב לכרוב׃ לכרובים cheruVim hak·kə·ru·ḇîm hak·kə·rū·ḇîm hak·kə·rūḇ hakkərūḇ hakkəruḇîm hakkərūḇîm hakkeRuv hakkeruVim kə·ru·ḇîm kə·rū·ḇîm ḵə·ru·ḇîm ḵə·rū·ḇîm kə·rūḇ kə·rūḇ- kərūḇ kərūḇ- kəruḇîm kərūḇîm ḵəruḇîm ḵərūḇîm keRuv keruVim lak·kə·ru·ḇîm lak·kə·rū·ḇîm lak·kə·rūḇ lakkərūḇ lakkəruḇîm lakkərūḇîm lakkeRuv lakkeruVim lichRuv liḵ·rūḇ liḵrūḇ ū·ḵə·rū·ḇîm ū·ḵə·rūḇ- ucheruv ucheruVim ūḵərūḇ- ūḵərūḇîm vehakkeruVim wə·hak·kə·ru·ḇîm wəhakkəruḇîm
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 3:24
HEB: עֵ֜דֶן אֶת־ הַכְּרֻבִ֗ים וְאֵ֨ת לַ֤הַט
NAS: He stationed the cherubim and the flaming
KJV: of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming
INT: of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the flaming sword

Exodus 25:18
HEB: וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ שְׁנַ֥יִם כְּרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙
NAS: two cherubim of gold,
KJV: two cherubims [of] gold,
INT: shall make two cherubim of gold of hammered

Exodus 25:19
HEB: וַ֠עֲשֵׂה כְּר֨וּב אֶחָ֤ד מִקָּצָה֙
NAS: Make one cherub at one end
KJV: one cherub on the one end,
INT: Make cherub one end

Exodus 25:19
HEB: מִקָּצָה֙ מִזֶּ֔ה וּכְרוּב־ אֶחָ֥ד מִקָּצָ֖ה
NAS: end and one cherub at the other end;
KJV: and the other cherub on the other
INT: end one cherub and one end

Exodus 25:19
HEB: תַּעֲשׂ֥וּ אֶת־ הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים עַל־ שְׁנֵ֥י
NAS: you shall make the cherubim [of one piece] with the mercy seat
KJV: shall ye make the cherubims on the two
INT: the mercy shall make the cherubim and two

Exodus 25:20
HEB: וְהָי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם
NAS: The cherubim shall have [their] wings
KJV: And the cherubims shall stretch
INT: shall have the cherubim spread wings

Exodus 25:20
HEB: יִהְי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃
NAS: the faces of the cherubim are to be [turned] toward
KJV: shall the faces of the cherubims be.
INT: shall have the faces of the cherubim

Exodus 25:22
HEB: מִבֵּין֙ שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־
NAS: the two cherubim which
KJV: the two cherubims which [are] upon
INT: between the two cherubim which above

Exodus 26:1
HEB: וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י כְּרֻבִ֛ים מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב
NAS: [material]; you shall make them with cherubim, the work
KJV: and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning
INT: oppressor and scarlet cherubim the work of a skillful

Exodus 26:31
HEB: יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖הּ כְּרֻבִֽים׃
NAS: it shall be made with cherubim, the work
KJV: work: with cherubims shall it be made:
INT: of a skillful shall be made cherubim

Exodus 36:8
HEB: וְתוֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י כְּרֻבִ֛ים מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב
NAS: and scarlet [material], with cherubim, the work
KJV: and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning
INT: oppressor and scarlet cherubim the work of a skillful

Exodus 36:35
HEB: עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖הּ כְּרֻבִֽים׃
NAS: he made it with cherubim, the work
KJV: linen: [with] cherubims made
INT: of a skillful made cherubim

Exodus 37:7
HEB: וַיַּ֛עַשׂ שְׁנֵ֥י כְרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙
NAS: He made two cherubim of gold; he made
KJV: two cherubims [of] gold,
INT: made two cherubim of gold of hammered

Exodus 37:8
HEB: כְּרוּב־ אֶחָ֤ד מִקָּצָה֙
NAS: one cherub at the one end
KJV: One cherub on the end
INT: cherub one end

Exodus 37:8
HEB: מִקָּצָה֙ מִזֶּ֔ה וּכְרוּב־ אֶחָ֥ד מִקָּצָ֖ה
NAS: end and one cherub at the other end;
KJV: on this side, and another cherub on the [other] end
INT: end the one cherub and one end

Exodus 37:8
HEB: עָשָׂ֥ה אֶת־ הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים מִשְּׁנֵ֥י [קִצְוֹותֹו
NAS: he made the cherubim [of one piece] with the mercy seat
KJV: made he the cherubims on the two
INT: the mercy made the cherubim the two end

Exodus 37:9
HEB: וַיִּהְי֣וּ הַכְּרֻבִים֩ פֹּרְשֵׂ֨י כְנָפַ֜יִם
NAS: The cherubim had [their] wings
KJV: And the cherubims spread out
INT: had the cherubim spread wings

Exodus 37:9
HEB: הָי֖וּ פְּנֵ֥י הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃ פ
NAS: the faces of the cherubim were toward
KJV: were the faces of the cherubims.
INT: had the faces of the cherubim

Numbers 7:89
HEB: מִבֵּ֖ין שְׁנֵ֣י הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלָֽיו׃
NAS: the two cherubim, so He spoke
KJV: from between the two cherubims: and he spake
INT: between the two cherubim spoke about

1 Samuel 4:4
HEB: צְבָא֖וֹת יֹשֵׁ֣ב הַכְּרֻבִ֑ים וְשָׁ֞ם שְׁנֵ֣י
NAS: who sits [above] the cherubim; and the two
KJV: which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two
INT: of hosts sits the cherubim there and the two

2 Samuel 6:2
HEB: צְבָא֛וֹת יֹשֵׁ֥ב הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים עָלָֽיו׃
NAS: who is enthroned [above] the cherubim.
KJV: that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.
INT: of hosts is enthroned the cherubim and

2 Samuel 22:11
HEB: וַיִּרְכַּ֥ב עַל־ כְּר֖וּב וַיָּעֹ֑ף וַיֵּרָ֖א
NAS: And He rode on a cherub and flew;
KJV: And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly:
INT: rode on A cherub and flew appeared

1 Kings 6:23
HEB: בַּדְּבִ֔יר שְׁנֵ֥י כְרוּבִ֖ים עֲצֵי־ שָׁ֑מֶן
NAS: he made two cherubim of olive wood,
KJV: he made two cherubims [of] olive tree,
INT: the inner two cherubim wood of olive

1 Kings 6:24
HEB: אַמּ֗וֹת כְּנַ֤ף הַכְּרוּב֙ הָֽאֶחָ֔ת וְחָמֵ֣שׁ
NAS: wing of the cherub and five
KJV: wing of the cherub, and five
INT: cubits wing of the cherub the one and five

1 Kings 6:24
HEB: אַמּ֔וֹת כְּנַ֥ף הַכְּר֖וּב הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית עֶ֣שֶׂר
NAS: wing of the cherub; from the end
KJV: wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part
INT: cubits wing of the cherub the other ten

91 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 3742
91 Occurrences


ḵə·ru·ḇîm — 3 Occ.
hak·kə·rūḇ — 15 Occ.
hak·kə·ru·ḇîm — 40 Occ.
kə·rūḇ — 7 Occ.
kə·ru·ḇîm — 15 Occ.
lak·kə·rūḇ — 2 Occ.
lak·kə·ru·ḇîm — 4 Occ.
liḵ·rūḇ — 1 Occ.
ū·ḵə·rūḇ- — 2 Occ.
ū·ḵə·rū·ḇîm — 1 Occ.
wə·hak·kə·ru·ḇîm — 1 Occ.

3741
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