1 Kings 6:25 kjv
And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubim were of one measure and one size.
1 Kings 6:25 nkjv
And the other cherub was ten cubits; both cherubim were of the same size and shape.
1 Kings 6:25 niv
The second cherub also measured ten cubits, for the two cherubim were identical in size and shape.
1 Kings 6:25 esv
The other cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same measure and the same form.
1 Kings 6:25 nlt
The two cherubim were identical in shape and size;
1 Kings 6 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 3:24 | He drove out the man, and placed cherubim at the east...to guard the way... | Cherubim as guardians of sacred space |
| Ex 25:18-20 | You shall make two cherubim of gold...wings spread above...faces one toward the other... | Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, covering |
| Ex 25:22 | There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat...between the two cherubim... | God speaking from between the cherubim |
| Ex 26:1 | Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen...with cherubim skilfully worked into them. | Cherubim woven into Tabernacle curtains |
| Ex 26:31 | And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen; it shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. | Cherubim on the veil to the Holy of Holies |
| Num 7:89 | When Moses went into the tent of meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking...from between the two cherubim... | God's voice from the Ark cherubim |
| 1 Sam 4:4 | ...who sits enthroned above the cherubim. | God enthroned above the cherubim (Ark) |
| 2 Sam 6:2 | ...from there the name of the LORD of hosts who dwells between the cherubim is invoked. | God's presence connected to cherubim |
| Ps 18:10 | He rode on a cherub and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. | Cherub as vehicle of God's movement |
| Ps 80:1 | Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim... | God's enthronement and shepherd role |
| Ps 99:1 | The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! | God's kingship from His cherubim throne |
| Isa 37:16 | O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim... | God's sovereign authority |
| Ezek 1:5-12 | From its midst came the likeness of four living creatures...and each had four wings... | Cherubim in Ezekiel's vision (mobility, power) |
| Ezek 10:1-22 | I looked, and behold, in the expanse above the heads of the cherubim there was something like a sapphire stone... | Cherubim linked to God's glory/throne (vision) |
| 1 Kgs 6:23 | In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high. | Introduction to the first cherub's size |
| 1 Kgs 6:26 | Each of the cherubim was ten cubits. This was the same for both cherubim. | Reinforcement of identical dimensions |
| 1 Kgs 8:6-7 | Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, in the inner sanctuary...The cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark... | Temple cherubim covering the Ark |
| 1 Chr 28:18-19 | for the altar of incense of refined gold, and gold for the model of the chariot, even the cherubim that spread out their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. All this he made in writing by the hand of the LORD concerning all the work of the design. | David received precise divine design for Temple |
| Heb 8:5 | They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” | Earthly sanctuary based on heavenly pattern |
| Rev 4:6-8 | And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes... | Cherubim in heavenly worship |
| 1 Kgs 7:15 | He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits high... | Example of precise construction for Temple |
| 1 Kgs 7:37 | Thus he made the ten stands. All of them had one casting, one measure, and one form. | Parallel to precise measurements in Temple furniture |
1 Kings 6 verses
1 Kings 6 25 Meaning
1 Kings 6:25 describes the dimensions of the second colossal cherub crafted for the Most Holy Place (Debir) within Solomon's Temple. It specifies that this cherub, like the first mentioned in verse 24, measured ten cubits in height. The verse emphasizes that both cherubim were precisely identical in their dimensions and artistic design, signifying perfect symmetry and adherence to the divinely prescribed pattern for the sanctuary.
1 Kings 6 25 Context
1 Kings chapter 6 details the meticulous construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically the main sanctuary and its most sacred innermost room, the Most Holy Place, also known as the Debir or Holy of Holies. Verses 23-28 focus on the creation of two massive cherubim to be placed within this Debir, facing Jerusalem, guarding and symbolically presiding over the Ark of the Covenant. These cherubim were carved from olive wood, overlaid with gold, and were distinct from the smaller cherubim affixed to the mercy seat of the Ark itself.
Verse 25 specifically describes the dimensions of the second cherub, affirming its identical size and form to the first, thereby establishing perfect symmetry and order within the most holy part of God's dwelling place. Historically and culturally, the construction of a temple to house the presence of a deity was common in the Ancient Near East, but the Temple in Jerusalem stood apart. Its construction was based on divine revelation, as seen in the precise dimensions and materials given, symbolizing the specific dwelling place of Yahweh. The cherubim's presence served as guardians of God's holiness and throne-chariot bearers, distinct from the deified winged creatures of other pagan religions. The strict adherence to 'one measure and one form' underlines the sacredness and the absence of arbitrary human design in God's worship space, presenting a subtle but profound contrast to contemporary polytheistic practices.
1 Kings 6 25 Word analysis
- And the other cherub also: This connects to the previous verse (1 Kgs 6:24), confirming a pair. The Hebrew word for "cherub" (כְּרוּב, kərub) denotes a class of celestial, angelic beings, often depicted with wings and guardian functions, particularly in connection with God's presence, His glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod), and sacred spaces like Eden, the Tabernacle, and the Temple. Their inclusion here signifies the sanctity of the Debir.
- was ten cubits: The measurement "cubit" (אַמָּה, ammah) was an ancient unit of length, typically from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approx. 18 inches or 45 cm). Ten cubits signifies an impressive height of roughly 15 feet (4.5 meters). This colossal size made them a prominent feature in the Most Holy Place, underscoring the majesty and immense holiness of God whom they symbolically served and guarded. These cherubim occupied the entire width of the Holy of Holies.
- both the cherubims: This repetition emphasizes the pair, critical for their symmetrical placement and role within the Debir. It points to their complementary function and unified purpose.
- were of one measure: The Hebrew for "measure" is מִדָּה (middah), meaning dimension, standard, or proportion. This indicates exactitude in their height, width, and other spatial attributes. This precision reflects divine instruction and the importance of order in sacred architecture.
- and one form: The Hebrew for "form" is תַּבְנִית (tavnit), which refers to a pattern, model, or likeness. This is a crucial term, implying that both cherubim conformed to a specific, singular blueprint or design, divinely revealed or meticulously followed. This points to the divinely prescribed nature of the Temple's contents, not arbitrary human art. It signifies unity in their appearance and symbolic representation.
1 Kings 6 25 Bonus section
The olive wood from which these cherubim were fashioned, along with being overlaid with gold, added to their immense value and significance. Olive wood was durable and symbolic of richness and prosperity in ancient Israel. The gold overlay emphasized purity and royalty. Unlike the smaller cherubim directly on the Ark, these cherubim were freestanding and spanned the full twenty-cubit width of the Debir with their outstretched wings. Their wings not only touched each other over the Ark but also reached the side walls of the chamber (1 Kgs 6:27), thereby completely sheltering and guarding the Ark and its contents, representing divine protection over the covenant. This grand depiction of cherubim contrasts with simpler artistic forms and underscores a powerful theological statement about the majesty and glory of the God of Israel.
1 Kings 6 25 Commentary
1 Kings 6:25 succinctly conveys the meticulousness of Solomon's Temple construction, particularly regarding the two massive cherubim in the Holy of Holies. Their identical ten-cubit height was not arbitrary; it signified perfect symmetry and strict adherence to a divinely ordained blueprint, emphasizing the order and beauty required for God's dwelling. These grand figures, alongside the Ark, declared the sanctity of the Debir as the focal point of divine encounter and the Throne of God. Their scale symbolized God's surpassing majesty and the solemnity of His presence, while their "one measure and one form" pointed to divine unity and truth in contrast to the fragmented and often chaotic worship of pagan deities. It underscores that God's plan is complete, unified, and perfect. Practically, it reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness and precision in stewarding God's instructions and participating in corporate worship.