2 Chronicles 3:13 kjv
The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.
2 Chronicles 3:13 nkjv
The wings of these cherubim spanned twenty cubits overall. They stood on their feet, and they faced inward.
2 Chronicles 3:13 niv
The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main hall.
2 Chronicles 3:13 esv
The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the nave.
2 Chronicles 3:13 nlt
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.
2 Chronicles 3 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 3:24 | ...He placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword... | Cherubim as guardians of sacred space |
| Exod 25:18-20 | Make two cherubim of gold... cherubim shall stretch forth their wings... covering the mercy seat... | Cherubim covering the mercy seat on the Ark |
| Exod 26:1 | ...You shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. | Cherubim in tabernacle decorations |
| Num 7:89 | ...Moses heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark... from between the two cherubim... | God's voice from between the cherubim |
| 1 Sam 4:4 | ...the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim... | God enthroned above the cherubim |
| 2 Sam 6:2 | ...Ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD of Hosts who dwells between the cherubim. | God's dwelling place with cherubim |
| 1 Ki 6:23-28 | In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high... Their wings were five cubits... | Provides dimensions of the temple cherubim |
| 1 Ki 6:35 | He carved on them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers... | Cherubim imagery throughout the Temple |
| 1 Ki 8:6-7 | The priests brought the ark... into the inner sanctuary, to the Most Holy Place... the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark... | Cherubim over the Ark in Solomon's Temple |
| 1 Ki 8:10-11 | And when the priests came out of the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD... for the glory of the LORD filled the house... | God's glory filling the Temple |
| Ps 18:10 | He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind. | God riding on a cherub (divine transport) |
| Ps 91:4 | He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge... | Imagery of protection under divine "wings" |
| Isa 6:2 | Above Him stood the seraphim... each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. | Similar celestial beings and their wings |
| Ezek 1:4-28 | ...something like four living creatures came out of the midst of the fire... And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings... | Ezekiel's vision of cherubim/living creatures |
| Ezek 10:1-22 | Then I looked, and behold, on the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire stone, in appearance like a throne. | Cherubim supporting God's throne |
| Zec 5:9 | Then I lifted my eyes again and looked, and behold, two women coming forth with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between earth and heaven. | Angelic beings with wings (different context) |
| Heb 9:3-5 | Behind the second veil was a tabernacle... the Holy of Holies... above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat... | New Testament reference to cherubim/tabernacle |
| Heb 10:19-20 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus... by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain... | Christ's sacrifice opens access to God's presence |
| Rev 4:6-8 | ...four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion... And the four living creatures, each of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within... | Revelation's living creatures, similar to cherubim |
2 Chronicles 3 verses
2 Chronicles 3 13 Meaning
2 Chronicles 3:13 describes the cherubim in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple. It signifies that these divinely appointed, carved figures were strategically positioned such that their outstretched wings completely filled the sacred inner sanctuary, touching the opposing walls and meeting each other in the exact middle. This arrangement powerfully conveys the totality and overwhelming nature of God's holy presence, guarded and surrounded by these heavenly beings, making the Most Holy Place an exclusive and awe-inspiring domain.
2 Chronicles 3 13 Context
The book of 2 Chronicles details the reign of the kings of Judah, with a strong emphasis on the Jerusalem Temple and proper worship. Chapter 3 focuses entirely on Solomon's construction of the Temple, specifically the measurements, materials, and internal furnishings. Verse 13 describes the placement and posture of the two large, carved cherubim within the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies or debir), the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was to reside. This context emphasizes the incredible grandeur, sacredness, and detailed specifications for the house dedicated to the worship of the one true God, contrasting implicitly with the temples and idols of surrounding pagan nations which often lacked such detailed divine directives or the concept of an omnipresent God whose shekinah glory filled the sanctuary rather than being confined within an idol. The immense scale and symbolic figures underscore the unique transcendence and immanence of YHWH.
2 Chronicles 3 13 Word analysis
- The cherubim (כְּרוּבִים, kərûḇîm): Refers to divinely appointed, winged celestial beings. In this context, they are large, carved wooden figures overlaid with gold, depicting angelic guardians. They symbolize the guardians of God's holiness and His divine presence, linking back to their role in guarding the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:24) and their depiction on the Ark of the Covenant and throughout the Tabernacle and Temple (Exod 25; 1 Ki 6).
- spread out (פָּרְשׂוּ, pā·rəsōw): From the root "to stretch out" or "extend." This implies their vast span and purposeful positioning, signifying coverage and embrace. It suggests an action of deliberate enclosure or marking territory.
- their wings (כְּנָפַיִם, kənāp̄ayim): Literal anatomical wings, here depicting symbolic elements of swiftness, majesty, covering, and protection, consistent with cherubic imagery. These are not merely decorative but functional in their symbolic capacity.
- so that the wing of one touched the wall: This describes the immense scale and precise fit of these cherubim within the Most Holy Place. It signifies that no space was left uncovered, emphasizing the fullness of the cherubic presence in guarding and surrounding the holiest space.
- and the wing of the other touched the other wall: Reiterates the perfect symmetry and completeness of their placement. It highlights the divine precision in the Temple's design, leaving no part of the inner sanctuary unmarked by their presence.
- and their wings touched each other (וּכְנַפֵיהֶם נֹגְעוֹת אִישׁ אֶל אָחִיו, ūḵənafehem noḡəʿôṯ ʾîš ʾel ʾāḥîw): Lit. "and their wings touching man to his brother," emphasizing the mutual contact of the wings. This signifies a unified, unbroken line of guard and dedication, centralizing the sacred space. It speaks of a perfect boundary and complete enclosure of God's most immediate dwelling place on earth.
- in the middle (בַּתָּוֶךְ, baṯ·tā·weḵ): Refers to the very center of the Most Holy Place, where the two sets of wings met. This spot would be directly above or around where the Ark of the Covenant (containing the Tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna) was placed. This emphasizes the focal point of divine presence and holiness within the Temple.
- of the temple (הַבַּיִת, hab·ba·yiṯ): Refers specifically to the inner sanctuary or Most Holy Place (debir) of Solomon's Temple, which was designed to house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as the most direct manifestation of God's dwelling among His people.
2 Chronicles 3 13 Bonus section
The account in 1 Kings 6:23-28 clarifies that each of these two cherubim was ten cubits (approximately 15 feet) high, with their wings five cubits each (approximately 7.5 feet). Thus, two cherubim, each with two outstretched wings (five cubits forward and five cubits backward), would create a span of ten cubits from wingtip to wingtip. With the Most Holy Place being 20 cubits wide, their individual wing spans, combined with the way their inner wings touched, enabled them to effectively cover and symbolize protection over the entire width. This highlights not just symbolic representation but also an overwhelming physical presence, leaving no empty space. The meticulous detail in chronicling their size and placement reinforces the absolute sanctity and unapproachability of God's dwelling for the average person, yet also His powerful, overshadowing presence within.
2 Chronicles 3 13 Commentary
2 Chronicles 3:13 paints a vivid picture of the sheer magnitude and detailed arrangement of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place. These colossal figures, with their wings spanning the entire width of the inner sanctuary and meeting in the middle, powerfully symbolized the exclusive, comprehensive, and guarded holiness of God's dwelling. This detailed description reinforces the sacred boundaries of divine presence. It means that access to the Ark, the place where God uniquely manifested Himself to His people, was not just limited by a veil but was further enveloped and guarded by these impressive, unceasing figures, signifying that the presence of YHWH filled that space utterly and transcendentally, separate from all common things.