King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the other cherub [was] ten cubits: both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one size.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Likewise the [wingspread of the] other keruv was seventeen-and-a-half feet; both k'ruvim were identical in shape and size.
Berean Standard Bible:
The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape,
American Standard Version:
And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubim were of one measure and one form.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And the other{H8145} cherub{H3742} was ten{H6235} cubits{H520}: both{H8147} the cherubims{H3742} were of one{H259} measure{H4060} and one{H259} size{H7095}.
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for 1 Kings 6:25
1 Kings 6:25 is a verse that describes part of the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, also known as Solomon's Temple. This temple was built under the reign of King Solomon, who is renowned in the biblical narrative for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the temple. The verse specifically refers to the cherubim, which were winged creatures that featured prominently in ancient Near Eastern art and mythology, often guarding sacred spaces.
In the context of the temple, the cherubim were not merely decorative; they held significant theological importance. They were positioned within the inner sanctuary of the temple, known as the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark was considered the throne of God on earth, and the cherubim were believed to flank the presence of God, symbolizing His protection and majesty.
The verse states that both cherubim had the same size and dimensions, with each being ten cubits high. A cubit was an ancient unit of length based on the forearm length, which in biblical times was approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters). Thus, each cherub was about 15 feet tall, indicating the grandeur and solemnity of the Holy of Holies. The uniformity in size of the cherubim might also symbolize balance and harmony in the divine presence.
The historical context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. The construction of the First Temple was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, solidifying their religious identity and providing a central place of worship. The detailed description of the temple's architecture and furnishings, including the cherubim, reflects the meticulous care taken in creating a space worthy of the divine presence according to the instructions given to Solomon by his father King David and as guided by God. The verse underscores the elaborate and costly investment in the temple, reflecting the resources and effort dedicated to its construction, as well as the religious fervor and national pride of the Israelite people at the height of their united monarchy.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H8145
There are 151 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֵׁנִי
Transliteration: shênîy
Pronunciation: shay-nee'
Description: from שָׁנָה; properly, double, i.e. second; also adverbially, again; again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). - Strong's Number: H3742
There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כְּרוּב
Transliteration: kᵉrûwb
Pronunciation: ker-oob'
Description: of uncertain derivation; a cherub or imaginary figure; cherub, (plural) cherubims. - Strong's Number: H6235
There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֶשֶׂר
Transliteration: ʻeser
Pronunciation: eh'ser
Description: masculine of term עֲשָׂרָה; from עָשַׂר; ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits); ten, (fif-, seven-) teen. - Strong's Number: H520
There are 240 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַמָּה
Transliteration: ʼammâh
Pronunciation: am-maw'
Description: prolonged from אֵם; properly, a mother (i.e. unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e. a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance); cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for מֵאָה), measure, post. - Strong's Number: H8147
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
Transliteration: shᵉnayim
Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. - Strong's Number: H259
There are 801 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֶחָד
Transliteration: ʼechâd
Pronunciation: ekh-awd'
Description: a numeral from אָחַד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, - Strong's Number: H4060
There are 53 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִדָּה
Transliteration: middâh
Pronunciation: mid-daw'
Description: feminine of מַד; properly, extension, i.e. height or breadth; also a measure (including its standard); hence a portion (as measured) or a vestment; specifically, tribute (as measured); garment, measure(-ing, meteyard, piece, size, (great) stature, tribute, wide. - Strong's Number: H7095
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קֶצֶב
Transliteration: qetseb
Pronunciation: keh'-tseb
Description: from קָצַב; shape (as if cut out); base (as if there cut off); bottom, size.