1 Kings 6:24

KJV

And five cubits [was] the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other [were] ten cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And five {H2568} cubits {H520} was the one {H259} wing {H3671} of the cherub {H3742}, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} the other {H8145} wing {H3671} of the cherub {H3742}: from the uttermost part {H7098} of the one wing {H3671} unto the uttermost part {H7098} of the other {H3671} were ten {H6235} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each of the two wings of one of the k'ruvim was eight-and-three quarters feet long, so that the distance from the end of one wing to the end of the other was seventeen-and-a-half feet.

Berean Standard Bible

One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits.

American Standard Version

And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:24 precisely details the dimensions of the colossal cherubim positioned within the Most Holy Place (Debir) of Solomon's Temple. It specifies that each wing of the cherubim measured five cubits, resulting in an impressive total wingspan of ten cubits from tip to tip. This meticulous description underscores the immense scale and symbolic significance of these figures, which were central to the sacred architecture and served to emphasize the profound holiness and divine presence within Israel's primary sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Kings chapter 6, which provides an exhaustive account of the construction of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Following the preparations for building in chapter 5, chapter 6 meticulously describes the Temple's dimensions, materials, and internal furnishings. Verses 23-28 specifically detail the two colossal cherubim crafted from olive wood and overlaid with gold, which were placed within the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant would reside. Verse 24, therefore, offers a precise architectural detail, emphasizing the scale of these figures as a key element of the sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple (c. 960 BC) marked a pinnacle of Israelite history, signifying a period of national stability, prosperity, and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign was characterized by extensive building projects, reflecting both his wealth and his commitment to establishing a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The use of the cubit (an ancient measurement roughly 18-21 inches) for such precise details indicates the meticulous planning and execution, likely guided by divine instruction. Cherubim themselves were familiar figures in ancient Near Eastern iconography, often depicted as winged guardians of sacred spaces or divine thrones, a motif that Israel adapted to its unique monotheistic theology, associating them directly with the holiness and majesty of Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of the cherubim and their dimensions in 1 Kings 6:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Presence and Holiness** of God, as the colossal cherubim unequivocally signified God's immediate, awe-inspiring presence within the *Debir*, the holiest part of the Temple. Their formidable size would have underscored the unparalleled sacredness of the space where God's glory was to dwell, echoing the divine instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, the verse reinforces the **Symbolism of Guardianship**, as cherubim consistently appear in biblical narrative as angelic beings associated with guarding sacred spaces, such as the [Tree of Life in Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life") or those fashioned upon the [Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant"). Their presence in Solomon's Temple underscored the protection of divine holiness and the restricted, reverent access to God's immediate presence. Finally, the meticulous measurements reflect the **Attention to Detail and Excellence in Worship**, emphasizing the immense care, obedience, and reverence King Solomon and the Israelites invested in building God's house, a testament to the profound importance of honoring God with the very best.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherub (Hebrew, _kěrûḇ_):** These are celestial beings, often depicted with wings, frequently associated with guarding sacred spaces and attending God's throne. In biblical theology, cherubim symbolize God's majesty, holiness, and the inaccessibility of His presence to sin. Their presence in the Temple, particularly flanking the Ark of the Covenant, reinforces the idea of God's transcendent glory and the reverent awe due to Him.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, _’ammāh_):** An ancient unit of length, typically measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length could vary slightly (generally between 18 to 21 inches or 45-53 cm), its use here signifies precise, divinely ordained dimensions. The specific mention of "five cubits" and "ten cubits" emphasizes the exactness of the architectural plan, highlighting the divine blueprint and the human obedience in its execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And five cubits [was] the one wing of the cherub":** This initial clause establishes the individual length of a single wing from each of the two colossal cherubim. The "five cubits" (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters) immediately conveys the immense scale of these figures, indicating that they were not merely decorative but imposing and significant elements within the sanctuary.
* **"and five cubits the other wing of the cherub":** This clause reiterates the measurement for the second wing, confirming the symmetrical design of each cherub. The repetition reinforces the precise and balanced nature of the divine specifications, ensuring that each angelic figure was perfectly proportioned and equally grand.
* **"from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other [were] ten cubits":** This final statement provides the total wingspan of a single cherub. A ten-cubit (approximately 15 feet or 4.6 meters) wingspan means each cherub was a truly monumental figure, stretching across a significant portion of the Most Holy Place. This colossal size would have visually dominated the sacred inner sanctuary, powerfully conveying the overwhelming presence and majesty of the God they symbolized.

#### Literary Devices
The text in 1 Kings 6:24 primarily employs **Precision/Detail** and **Symbolism**. The exact numerical measurements ("five cubits," "ten cubits") are a prime example of **Precision/Detail**, underscoring the meticulousness with which the Temple was to be constructed according to divine specifications. This precision reflects the importance of obedience to God's commands and the high standard of excellence required in His worship. The cherubim themselves are rich in **Symbolism**, representing divine presence, holiness, and guardianship. Their immense size, conveyed through these precise measurements, amplifies the sense of awe and reverence intended to be felt in the presence of God. The repetition of "five cubits" further emphasizes the exactitude and symmetry of the design, contributing to the overall sense of divine order and perfection in the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed dimensions of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24 powerfully convey the transcendence of God and the profound sacredness of His dwelling place. These colossal figures, positioned at the very heart of the Temple, served as a visual testament to the awe-inspiring majesty of God and the guarded nature of His holiness. They represented the boundary between the divine and the human, signifying that access to God's immediate presence was not to be taken lightly, but was a privilege granted under specific, holy conditions. This emphasis on divine separation and the need for reverence is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of how ultimate access would be granted.

* [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")
* [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant")
* [Ezekiel 10:1-22](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10:1-22 - Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail dedicated to the cherubim's dimensions in 1 Kings 6:24 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as ancient Israel invested their finest resources and adhered to precise divine instructions in constructing God's physical dwelling, we are called to approach God with intentionality, reverence, and excellence in every aspect of our lives. The sheer grandeur of the cherubim, symbolizing God's immense presence and holiness, should cultivate in us a deep sense of awe and humility, reminding us that we serve a God of unparalleled majesty. While the physical Temple no longer stands, the New Testament teaches that our bodies are now a "temple of the Holy Ghost" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), and the church collectively is God's dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). This calls us to live lives of purity, dedication, and worship, honoring God with our whole being, recognizing the sacred presence within and among us. The symbolism of guarded access also reminds us of the precious gift of direct access to God through Christ, prompting gratitude and a desire to draw near with confidence and reverence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24 inspire awe for God's holiness and majesty in your own worship?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Testament believers, emulate the meticulousness and reverence shown in the building of the Temple in our personal and corporate spiritual lives?**
* **Considering the cherubim's historical role as guardians of sacred space, how does Christ's work transform our access to God's presence, and what does that mean for our daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the cherubim's size in Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: The immense size of the cherubim, with a ten-cubit (approximately 15-foot) wingspan, was highly significant. It visually emphasized the overwhelming presence and majesty of God within the Most Holy Place. Their colossal scale was designed to evoke profound awe and reverence, underscoring the absolute holiness of the sacred space and the transcendent nature of the God whose presence they symbolized. It also highlighted their role as imposing guardians of divine holiness.

**Why were cherubim placed in the Temple's Most Holy Place?**

Answer: Cherubim were placed in the Most Holy Place because they consistently symbolize God's presence, glory, and act as guardians of His holiness throughout biblical narrative. Their presence in the Temple echoed their role in guarding the way to the Tree of Life after the Fall ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) and their depiction on the Ark of the Covenant itself ([Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant")), which was housed between them. They signified the sacredness of the *Debir* and the restricted, reverent access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant.

**Is a cubit a precise measurement, and why is it used here?**

Answer: While a cubit was an ancient unit of measurement based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (varying slightly, but generally around 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm), its use in the biblical text is for precise architectural specification. The consistent application of cubits throughout the Temple's description, including for the cherubim, indicates that these were divinely revealed plans requiring exact adherence. It conveys the meticulous detail and divine order inherent in the construction of God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed description of the cherubim guarding the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple, with their imposing dimensions, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among humanity in Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the Temple, with its cherubim and the veil, symbolized a limited, guarded access to God's presence, a separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among us, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." His incarnation brought God's presence fully and personally into the world. Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross dramatically tore the Temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the guarded access symbolized by the cherubim and the veil was now abolished. Through His blood, Jesus, our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")), has opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place—into God's very presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). The cherubim's role as guardians is thus fulfilled and transformed in Christ; He no longer guards access by prohibition but by securing our holiness and ensuring our confident approach to the Father through His atoning work, making us, His church, the new spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.