King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces [were] inward.
Complete Jewish Bible:
The wings of these k'ruvim spread out over thirty-five feet. They stood on their feet with their faces turned inward.
Berean Standard Bible:
So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.
American Standard Version:
The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
The wings{H3671} of these cherubims{H3742} spread themselves forth{H6566} twenty{H6242} cubits{H520}: and they stood{H5975} on their feet{H7272}, and their faces{H6440} were inward{H1004}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Exodus 25:20
- And the cherubims shall stretch forth [their] wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces [shall look] one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for 2 Chronicles 3:13
2 Chronicles 3:13 is a verse that describes the construction of the inner sanctuary of the Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, which is also referred to as the First Temple. The verse specifically details the cherubim figures that were situated within this holy space. Cherubim are angelic beings that are often depicted in biblical literature and art as having wings and being guardians of sacred spaces or the throne of God.
In this verse, the wings of the cherubim are described as spreading out to a span of twenty cubits, which is roughly thirty feet or nine meters, indicating their immense size and the grandeur of the Temple's interior. The cherubim are also depicted as standing upright on their feet with their faces turned inward, likely toward the center of the room where the Ark of the Covenant would have been placed. This inward orientation symbolizes the focus on the presence of God, which the Ark represented, and emphasizes the sacredness of the space.
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the period of Solomon's reign, which is traditionally dated to the 10th century BCE. Solomon's Temple was constructed as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark and as a central place of worship for the Israelites. The detailed description of the cherubim reflects the elaborate and costly efforts that went into the Temple's design and construction, highlighting the importance of the Temple in the religious and national life of ancient Israel.
The themes present in this verse include the magnificence of the Temple, the divine presence, and the role of angelic beings in the worship of God. It underscores the belief in a tangible divine presence among the people and the special care taken to create a space fitting for worship and communion with God. The cherubim, with their imposing size and inward gaze, serve as protectors and reminders of the holiness and majesty of God. This verse, therefore, captures the awe-inspiring nature of the sacred space and the meticulous attention to detail that characterized the Temple's construction, reflecting the deep religious devotion of the time.
*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: H3671
There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּנָף
Transliteration: kânâph
Pronunciation: kaw-nawf'
Description: from כָּנַף; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle; [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). - 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: H6566
There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּרַשׂ
Transliteration: pâras
Pronunciation: paw-ras'
Description: a primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.; break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). - Strong's Number: H6242
There are 281 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֶשְׂרִים
Transliteration: ʻesrîym
Pronunciation: es-reem'
Description: from עֶשֶׂר; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth; (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). - 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: H5975
There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָמַד
Transliteration: ʻâmad
Pronunciation: aw-mad'
Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. - Strong's Number: H7272
There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֶגֶל
Transliteration: regel
Pronunciation: reh'-gel
Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. - Strong's Number: H6440
There are 1890 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּנִים
Transliteration: pânîym
Pronunciation: paw-neem'
Description: plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה; from פָּנָה); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposition (before, etc.); [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. - Strong's Number: H1004
There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בַּיִת
Transliteration: bayith
Pronunciation: bah'-yith
Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).