What number verse is 2 Chronicles 3:11 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 3:11 is the 11,241st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 3:11 sits at position 11,241.

Translation

King James Version

And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the wings ^H3671 of the cherubims ^H3742 were twenty ^H6242 cubits ^H520 long ^H753: one ^H259 wing ^H3671 of the one cherub was five ^H2568 cubits ^H520, reaching ^H5060 to the wall ^H7023 of the house ^H1004: and the other ^H312 wing ^H3671 was likewise five ^H2568 cubits ^H520, reaching ^H5060 to the wing ^H3671 of the other ^H312 cherub ^H3742.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The wings of the k'ruvim were thirty-five feet long - the wing of the one keruv was eight-and-three-quarters feet long and touched the wall of the house; the other wing was also eight-and-three-quarters feet long, so that it touched the wing of the other keruv.

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Berean Standard Bible

The total wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long and touched the wall of the temple, and its other wing was five cubits long and touched the wing of the other cherub.

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American Standard Version

And the wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

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World English Bible Messianic

The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And the winges of the Cherubims were twentie cubites long: the one wing was fiue cubites, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing fiue cubites, reaching to the wing of the other Cherub.

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Young's Literal Translation

as to the wings of the cherubs, their length is twenty cubits, the wing of the one is five cubits, touching the wall of the house, and the other wing is five cubits, touching the wing of the other cherub.

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In the KJVVerse 11,241 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Chronicles 3:11 provides an exceptionally precise architectural description of the two colossal cherubim positioned within the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple. This verse meticulously details their impressive twenty-cubit (approximately 30-foot) total wingspan, specifying how each cherub's five-cubit wing extended to meet the sanctuary wall, while its other five-cubit wing reached inward to connect with the corresponding wing of the second cherub. This intricate arrangement created a magnificent, overarching canopy, symbolizing divine presence and guardianship over the Ark of the Covenant. The meticulous detail underscores the unparalleled grandeur, profound sacredness, and divinely ordained design of God's dwelling place, emphasizing the awe and reverence intended for this innermost sanctuary.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the detailed biblical account of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a narrative that spans 2 Chronicles 3 through 2 Chronicles 5, with significant parallels found in 1 Kings 6-8. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 3:10-13 focuses on the two monumental, freestanding cherubim commissioned for the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies). These figures are distinct from the smaller cherubim that were permanently affixed to the Ark of the Covenant itself. The verses immediately preceding 2 Chronicles 3:11 describe the precise dimensions, materials, and internal adornments of the Most Holy Place, making the detailed description of the cherubim a logical and essential continuation of the inner sanctuary's embellishment. Their strategic placement, positioned to overshadow the Ark, is critical for understanding their symbolic and theological function within the Temple's comprehensive design.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, constructed in the 10th century BCE, marked a pivotal transition in Israelite worship, moving from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, grand edifice designed as Yahweh's dwelling place among His people. This monumental undertaking was far more than an architectural marvel; it was a profound theological declaration, signifying God's enduring covenant presence and the establishment of Jerusalem as His chosen spiritual and political center. In the broader ancient Near East, colossal winged figures frequently served as guardians of sacred precincts or as divine attendants, often associated with royal thrones or divine chariots. The incorporation of cherubim into the Temple's design aligns with this widespread cultural motif, yet it is uniquely shaped by Israelite monotheism, emphasizing Yahweh's supreme sovereignty, holiness, and transcendent glory. The meticulous measurements, expressed in cubits (an ancient unit of length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches), underscore the precision and divine instruction believed to guide every aspect of the Temple's construction, echoing the detailed commands given for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-27.
Key Themes: The detailed description of the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:11 significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Divine Majesty and Glory. The sheer scale, precious materials (olive wood overlaid with gold), and opulent craftsmanship of the cherubim reflect the incomparable greatness, splendor, and transcendent nature of God, whose holy presence was to reside within this sanctuary. Every element within the Temple, from its foundational materials to its intricate dimensions, was meticulously designed to evoke profound awe and reverence for the Lord. Secondly, the cherubim embody the theme of Guardians of Holiness. Throughout biblical narrative, from their role in guarding the Garden of Eden after the fall to their presence on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22), cherubim consistently symbolize the protection of God's sacred presence and the sanctity of holy spaces. Their expansive wings here signify their role in safeguarding the Most Holy Place, where God's unique presence was manifested. Lastly, the verse highlights Meticulous Design and Divine Order. The precise measurements provided for the cherubim's wings emphasize the exactitude, careful planning, and divine blueprint that governed the Temple's construction, reinforcing the critical importance of adhering to God's specific instructions for His dwelling place.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Cherubims (Hebrew, kᵉrûwb', H3742): These are celestial beings, often depicted with wings, intrinsically linked to the presence, glory, and holiness of God. In Scripture, they function as guardians of sacred spaces (e.g., Genesis 3:24), attendants of God's throne (e.g., Ezekiel 10), and symbolic representations of God's presence on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). In 2 Chronicles 3:11, their colossal size and strategic placement within the Most Holy Place powerfully emphasize their role in signifying divine majesty and guarding the innermost sanctuary, underscoring its profound sanctity.
Cubits (Hebrew, ʼammâh', H520): This term refers to an ancient unit of linear measurement, typically defined as the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its precise length varied slightly across different cultures and historical periods, it generally ranged from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The mention of "twenty cubits long" for the cherubim's total wingspan translates to a formidable 30 to 35 feet, highlighting the immense scale of these figures and the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Most Holy Place.
Wings (Hebrew, kânâph', H3671): Beyond their literal function for flight, wings in biblical symbolism frequently represent protection, shelter, and divine covering. Here, the outstretched wings of the cherubim, reaching from wall to wall and meeting in the center, create a symbolic canopy or protective enclosure over the Ark of the Covenant. This imagery signifies God's protective presence, His overshadowing glory, and the profound sacredness of the space beneath them, emphasizing that this area is uniquely set apart by divine presence.

Verse Breakdown

"And the wings of the cherubims [were] twenty cubits long:" This opening clause immediately establishes the impressive total wingspan of the two cherubim. The combined length of their outstretched wings was immense, conveying the monumental scale and awe-inspiring nature of these figures within the Most Holy Place. This dimension underscores the grandeur and majesty associated with God's dwelling, indicating that everything within His sanctuary was designed to be magnificent.
"one wing [of the one cherub was] five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house:" This part specifies the length of a single wing from one of the cherubim. Each cherub possessed two wings, and one of these wings extended five cubits (approximately 7.5-8.75 feet) to touch the side wall of the inner sanctuary. This detail provides a precise architectural measurement, illustrating how the cherubim's dimensions were perfectly integrated into the width of the Most Holy Place, filling the sacred space.
"and the other wing [was likewise] five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub." The final clause describes the second wing of the first cherub. This wing, also five cubits long, extended inwards to meet the corresponding wing of the second cherub at the very center of the Most Holy Place. This symmetrical and interlocking arrangement meant that the cherubim's wings formed a continuous, overarching canopy, effectively enclosing and overshadowing the space where the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and presence, would ultimately rest.

Literary Devices

The description in 2 Chronicles 3:11 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and impact. Precision and Detail are paramount, as the specific measurements (twenty cubits total, five cubits per wing) provide a vivid and concrete image of the cherubim's immense scale and exact placement. This meticulousness reflects the divine instruction and the sacredness inherent in every aspect of the Temple's construction. Symbolism is central, with the cherubim themselves serving as powerful symbols of God's holy presence, His sovereign throne, and His vigilant guardianship over the sacred. Their outstretched wings, forming a protective canopy, symbolize divine protection, covering, and the hallowed, set-apart nature of the space they enclose. The sheer Magnitude of the dimensions, while literal, also functions as a form of Hyperbole in its effect, designed to evoke profound awe, reverence, and wonder for the God whose dwelling place required such immense and magnificent figures. The description collectively contributes to the pervasive sense of Grandeur and Majesty that characterizes the accounts of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing its role as a tangible reflection of God's incomparable glory.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The detailed description of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place, particularly their immense size and their role in overshadowing the Ark of the Covenant, powerfully communicates the transcendent holiness and inaccessible majesty of God under the Old Covenant. These figures, serving as guardians of the divine presence since the expulsion from Eden, underscored the profound separation between a perfectly holy God and fallen, sinful humanity. The Most Holy Place, veiled and entered only once a year by the High Priest, was a sacred space of divine encounter, yet one marked by strict boundaries and highly mediated access. The cherubim, with their vast, encompassing wings, visually reinforced this reality, serving as a constant, awe-inspiring reminder that God's presence was both glorious and utterly holy, demanding utmost reverence and strict adherence to His divine commands. They symbolized a God who dwells in unapproachable light, yet graciously condescends to dwell among His people, albeit behind a veil.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The awe-inspiring scale and meticulous design of the cherubim in Solomon's Temple serve as a profound and enduring reminder of God's transcendent holiness and majestic glory. While believers today no longer worship in a physical temple adorned with such elaborate physical representations, the eternal principles they embody remain profoundly relevant. The grandeur of the Most Holy Place, guarded by these colossal figures, teaches us that God is truly worthy of our utmost reverence, awe, and worship. It challenges us to critically examine the quality of our own approach to God—do we genuinely grasp His infinite holiness, or have we allowed familiarity to diminish our sense of wonder and foster complacency? Furthermore, as New Testament believers, we are called to embrace the transformative truth that through Christ, the veil has been torn, and we ourselves are now living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This profound reality means that God's very presence indwells us, transforming our entire lives into sacred spaces. Our daily lives, our physical bodies, our innermost thoughts, and our outward actions become the very arena where God's glory is to be manifested. Just as meticulous care and costly materials were devoted to the Temple's construction, we are called to offer our "best" in worship and service, living lives that consistently reflect the indwelling holiness of God and honor His supreme worth.

Questions for Reflection

How does the detailed description of the Temple's cherubim deepen your understanding of God's majesty and holiness, and what implications does this have for your worship?
In what practical ways can we, as believers, consciously embody the "sacred space" of God's presence in our daily lives, reflecting His indwelling holiness to the world around us?
What does the painstaking effort and precision put into the Temple's construction teach us about the quality, intentionality, and reverence we should bring to our own worship and service to God?

FAQ

What is a cubit and how large were these cherubim in modern measurements?

Answer: A cubit was an ancient unit of length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45 to 53 centimeters). Therefore, the "twenty cubits long" wingspan mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:11 translates to an impressive total wingspan of roughly 30 to 35 feet (about 9 to 10.7 meters). Each individual wing was five cubits, meaning each wing was approximately 7.5 to 8.75 feet long. This immense scale highlights the grandeur, awe-inspiring nature, and symbolic significance of these figures within the Most Holy Place.

Were these the same cherubim as those on the Ark of the Covenant?

Answer: No, these were distinct figures. While the Ark of the Covenant itself had two smaller cherubim crafted directly onto its mercy seat (as described in Exodus 25:18-22), the cherubim described in 2 Chronicles 3:11 were much larger, freestanding figures made of olive wood and overlaid with gold. They stood within the Most Holy Place, positioned to overshadow the Ark, symbolizing God's throne and presence on a grander, more permanent scale within the Temple structure.

What was the symbolic purpose of these large cherubim in the Most Holy Place?

Answer: The large cherubim served multiple profound symbolic purposes. Primarily, they represented the guardians of God's holiness and sacred presence. Their immense size and strategic placement, with wings outstretched to form a canopy over the Ark, visually reinforced the sanctity, inaccessibility, and profound reverence required for the Most Holy Place, which only the High Priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. They also symbolized God's throne or chariot, drawing parallels to biblical visions of cherubim carrying God's throne (e.g., Ezekiel 10:1-22). Their majestic presence underscored the divine majesty, glory, and the profound reverence due to the God who chose to dwell among His people.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The magnificent cherubim in Solomon's Temple, with their vast wings overshadowing the Ark of the Covenant, powerfully symbolized the veiled and mediated access to God's holy presence under the Old Covenant. They stood as formidable guardians of a sacred space that humanity, stained by sin, could not directly enter. However, this profound imagery finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, as He Himself declared in John 2:19-21, through whom God's presence truly dwells among us in bodily form. The dramatic tearing of the Temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) profoundly signified that the formidable barriers to God's presence, once guarded by cherubim and a physical veil, were now eternally removed through His perfect, atoning sacrifice. Jesus, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), has entered the true heavenly Most Holy Place, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption and granting us bold, unhindered access to the Father (Hebrews 9:11-12 and Hebrews 10:19-22). Consequently, believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming living temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), no longer needing physical cherubim or an earthly sanctuary to mediate God's glorious and accessible presence.

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3 verses 10–17

10 ¶ And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold.

11 And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

12 And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

13 The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.

14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

15 Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

16 And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

17 And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

Here is an account of 1. The two cherubim, which were set up in the holy of holies. There were two already over the ark, which covered the mercy-seat with their wings; these were small ones. Now that the most holy place was enlarged, though these were continued (being appurtenances to the ark, which was not to be made new, as all the other utensils of the tabernacle were), yet those two large ones were added, doubtless by divine appointment, to fill up the holy place, which otherwise would have looked bare, like a room unfurnished. These cherubim are said to be of image-work (Ch2 3:10), designed, it is likely, to represent the angels who attend the divine Majesty. Each wing extended five cubits, so that the whole was twenty cubits (Ch2 3:12, Ch2 3:13), which was just the breadth of the most holy place, Ch2 3:8. They stood on their feet, as servants, their faces inward toward the ark (Ch2 3:13), that it might appear they were not set there to be adored (for then they would have been made sitting, as on a throne, and their faces towards their worshippers), but rather as themselves attendants on the invisible God. We must not worship angels, but we must worship with angels; for we have come into communion with them (Heb 12:22), and must do the will of God as the angels do it. The thought that we are worshipping him before whom the angels cover their faces will help to inspire us with reverence in all our approaches to God. Compare Co1 11:10 with Isa 6:2. 2. The veil that parted between the temple and the most holy place, Ch2 3:14. This denoted the darkness of that dispensation, and the distance which the worshippers were kept at; but, at the death of Christ, this veil was rent; for through him we are made nigh, and have boldness not only to look, but to enter, into the holiest. On this he was wrought cherubim. Heb. he caused them to ascend, that is, they were made in raised work, embossed. Or he made them on the wing in an ascending posture, as the other two that stood on their feet in an attending posture, to remind the worshippers to lift up their hearts, and to soar upwards in their devotions. 3. The two pillars which were set up before the temple. Both together were somewhat above thirty-five cubits in length (Ch2 3:15), about eighteen cubits high a-piece. See Kg1 7:15, etc., where we took a view of those pillars, Jachin and Boaz, establishment and strength in temple-work and by it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–17. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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