2 Chronicles 3:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one wing {H3671} of the other {H259} cherub {H3742} was five {H2568} cubits {H520}, reaching {H5060} to the wall {H7023} of the house {H1004}: and the other {H312} wing {H3671} was five {H2568} cubits {H520} also, joining {H1695} to the wing {H3671} of the other {H312} cherub {H3742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wing of the other keruv was eight-and-three-quarters feet long, touching the wall of the house; and the other wing was also eight-and-three-quarters feet long, touching the wing of the first keruv.

Berean Standard Bible

The wing of the second cherub also measured five cubits and touched the wall of the temple, while its other wing measured five cubits and touched the wing of the first cherub.

American Standard Version

And the 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:12 meticulously details the dimensions and placement of one wing of the second cherub within the Most Holy Place of King Solomon's Temple. This verse, part of a broader architectural blueprint, highlights the precise craftsmanship and immense scale of the two golden cherubim, whose outstretched wings were designed to span the entire width of the inner sanctuary, symbolizing divine presence, guardianship, and the profound holiness of God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 3:12 is situated within the Chronicler's extensive account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically in chapters 2-5. These chapters are central to the book's theological agenda, emphasizing the Temple as the divinely ordained locus of worship and the enduring symbol of God's covenant presence with Israel. Following the initial preparations and the laying of the foundation in [2 Chronicles 3:1-2](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1-2 - Solomon Begins Temple Construction"), the narrative proceeds to describe the Temple's various components, including the porch, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Verses [2 Chronicles 3:10-13](/2_chronicles/3-10 "2 Chronicles 3:10-13 - The Golden Cherubim in the Holy of Holies") focus specifically on the two colossal cherubim crafted for the inner sanctuary. This particular verse, [2 Chronicles 3:12](/2_chronicles/3-12 "2 Chronicles 3:12 - Dimensions of the Second Cherub's Wing"), provides the precise measurements for the second cherub's wings, demonstrating how they extended to the wall and met the wing of the first cherub, thereby filling the entire width of the Holy of Holies (20 cubits).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple (c. 960 BCE) was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the apex of Israelite power and prosperity under King Solomon. In the ancient Near East, the building of grand temples was a common practice for rulers, serving as expressions of national identity, royal power, and devotion to their deities. However, Solomon's Temple was unique in its dedication to Yahweh, the one true God, and its design was based on divine revelation, not human ingenuity. Jerusalem, as the chosen capital and the site of the Temple, became the spiritual and political center of the nation. The meticulous details, like those in [2 Chronicles 3:12](/2_chronicles/3-12 "2 Chronicles 3:12 - Dimensions of the Second Cherub's Wing"), underscore the immense resources, skilled craftsmanship (with help from Tyre, as seen in [2 Chronicles 2:7](/2_chronicles/2-7 "2 Chronicles 2:7 - Hiram's Skillful Craftsmen")), and profound reverence invested in creating a fitting dwelling place for God's manifest presence (the Shekinah).
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Presence and Holiness:** The cherubim, as guardians of God's holiness and throne, emphasize the sanctity of the Most Holy Place. Their placement and vast wingspan signify the overwhelming presence of God within His dwelling. This space was set apart, accessible only to the high priest once a year, underscoring the absolute purity required to approach a holy God. The entire design, including the cherubim, served to visually communicate the awe-inspiring nature of God's dwelling among His people.
* **Precision and Divine Order:** The exact measurements and detailed descriptions throughout the Temple's construction, exemplified in [2 Chronicles 3:12](/2_chronicles/3-12 "2 Chronicles 3:12 - Dimensions of the Second Cherub's Wing"), highlight the importance of obedience to God's divine blueprint. Every cubit and every feature was specified by God, reflecting His character of order, perfection, and His expectation of meticulous dedication in worship and service. This precision underscores that God is not to be approached casually but with utmost care and reverence.
* **Symbolism of Cherubim:** Since their appearance guarding the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life"), cherubim have consistently represented heavenly beings associated with God's glory, His throne, and the guardianship of sacred space. In the Temple, their outstretched wings, meeting in the center, formed a symbolic canopy over the Ark of the Covenant (though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it was the central object of the Holy of Holies), signifying God's sovereign rule, protection, and the inaccessibility of His unapproachable glory to sinful humanity without proper mediation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherub (Hebrew, _kĕrûḇ_):** These are celestial beings, often depicted with wings, associated with God's throne, glory, and as guardians of sacred space. They appear in various biblical contexts, from guarding the Tree of Life in Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) to being integral to the design of the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as Ezekiel's visions of God's chariot-throne ([Ezekiel 10:1-22](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - Vision of the Cherubim and God's Glory")). In 2 Chronicles 3, their colossal size and golden overlay emphasize the immense glory and holiness of the God they represent and guard.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, _ʾammāh_):** An ancient unit of linear measurement, typically defined as the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches (or 45-53 centimeters). The consistent use of "cubit" throughout the architectural descriptions of the Temple underscores the precise, literal scale of the construction. In this verse, "five cubits" for each wing signifies a substantial dimension, contributing to the overall grandeur and the cherubim's function of filling the entire Holy of Holies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [one] wing of the other cherub [was] five cubits":** This clause specifies the dimension of a single wing from the second cherub. The use of "other cherub" indicates that the first cherub's dimensions and placement were described in the preceding verse ([2 Chronicles 3:11](/2_chronicles/3-11 "2 Chronicles 3:11 - Dimensions of the First Cherub")). The "five cubits" highlights the significant size of each individual wing, contributing to the overall impressive scale of these figures.
* **"reaching to the wall of the house":** This phrase clarifies the spatial orientation and extent of the wing. It indicates that one wing of the second cherub extended fully to touch the inner wall of the Most Holy Place. This detail emphasizes how the cherubim were positioned to fill the sacred space, leaving no gap between their presence and the physical boundaries of God's dwelling.
* **"and the other wing [was] five cubits [also], joining to the wing of the other cherub":** This final clause describes the second wing of the same cherub. It reiterates the symmetrical "five cubits" dimension, reinforcing the precise and balanced design. Crucially, it states that this wing met and joined with the wing of the *first* cherub, which would have extended from the opposite side. This arrangement created a continuous, overarching canopy of wings across the entire 20-cubit width of the Holy of Holies, symbolizing a complete covering and protection of the divine presence within.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 2 Chronicles 3:12, like much of the Temple narrative, employs **Precision** and **Detailing** to convey the sacredness and divine origin of the structure. The exact measurements are not merely architectural notes but serve to emphasize the meticulous care and divine blueprint behind God's dwelling place. The cherubim themselves are potent examples of **Symbolism**, representing heavenly guardians of God's holiness and glory. Their outstretched wings, meeting in the center, create a powerful visual symbol of God's overshadowing presence and protection. The **Repetition** of "five cubits" for each wing underscores the symmetry and perfect balance of the design, contributing to the overall sense of order and grandeur. Furthermore, the description of "one wing" and "the other wing" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where the whole (the cherub's full 10-cubit wingspan) is conveyed by describing its constituent parts, highlighting the completeness of their coverage within the sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous description of the cherubim's wings in 2 Chronicles 3:12 profoundly underscores the transcendent holiness of God and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. These colossal figures, whose wings spanned the entire inner sanctuary, served as powerful visual reminders of the sacred boundary between a holy God and sinful humanity. They symbolized not only God's majestic glory and sovereign rule but also the guarded nature of His presence, a reminder of humanity's expulsion from Eden and the need for divine mediation to approach Him. The precision in their design reflects God's character of order and His demand for reverence and exactness in all matters pertaining to His worship, emphasizing that His dwelling place was not merely a building but a consecrated space imbued with divine significance.

* [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Placement of Temple Cherubim")
* [Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "Hebrews 9:5 - Cherubim of Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer worship in a physical temple adorned with golden cherubim, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 3:12 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives. The meticulous detail and immense scale of the cherubim, designed to fill and guard the Holy of Holies, should cultivate within us a deep sense of awe and reverence for God. It reminds us that God is holy, majestic, and deserving of our utmost respect and intentionality in all aspects of our worship and daily living. Just as every cubit mattered in the Temple's construction, so too should every thought, word, and deed in our lives be offered with excellence and devotion to Him. Recognizing that through Christ, believers are now living temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to embody His holiness and presence in the world, living lives that reflect His glory and invite others to encounter His sacred presence. Our "sacred space" is now within us and among us, demanding a spiritual precision and reverence that mirrors the physical exactness of the ancient Temple.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction, particularly the cherubim, inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, serve as "temples" of the Holy Spirit, and how should this reality shape our daily lives and choices in light of God's holiness?**
* **What "sacred spaces" or moments do we recognize in our lives today (e.g., prayer, corporate worship, service), and how can we approach them with greater reverence and intentionality?**
* **How do the symbolic roles of the cherubim (guardians of holiness, witnesses to God's presence) resonate with the call for believers to live holy lives set apart for God in a secular world?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed architectural descriptions of the Temple, like those in 2 Chronicles 3:12?**

Answer: The detailed architectural descriptions serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they emphasize the divine origin and blueprint of the Temple. This was not merely a human construction but a divinely ordained dwelling place for God's presence, reflecting His character of order, beauty, and perfection. Secondly, the meticulousness underscores the immense sacredness and holiness of the structure, particularly the Most Holy Place. Every dimension and material was carefully specified to communicate the awe and reverence due to God. Thirdly, these details provide historical and cultural authenticity, demonstrating the grandeur and resources invested by Solomon's kingdom. Finally, for the Chronicler's audience, it served as a reminder of God's faithfulness to dwell among His people, even after the destruction of the first Temple, and pointed forward to a future hope.

**How do these large Temple cherubim differ from the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant described in Exodus?**

Answer: While both sets of cherubim symbolize God's presence and glory, they differ significantly in scale, material, and function. The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant ([Exodus 25:18-20](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-20 - Cherubim on the Ark")) were relatively small, made of hammered gold, and were an integral part of the Ark itself, overshadowing the mercy seat. They were portable, moving with the Ark throughout Israel's wilderness wanderings. In contrast, the cherubim in Solomon's Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 3:10-13](/2_chronicles/3-10 "2 Chronicles 3:10-13 - The Golden Cherubim in the Holy of Holies"), were colossal figures, standing ten cubits (approx. 15 feet) high, made of olive wood overlaid with gold. They were stationary, fixed within the Most Holy Place, their wings spanning the entire width of the room. Their primary function was to visually fill and guard the innermost sanctuary, emphasizing the vastness and holiness of God's dwelling.

**What is the significance of the "five cubits" dimension for each wing mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:12?**

Answer: The "five cubits" dimension for each wing is significant because it highlights the precise and symmetrical design of the cherubim within the Most Holy Place. The Holy of Holies itself was 20 cubits wide ([1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Holy of Holies")). With each cherub having a wingspan of 10 cubits (one wing 5 cubits to the wall, the other 5 cubits to meet the other cherub), their combined wingspans perfectly filled the entire 20-cubit width of the sanctuary. This created a visual canopy or enclosure, emphasizing the complete overshadowing and guardianship of God's presence within that most sacred space. It underscored the meticulous planning and divine order inherent in the Temple's construction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Temple, with its guarded Holy of Holies and the massive cherubim whose wings spanned the sacred space, served as a powerful shadow of God's transcendent holiness and the barrier sin created between humanity and His presence. The cherubim, first seen guarding the way to the tree of life in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden"), symbolized the inaccessibility of God's unapproachable glory to fallen humanity. However, in Christ, this ancient symbolism finds its ultimate fulfillment. Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")), the very dwelling place of God among humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Temple Veil")), signifying that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. No longer is God's presence guarded by cherubim or restricted to a physical sanctuary; through Christ, we have bold and direct access to the throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Bold Access to the Throne of Grace")). He is our great High Priest who has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with hands, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come")). Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers themselves become living temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), fulfilling the desire for God to dwell intimately with His people, a reality far surpassing the physical grandeur of Solomon's Temple.

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.