What number verse is 2 Chronicles 3:13 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 3:13 is the 11,243rd 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 3:13 sits at position 11,243.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

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.

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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.

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Berean Standard Bible

So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.

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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.

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World English Bible Messianic

The wings of these cherubim spread themselves out twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The wings of these Cherubims were spread abroade twentie cubites: they stoode on their feete, and their faces were toward the house.

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Young's Literal Translation

The wings of these cherubs are spreading forth twenty cubits, and they are standing on their feet and their faces are inward.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Chronicles 3:13 meticulously details the colossal cherubim within the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple, specifying their immense wing span, upright posture, and inward gaze. This verse not only highlights the architectural grandeur and precise craftsmanship of the sanctuary but also profoundly underscores the sacredness and divine presence associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which these majestic figures were designed to flank and guard, symbolizing the awe, reverence, and perpetual adoration due to God's unique dwelling place among His people.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is embedded within the chronicler's detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a narrative spanning from 2 Chronicles 2 through 2 Chronicles 7. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 3:10-12 describe the creation of these two large, free-standing cherubim, distinct from the smaller cherubim directly on the Ark of the Covenant. Verse 13 provides their critical dimensions, posture, and orientation, immediately preceding the description of the Temple veil in 2 Chronicles 3:14. This meticulous detail emphasizes the supreme importance of the Most Holy Place as the epicenter of God's dwelling and worship, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of the divine presence.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple was the zenith of Israelite worship, fulfilling King David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Lord. Constructed during a period of relative peace and prosperity in Israel's history (c. 960 BCE), the Temple was not merely a building but the physical manifestation of God's covenantal presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, guardian figures like cherubim were common in temples and palaces, often depicted as hybrid creatures guarding sacred spaces or divine thrones. However, Israel's cherubim were uniquely associated with Yahweh's throne and glory, appearing in the Tabernacle's design (Exodus 25:18-22) and later in Ezekiel's visions of God's chariot-throne (Ezekiel 1:5-14). The "cubit" was a standard ancient measurement, typically around 18 inches, making the "twenty cubits" a monumental scale designed to evoke awe and reverence, underscoring the Temple's unique status as God's dwelling.
Key Themes: The description of these cherubim contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Grandeur and Presence, as their immense size and strategic placement within the Most Holy Place served to visually represent the overwhelming majesty and glory of God, who chose to dwell among His people. Secondly, it highlights Holiness and Awe, emphasizing the profound reverence due to God's presence and the sacredness of the inner sanctuary, which only the High Priest could enter once a year. Thirdly, the cherubim embody Guardianship and Adoration, standing as perpetual sentinels and worshippers focused on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing their role in protecting the sanctity of God's throne and their ceaseless attentiveness to His divine will. Finally, the continuity of cherubim from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) to the Tabernacle and Temple reinforces the theme of God's consistent principles for His sacred dwelling and humanity's access to Him, culminating in the ultimate access through Christ.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Cherubims (Hebrew, kᵉrûwb', H3742): The plural form of "cherub," these are celestial beings frequently mentioned in biblical literature. Though the Strong's transliteration kᵉrûwb refers to the singular, the context of 2 Chronicles 3:13 clearly indicates two colossal figures, hence "cherubims." They are consistently associated with guarding sacred spaces (e.g., the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24), serving as attendants to God's throne (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:18-22), and being part of His divine chariot-throne (as seen in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Ezekiel 10). In this context, they are colossal, sculpted representations of these heavenly guardians, emphasizing the divine nature of the space they occupy.
Cubits (Hebrew, ʼammâh', H520): An ancient unit of linear measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18 inches (approx. 45 cm). The specification of "twenty cubits" (approximately 30 feet or 9 meters) for the combined wing span underscores the monumental scale of these figures, designed to fill the entire width of the Most Holy Place and impress upon observers the vastness and overwhelming presence of the divine. This dimension highlights the meticulous detail and immense resources dedicated to the Temple's construction, reflecting the supreme importance of God's dwelling place.
Inward (Hebrew, bayith', H1004): This word, primarily meaning "house" or "within," is used here adverbially to denote direction, specifically "towards the inside" or "facing inward." In the context of the cherubim, it signifies their gaze being directed towards the Ark of the Covenant, the very representation of God's throne and presence. This orientation symbolizes their perpetual attentiveness, adoration, and protective focus on the divine holiness residing within the Most Holy Place. It implies a ceaseless vigil over the very heart of God's dwelling among His people.

Verse Breakdown

"The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits": This clause describes the immense horizontal reach of the cherubim's wings. Each cherub had a wing span of ten cubits, with one wing touching the wall and the other touching the wing of the adjacent cherub, making a total span of twenty cubits across the width of the Most Holy Place (1 Kings 6:27). This detail emphasizes the monumental scale of these figures, physically filling the sacred space and visually communicating the overwhelming grandeur and pervasive presence of the God they flanked.
"and they stood on their feet": This describes the posture of the cherubim. Unlike the cherubim on the mercy seat of the Ark, which were depicted kneeling or hovering, these colossal figures stood upright. This posture conveys a sense of readiness, vigilance, and active service. It suggests a posture of reverence and stability, indicating their role as constant, unwavering guardians of the divine presence, always prepared to fulfill their sacred duty.
"and their faces [were] inward": This final detail specifies the direction of their gaze. Their faces were turned towards the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the law and symbolized God's throne. This "inward" orientation is highly symbolic, representing their perpetual adoration, focused attention on God's presence, and their role in guarding the sanctity of the Most Holy Place. It implies a ceaseless vigil over the very heart of God's dwelling among His people, directing all focus to the divine.

Literary Devices

The description in 2 Chronicles 3:13 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. Symbolism is paramount, as the cherubim themselves are powerful symbols of divine presence, holiness, and guardianship. Their immense size (twenty cubits) symbolizes the overwhelming grandeur and majesty of God, physically filling the most sacred space and impressing upon the observer the vastness of the divine. The posture of "standing on their feet" conveys a symbolic sense of readiness, reverence, and active service, indicating their perpetual vigilance. Their "inward" gaze symbolizes perpetual adoration and focused attention on the divine presence, directing all focus to God. The meticulous architectural detail, while literal, also serves as a form of descriptive imagery designed to evoke awe and reverence in the reader, emphasizing the sacredness and inaccessibility of God's dwelling. The chronicler's careful enumeration of dimensions and orientation underscores the divine blueprint and the meticulous care taken in constructing a dwelling worthy of the Holy God.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The cherubim in the Most Holy Place serve as a profound theological statement about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. Their immense scale and position guarding the Ark of the Covenant underscore God's transcendent holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. They are a visual reminder that God is utterly distinct from His creation, and access to His unmediated presence is restricted, requiring specific divine provision. This concept of guarded access to the divine is consistent throughout biblical history, from the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden to the elaborate Tabernacle and Temple rituals. The cherubim's "inward" gaze perpetually directs attention to the Ark, the mercy seat, and the very point of God's covenantal presence, emphasizing that all worship and adoration must be singularly focused on the Lord. They represent the heavenly court's ceaseless worship and protection of God's glory, inviting humanity to a similar posture of reverence and focused devotion.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the physical Temple with its cherubim no longer stands, the principles embodied by 2 Chronicles 3:13 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The immense scale and sacred function of these cherubim call us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness, recognizing that His presence is not confined to a building but indwells believers through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The cherubim's "inward" gaze serves as a powerful metaphor, urging us to direct our spiritual focus, adoration, and attention singularly towards God in our personal lives and corporate worship. We are called to guard the sanctity of our hearts and minds, ensuring that our spiritual "Most Holy Place" is continually oriented towards Him. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with faith, inviting us into a posture of profound humility, worship, and vigilant attentiveness to the God who desires to dwell among us and within us, transforming our lives into living temples of His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the immense scale and sacred role of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place deepen your understanding of God's grandeur and holiness?
In what practical ways can you cultivate an "inward" gaze, like the cherubim, ensuring your focus and adoration are consistently directed towards God in your daily life?
Considering that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit," what does 2 Chronicles 3:13 teach us about the reverence due to God's indwelling presence in our lives and in the community of faith?

FAQ

What is the significance of the cherubim's "inward" gaze?

Answer: The "inward" gaze of the colossal cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 signifies their perpetual adoration and attentiveness towards the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne and presence in the Most Holy Place. Unlike the cherubim on the mercy seat whose faces were towards each other (Exodus 25:20), these larger figures were positioned to guard and gaze upon the very heart of God's earthly dwelling. This orientation symbolizes their constant reverence, vigilant protection of divine holiness, and the singular focus of all worship on the Lord, underscoring that all glory belongs to God alone.

How large were these cherubim, and why is their size important?

Answer: Each cherub had wings that spread ten cubits, meaning the total span of both cherubim's wings was twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet or 9 meters), stretching across the entire width of the Most Holy Place (see also 1 Kings 6:27). Their monumental size underscored the overwhelming majesty and grandeur of God's presence. It visually communicated the immense scale of the divine realm intersecting with the earthly, designed to inspire profound awe and reverence for the One who dwelt there, emphasizing that the space was entirely consecrated to His glory and that His presence was vast and all-encompassing.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The cherubim in Solomon's Temple, with their immense scale, posture of readiness, and inward gaze, served as powerful symbols of God's transcendent holiness and the guarded access to His presence. They pointed to a profound truth: humanity, in its fallen state, could not directly approach a holy God. However, this Old Testament reality finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living Temple (John 2:19-21), the very embodiment of God dwelling among humanity, "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil separating humanity from the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that the way to God's presence was now opened. Christ, our great High Priest, has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands, securing eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:11-12). Thus, the awe and reverence once directed towards the Temple's guarded inner sanctum are now rightly directed towards Christ, who is not merely a guardian of God's presence but the very revelation and means of access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12). In Him, the holiness symbolized by the cherubim is perfectly manifested, and through Him, we are invited into intimate fellowship with God, becoming living temples ourselves (1 Peter 2:5).

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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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