### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kᵉrûwb**, represented by `{{H3742}}`, refers to an imaginary figure, a **cherub**. Of uncertain derivation, this term appears **91 times** across **66 unique verses**. These figures are consistently associated with God's holiness, glory, and presence, serving as guardians of sacred space and attendants of the divine throne.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3742}}` appears in several significant roles. **Cherubims** are first mentioned as guardians placed at the east of the **garden** `{{H1588}}` of Eden to **keep** `{{H8104}}` the way of the tree of life [[Genesis 3:24]]. Their image was a central feature in the Tabernacle and Temple, woven into the **vail** `{{H6532}}` and curtains ([[Exodus 26:1]], [[Exodus 26:31]]) and carved into the walls and doors [[1 Kings 6:29]]. Most notably, two **cherubims** of **gold** `{{H2091}}` were placed on the **mercy seat** `{{H3727}}` of the **ark** `{{H727}}`, with their **wings** `{{H3671}}` covering the seat [[Exodus 25:20]]. It is from between these **cherubims** that the LORD would **commune** `{{H1696}}` with Moses [[Exodus 25:22]]. This location is repeatedly described as the dwelling place of God, "the LORD of **hosts** `{{H6635}}`, which dwelleth between the **cherubims**" ([[1 Samuel 4:4]], [[2 Samuel 6:2]], [[Psalms 99:1]]). In visionary accounts, a **cherub** is a vehicle for God's movement [[Psalms 18:10]] and part of the living creatures that bear the throne of God ([[Ezekiel 10:1]], [[Ezekiel 10:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a deeper understanding of the context and function of the cherubim:
* `{{H3671}}` **kânâph** (an edge or extremity; specifically... a wing): The **cherubims** are described as stretching forth their **wings** on high, covering the mercy seat [[Exodus 25:20]]. The sound of their **wings** was heard like the voice of God [[Ezekiel 10:5]].
* `{{H3727}}` **kappôreth** (a lid, used only of the cover of the sacred Ark; mercy seat): The cherubim were fashioned as part of the **mercy seat**, with their faces turned toward it [[Exodus 37:9]]. God's voice would speak from above the **mercy seat**, from between the cherubim [[Numbers 7:89]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (a box; ark, chest, coffin): The cherubim were placed upon the **ark** of the testimony. The priests brought the **ark** into the most holy place under the wings of the cherubim [[1 Kings 8:6]].
* `{{H1687}}` **dᵉbîyr** (the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary; oracle): The inner sanctum of the temple, the **oracle**, housed two large cherubim made of olive tree, and it was here that the ark was placed ([[1 Kings 6:23]], [[1 Kings 8:6]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3742}}` is significant, representing key aspects of God's relationship with creation.
* **Guardians of Divine Holiness:** From their first appearance guarding the way to the tree of life [[Genesis 3:24]] to their placement over the Ark of the Covenant, cherubim mark and protect sacred space from profane entry.
* **Bearers of God's Throne and Presence:** The imagery of God sitting and dwelling between the cherubim ([[Psalms 99:1]], [[Isaiah 37:16]]) establishes them as attendants of His heavenly throne. The visions in Ezekiel explicitly connect the **cherubims** to the likeness of a **throne** `{{H3678}}` above them [[Ezekiel 10:1]].
* **Agents of Divine Judgment and Mobility:** The cherubim are not merely stationary figures. God **rode** `{{H7392}}` upon a **cherub** and did **fly** `{{H5774}}` [[2 Samuel 22:11]]. In Ezekiel's vision, a cherub stretches its hand to take **coals** `{{H1513}}` of **fire** `{{H784}}` to be scattered over the city, acting as an agent of judgment ([[Ezekiel 10:2]], [[Ezekiel 10:7]]).
* **Manifestation of God's Glory:** The movement of the **glory** `{{H3519}}` of the LORD is directly tied to the cherubim. The glory lifts from the **cherub** to the threshold of the house and later stands over them as they depart ([[Ezekiel 9:3]], [[Ezekiel 10:18]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3742}}` **kᵉrûwb** represents far more than an imaginary, decorative figure. It is a powerful symbol interwoven with the concepts of God's holy presence, sovereign authority, and awesome glory. From guarding the entrance to Eden to adorning the inner sanctuary and bearing the very throne of God, the cherubim consistently signify the boundary between the mortal and the divine, reminding all of the majesty and holiness of the LORD.
TRV