2 Chronicles 3:11
2 Chronicles 3:11 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ 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.
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.
Their outstretched wings were twenty cubits across; one wing, five cubits long, touching the wall of the house, and the other, of the same size, meeting the wing of the other winged one.
The wingspan of the cherubim together was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long and touched one Temple wall, while its other wing, also five cubits long, touched the second cherub.
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.
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.
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.
And the wings of the cherubim 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.
The wings of the cherubims were extended twenty cubits, so that one wing was five cubits long, and reached to the wall of the house: and the other was also five cubits long, and reached to the wing of the other cherub.
Each statue had two long wings. One wing of each statue touched one of the walls of the Temple. The other wing of each statue touched a wing of the other statue. It was 7-1/2 feet from the outer tip of one wing to the outer tip of the other wing. The inner wings of the two statues touched each other.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 3:11
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 3:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כַנְפֵי֙
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֔ים
אָרְכָּ֖/ם
אַמּ֣וֹת
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
כְּנַ֨ף
הָ/אֶחָ֜ד
לְ/אַמּ֣וֹת
חָמֵ֗שׁ
מַגַּ֨עַת֙
לְ/קִ֣יר
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
וְ/הַ/כָּנָ֤ף
הָ/אַחֶ֨רֶת֙
אַמּ֣וֹת
חָמֵ֔שׁ
מַגִּ֕יעַ
לִ/כְנַ֖ף
הַ/כְּר֥וּב
הָ/אַחֵֽר
וְ/כַנְפֵי֙
kânâph
H3671
wing
Conj | N-fd
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֔ים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
אָרְכָּ֖/ם
ʼôrek
H753
length
N-ms | Suff
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fp
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
כְּנַ֨ף
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fs
הָ/אֶחָ֜ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
לְ/אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
Prep | N-fp
חָמֵ֗שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
מַגַּ֨עַת֙
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Hiphil
לְ/קִ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Prep | N-ms
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/כָּנָ֤ף
kânâph
H3671
wing
Conj | Art | N-fs
הָ/אַחֶ֨רֶת֙
ʼachêr
H312
another
Art | Adj
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
cubit
N-fp
חָמֵ֔שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
five
Adj
מַגִּ֕יעַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
to touch
V-Hiphil
לִ/כְנַ֖ף
kânâph
H3671
wing
Prep | N-fs
הַ/כְּר֥וּב
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-ms
הָ/אַחֵֽר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 3:11
וְ/כַנְפֵי֙
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Conj | N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֔ים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
אָרְכָּ֖/ם
ʼôrek
H753
"length"
N-ms | Suff
Length can refer to physical distance or a long period of time, and also to patience and self-restraint, like waiting forever for something to happen.
Definition: 1) length 1a) physical length 1b) of time 2) forbearance, self-restraint (of patience)
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] forever, length, long. See also: Genesis 6:15; Psalms 93:5; Psalms 21:5.
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fp
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
כְּנַ֨ף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
הָ/אֶחָ֜ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
לְ/אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
Prep | N-fp
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
חָמֵ֗שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
מַגַּ֨עַת֙
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
לְ/קִ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
הַ/בַּ֔יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הַ/כָּנָ֤ף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Conj | Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
הָ/אַחֶ֨רֶת֙
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Art | Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
אַמּ֣וֹת
ʼammâh
H520
"cubit"
N-fp
A cubit is a unit of measurement, about the length of a forearm, used in the Bible to describe the size of objects like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus. It is also used to describe a foundation or a door-base.
Definition: cubit-a measure of distance (the forearm), roughly 18 in (. 5m). There are several cubits used in the OT, the cubit of a man or common cubit (De 3:11), the legal cubit or cubit of the sanctuary (Eze 40:5) plus others. See a Bible Dictionary for a complete treatment. Aramaic equivalent: am.mah (אַמָּה "cubit" H0521)
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: cubit, [phrase] hundred (by exchange for H3967 (מֵאָה)), measure, post. See also: Genesis 6:15; 2 Chronicles 3:3; Isaiah 6:4.
חָמֵ֔שׁ
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
מַגִּ֕יעַ
nâgaʻ
H5060
"to touch"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
לִ/כְנַ֖ף
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
הַ/כְּר֥וּב
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-ms
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
הָ/אַחֵֽר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Art | Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 3:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 2 Chronicles 3:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 3:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 3:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:11
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 3:11
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 3:11
Context — The Cherubim
9The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper rooms with gold.
10In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold.
11The 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.
12The 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. 13So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.2 Chronicles 3:11 Summary
The verse 2 Chronicles 3:11 describes the cherubim in the temple, with their wings spread out to touch the walls and each other, symbolizing God's presence and unity. This image reminds us of the importance of reverence and worship in our lives, as seen in Psalm 95:6. Just as the Israelites carefully constructed the temple to honor God, we can strive to honor Him with our best efforts in all we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24. By reflecting on this verse, we can deepen our understanding of God's majesty and our place in His presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cherubim's wingspan in 2 Chronicles 3:11?
The total wingspan of twenty cubits symbolizes the majesty and glory of God, as seen in other biblical descriptions of heavenly beings, such as in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Revelation 4:8. This emphasizes the importance of the temple as a place of divine presence.
Why did the cherubim's wings touch the wall of the temple and each other?
The touching of the wings represents the unity and harmony between the heavenly and earthly realms, as the temple serves as a bridge between God and humanity, much like the tabernacle in Exodus 25:18-22.
What can we learn from the detailed description of the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:11?
The attention to detail in the biblical account highlights the care and precision with which the temple was constructed, reflecting the Israelites' reverence for God and their desire to honor Him with their best efforts, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.
How does the description of the cherubim relate to the rest of the biblical narrative?
The cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:11 are part of a larger theme of divine presence and worship, which is woven throughout the Old and New Testaments, including passages like Psalm 80:1 and Hebrews 9:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the cherubim's outstretched wings evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this to my own life and worship?
- How can I, like the Israelites, demonstrate my reverence for God through the details of my daily life and service to Him?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of unity and harmony between my earthly and spiritual lives, reflecting the symbolism of the cherubim's touching wings?
- What are some ways I can honor God with my best efforts, just as the Israelites did in constructing the temple, and what areas of my life need improvement in this regard?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 3:11
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 3:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 3:11
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.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:11
2 Chronicles 3:11 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. 2 Chronicles 3:12 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. Ver. 11, 12. See on 1 Kings 6:24, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:11
(11) And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long.—Their length was, altogether, twenty cubits; so that, being outspread, they reached from wall to wall of the Holy of holies, which was twenty cubits wide. Of this breadth each cherub covered half, or ten cubits, with his wings, which were five cubits apiece in length. Obviously the inner wing of each cherub met the inner wing of the other in the middle of the wall. One wing . . . other cherub.—The wing of the one, extending to five cubits, was touching the wall of the chamber, and the other wing—five cubits—was touching the wing of the other cherub.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 3:11
11. one wing] R.V. the wing.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 3:11
The wings of the cherubims - Compare 1 Kings 6:24-27.