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2 Chronicles 3:13

2 Chronicles 3:13 in Multiple Translations

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

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

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

Their outstretched wings were twenty cubits across; they were placed upright on their feet, facing the inner part of the house.

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

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

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

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

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

So the wings of the two cherubims were spread forth, and were extended twenty cubits: and they stood upright on their feet, and their faces were turned toward the house without.

It was 30 feet from the outer wing of the one statue to the outer wing of the other statue. The statues faced the doorway to the main room.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 3:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כַּנְפֵי֙ הַ/כְּרוּבִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה פֹּֽרְשִׂ֖ים אַמּ֣וֹת עֶשְׂרִ֑ים וְ/הֵ֛ם עֹמְדִ֥ים עַל רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֥ם לַ/בָּֽיִת
כַּנְפֵי֙ kânâph H3671 wing N-fd
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֣ים kᵉrûwb H3742 cherub Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
פֹּֽרְשִׂ֖ים pâras H6566 to spread V-Qal
אַמּ֣וֹת ʼammâh H520 cubit N-fp
עֶשְׂרִ֑ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Adj
וְ/הֵ֛ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
עֹמְדִ֥ים ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם regel H7272 foot N-fd | Suff
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֥ם pânîym H6440 face Conj | N-cp | Suff
לַ/בָּֽיִת bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 3:13

כַּנְפֵי֙ kânâph H3671 "wing" 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/כְּרוּבִ֣ים 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.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
פֹּֽרְשִׂ֖ים pâras H6566 "to spread" V-Qal
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
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.
וְ/הֵ֛ם hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עֹמְדִ֥ים ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם regel H7272 "foot" N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֥ם pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לַ/בָּֽיִת bayith H1004 "place" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 3:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 25:20 And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.

2 Chronicles 3:13 Summary

The cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 are magnificent creatures with outstretched wings, symbolizing God's glory and presence. They stand on their feet, facing the main room, ready to serve and worship God, much like the heavenly creatures in Revelation 4:6-8. This verse reminds us of the importance of reverence and awe in our worship, and encourages us to stand ready to serve God, just as the cherubim do. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in our lives, and how we can stand ready to serve Him, just like the cherubim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the cherubim's wingspan in 2 Chronicles 3:13?

The total wingspan of twenty cubits symbolizes the majesty and glory of God, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Ezekiel 1:5-14, where cherubim are associated with God's throne and divine presence.

Why are the cherubim facing the main room in the temple?

The cherubim facing the main room may represent their role as guardians and watchers over the temple, emphasizing God's presence and attention to the worship and activities taking place within, much like the cherubim in Exodus 25:18-22 that face each other, symbolizing their watchful presence.

How do the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 relate to other biblical descriptions of cherubim?

The description of the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 is similar to other biblical accounts, such as 1 Kings 6:23-28, which also describe cherubim with outstretched wings, highlighting their importance in the biblical narrative and their association with God's glory and presence.

What can we learn from the cherubim's stance on their feet in 2 Chronicles 3:13?

The fact that the cherubim stood on their feet, facing the main room, may symbolize their readiness to serve and worship God, much like the heavenly creatures in Isaiah 6:1-3, who stand before God's throne, ready to praise and worship Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the image of the cherubim with outstretched wings evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this to my own worship and devotion to God?
  2. How can I, like the cherubim, stand ready to serve and worship God in my daily life, and what are some practical ways I can demonstrate this?
  3. What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in my life, just as the cherubim inspire reverence and awe in the temple?
  4. In what ways can I, like the cherubim, be a guardian and watcher over my own heart and mind, protecting myself from harmful influences and staying focused on God's presence?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 3:13

[See comments on 2 Chronicles 3:1].

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 3:13

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:13

Heb. Towards the house, or rather, that house; not the holy house, as divers understand it; for then their backs must have been turned towards the ark, which was indecent, and directly contrary to the posture of Moses’ s cherubims, which looked towards it; but the most holy house, which was last named, , and of which he continues yet to speak; this posture being most agreeable to their use, which was with their wings to close in the ark and cover it, as it is expressly affirmed below, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:13

2 Chronicles 3:13 The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces [were] inward.Ver. 13. And their faces were inward.] Heb., Toward the house; i.e., toward the holy place, called the greater house.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:13

(13) The wings of these cherubims.—Or, These wings of the cherubim.Spread themselves forth.—Were outspreading (participle), 1 Chronicles 28:18. And they stood.—Were standing. They were ten cubits high (1 Kings 6:26). Inward.—See margin. Translate, toward the chamber. The cherubs did not face each other like the cherubim on the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20).

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 3:13

13. twenty cubits] Extending across the width of the whole house. on their feet] Not “couchant” nor “rampant” but standing as the winged bulls of Assyria stand. inward] R.V. towards the house, as though to protect the Holiest Place from violation from anyone advancing through the house.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 3:13

Their faces were inward - literally, as in the margin. Instead of looking toward one another, with heads bent downward over the mercy Seat, like the cherubim of Moses Exodus 37:9, these of Solomon

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 3:13

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Art Katz Fren-17 Apostolic Foundations - Priestliness by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker initially expresses skepticism towards the preacher's accent and style. However, as he continues to listen, he realizes that there is something beyond n
Art Katz Fren-17 Fondements Apostoliques - Melquisedec Sacerdotes by Art Katz The video is titled "Within the Veil" and explores the concept of evolving into a higher spiritual state to enter the holiest place. The speaker initially hesitates to listen to th

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