2 Chronicles 5:8
2 Chronicles 5:8 in Multiple Translations
For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.
For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
For their wings were outstretched over the place where the ark was, covering the ark and its rods.
The cherubim were spreading their wings over the place where the Ark was, so that the cherubim made a covering above the Ark and its poles.
For ye Cherubims stretched out their wings ouer the place of the Arke, and the Cherubims couered the Arke and the barres thereof aboue.
and the cherubs are spreading out wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubs cover over the ark, and over its staves, from above;
For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above.
For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark, and the staffs of it above.
So that the cherubims spread their wings over the place, in which the ark was set, and covered the ark itself and its staves.
The wings of those statues spread out over the Sacred Chest and over the poles by which it was carried.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 5:8
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 5:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
עַל
מְק֖וֹם
הָ/אָר֑וֹן
וַ/יְכַסּ֧וּ
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֛ים
עַל
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
וְ/עַל
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מְק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
הָ/אָר֑וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
וַ/יְכַסּ֧וּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֛ים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
bad
H905
alone
N-mp | Suff
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 5:8
וַ/יִּהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
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.
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
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.
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
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.
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.
מְק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הָ/אָר֑וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
וַ/יְכַסּ֧וּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
הַ/כְּרוּבִ֛ים
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.
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.
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
bad
H905
"alone"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 5:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Ark Enters the Temple
6There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.
7Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim.
8For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.
9The poles of the ark extended far enough that their ends were visible from in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. 10There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 25:12–15 | Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. |
| 2 | Numbers 4:6 | They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. |
| 3 | Exodus 37:3–5 | And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it. |
2 Chronicles 5:8 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 5:8, we see the cherubim spreading their wings over the ark, symbolizing God's protection and care. This verse reminds us that God is always watching over us and desires to have a close relationship with us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13. Just as the Israelites revered the ark and the cherubim, we can show reverence for God's presence in our lives by seeking Him with humility and sincerity, as encouraged in Psalm 51:17. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace of being in God's presence, as promised in Psalm 16:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 5:8?
The cherubim represent God's divine presence and protection, as seen in Exodus 25:18-22, where they are first introduced as guardians of the ark of the covenant, emphasizing God's holiness and majesty.
Why did the cherubim spread their wings over the ark?
The cherubim spread their wings to overshadow and protect the ark, symbolizing God's care and watchfulness over His covenant with the Israelites, as also seen in Psalm 91:4, where God's wings are a symbol of refuge and protection.
What can we learn from the placement of the ark under the cherubim?
The placement of the ark under the cherubim teaches us about the importance of reverence and respect for God's presence, as emphasized in Hebrews 4:16, where we are encouraged to approach God's throne with confidence and reverence.
How does this verse relate to our worship today?
This verse reminds us that our worship should be characterized by reverence, respect, and a deep sense of God's presence, as seen in John 4:24, where Jesus teaches that true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the cherubim spreading their wings over the ark evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this picture to my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God's presence in my daily life, just as the Israelites did in 2 Chronicles 5:8?
- How can I balance the idea of God's majesty and holiness with the concept of His loving and approachable nature, as seen in Psalms 103:8-12?
- What are some ways I can create a sense of sacred space in my own life, where I can meet with God and experience His presence?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 5:8
[See comments on 2 Chronicles 5:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 5:8
And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 5:8
(8) For the cherubims spread forth their wings.—Rather, And the cherubim were spreading forth wings. Kings has for (kî); making the sentence an explanation of the last clause of 2 Chronicles 5:7. Covered.—Kings has the technical term for the cherubim “covering” the ark (Exodus 25:20; 1 Chronicles 28:18). In Hebrew writing, the difference is marked by the transposition of a single letter. Perhaps, therefore, our present reading is a clerical error.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 5:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Burden Under Badger Skins by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches on the importance of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing the beautiful law of Christ where we carry each other's burdens, reflecting Christ's act of ca |