Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 3:13
So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Chronicler narrates the construction details of Solomon’s temple, recording the physical specifications of the two golden cherubim placed in the inner sanctuary. The account documents their dimensions and orientation at the moment the temple's inner furnishings were completed.
The words — The Hebrew פֹּרְשִׂים (po.re.Sim) literally means "spreading out," describing the extended wingspan, while עֹמְדִים ('o.me.Dim) denotes "standing" on their feet. These verbs emphasize a fixed, upright posture rather than movement or flight.
The thread — The description of wings spread in a fixed orientation toward a central space echoes Exodus 25:20, where cherubim face each other over the mercy seat. Both texts use precise spatial language to locate sacred guardians within the innermost holy area.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to note the exact measurement and deliberate orientation of the cherubim toward the main room. It establishes the physical reality and intentional placement of the temple's furnishings without allegorical expansion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.
Cross-references
- 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.