Keraia
1 Kings 6

1 Kings 6:27

The Cherubim · 1 Kings 6:23–30
Read 1 Kings 6

Translations

Modern
And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched.
Traditional
And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.
Literal
And he set the cherubim in the midst of the inner room, and they stretched out the wings of the cherubim so that the wing of the one touched one wall, and the wing of the second cherub touched the second wall, and their wings in the middle of the room touched wing against wing.
Latin
Posuitque cherubim in medio templi interioris: extendebant autem alas suas cherubim, et tangebat ala una parietem, et ala cherub secundi tangebat parietem alterum: alæ autem alteræ in media parte templi se invicem contingebant.

Original

Hebrew
English
And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched.

Notes

1 Kings 6:23–28

In the inner sanctuary were two cherubim (see study note on 1 Chronicles 28:18) made of olive wood and covered with gold. They stood like guards facing the door (2 Chronicles 3:13), and their wings together stretched from wall to wall. Along with the two smaller cherubim facing each other on top of the ark (Exodus 25:17–21), they represented the powerful presence of the Most Holy God.

1 Kings 6:14–35

The focus shifts to the inside of the temple. Although the temple site is not mentioned here, the Chronicler identified it as the former threshing floor of Araunah (1 Chronicles 21:18–25; 2 Chronicles 3:1). This site is traditionally believed to be Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2). Solomon’s Temple was in the northeastern corner of Jerusalem, now known as the "old city." This is the area now associated with the Dome of the Rock.

1 Kings 6:1–8:66

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 3:10–13

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Calendars (Ancient and Modern) Goldsmith Kings, Books of First and Second Minerals and Metals Oil Tree, Oleaster Temple Zif Ziv

Topics

Cherubim in the Temple Holy of Holies: Contained: Cherubim Temple: Solomon's: Description of Temple: Solomon's: The Cherubs Temple: Solomon's: The Inner House the First Temple: The Oracle or Most Holy Place: Two Cherubims of Gilded Olive Wood Made Within