And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.

1 KINGS 6:25KJV
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1 Kings 6:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:25 mean?

1 Kings 6:25 describes how one of the cherubim in Solomon’s temple was ten cubits tall, and that both cherubim were made to be exactly the same size and shape. This verse emphasizes the symmetry and careful craftsmanship in the construction of the temple’s inner sanctuary.

Solomon is having the temple built in Jerusalem, and this part of the account is describing the two large cherubim statues placed in the inner sanctuary, or Most Holy Place. The verse highlights that both figures were identical, which would have been important for the sense of order and reverence in the temple’s design. The focus is on the precise and intentional way these sacred objects were made.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:25

  • כְּרוּב (keruv, “cherub”): This word refers to a type of angelic being often associated with the presence of God in the Old Testament. Here, it means the large statues representing cherubim in the temple.
  • אַמָּה (ammah, “cubit”): A cubit was a standard unit of measurement, roughly the length of a forearm (about 18 inches or 45 centimeters). Knowing the size helps us picture the impressive scale of these figures.
  • מִדָּה (middah, “measure”): This word points to the idea of a standard or exact measurement, showing that the two cherubim were not just similar, but precisely matched.
  • קֹצֶר (qotser, “size”): This word refers to the overall dimensions or proportions, reinforcing that every aspect of the cherubim was made to match.

Why 1 Kings 6:25 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that the cherubim were different or randomly made; instead, it stresses their identical nature, reflecting the orderliness valued in Israel’s worship.
  • The emphasis on measurement and symmetry connects to the broader theme of careful planning and reverence in building the temple, showing that every detail mattered in a place meant for God’s presence.
  • Understanding the size and matching design of the cherubim helps readers appreciate the awe-inspiring and intentional atmosphere Solomon aimed to create in the temple’s holiest space.

Where else these words appear

“size” Hebrew H7095 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.
  • Jonah 2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.

“measure” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
  • Ezekiel 40:28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

“cherub” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

“cubits” Hebrew H520 · used in 132 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.