The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

1 KINGS 6:26KJV
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1 Kings 6:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 6:26 mean?

1 Kings 6:26 describes how each of the two cherubim statues in Solomon’s temple was ten cubits tall, making them both the same impressive height. This detail emphasizes the size and symmetry of these angelic figures placed inside the inner sanctuary.

The verse is part of a section where the author explains the construction details of the temple Solomon built for God in Jerusalem. The cherubim were large, gold-covered figures set in the Most Holy Place, symbolizing God’s presence. By stating their identical height, the verse highlights the careful planning and grandeur of the temple’s design.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:26

  • "height" (קוֹמָה, qomah): This word means physical height or stature. Its use here draws attention to the remarkable size of the cherubim, showing they were not small decorations but towering figures.
  • "cherub" (כְּרוּב, keruv): This term refers to a special kind of angelic being often associated with God’s throne or presence. The use of this word here connects the temple’s inner room to the imagery of God’s heavenly throne.
  • "ten" (עֶשֶׂר, ‘eser) and "cubits" (אַמָּה, ammah): A cubit was roughly 18 inches (about 45 centimeters), so ten cubits would be about 15 feet (4.5 meters). This measurement helps the reader picture the scale of the temple’s interior.

Why 1 Kings 6:26 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that the cherubim were small or ornamental; they were massive, dominating the inner sanctuary and visually representing the majesty of God’s presence.
  • By stating both cherubim were the same height, the verse underlines the order and symmetry valued in the temple’s construction, reflecting the care and reverence in worship.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing how every aspect of the temple was built according to a specific plan, reinforcing the importance of following God’s instructions exactly.

Where else these words appear

“height” Hebrew H6967 · used in 43 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 6:10 And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:13 For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,

“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.