King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 6:24 Mean?

1 Kings 6:24 in the King James Version says “And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.”

1 Kings 6:24 · King James Version

Context

22

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

23

And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high. olive: or, oily: Heb. trees of oil

24

And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

25

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

26

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

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Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
  2. What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְחָמֵ֣שׁ1 of 17

“And five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֔וֹת2 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

כְּנָפָֽיו׃3 of 17

“of the one wing”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

הַכְּר֖וּב4 of 17

“of the cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

הָֽאֶחָ֔ת5 of 17

“was the one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְחָמֵ֣שׁ6 of 17

“And five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֔וֹת7 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

כְּנָפָֽיו׃8 of 17

“of the one wing”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

הַכְּר֖וּב9 of 17

“of the cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית10 of 17

“the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

עֶ֣שֶׂר11 of 17

“were ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אַמּ֔וֹת12 of 17

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

קְצ֥וֹת13 of 17

“from the uttermost part”

H7098

a termination

כְּנָפָֽיו׃14 of 17

“of the one wing”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

וְעַד15 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קְצ֥וֹת16 of 17

“from the uttermost part”

H7098

a termination

כְּנָפָֽיו׃17 of 17

“of the one wing”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 6:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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