King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:11 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:11 in the King James Version says “And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.”

2 Chronicles 3:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

10

And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold. image: or, (as some think) of moveable work

11

And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

12

And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

13

The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. inward: or, toward the house

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Building according to divine pattern on consecrated ground. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Construction Begins point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
לִכְנַ֖ף1 of 20

“And the wings”

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

הַכְּר֥וּב2 of 20

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אָרְכָּ֖ם3 of 20

“long”

H753

length

אַמּ֣וֹת4 of 20

“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)

עֶשְׂרִ֑ים5 of 20

“were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

לִכְנַ֖ף6 of 20

“And the wings”

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

הָֽאֶחָ֜ד7 of 20

“one”

H259

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

אַמּ֣וֹת8 of 20

“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)

חָמֵ֔שׁ9 of 20

“of the one cherub was five”

H2568

five

מַגִּ֕יעַ10 of 20

“reaching”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

לְקִ֣יר11 of 20

“to the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

הַבַּ֔יִת12 of 20

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לִכְנַ֖ף13 of 20

“And the wings”

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

הָֽאַחֵֽר׃14 of 20

“and the other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אַמּ֣וֹת15 of 20

“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)

חָמֵ֔שׁ16 of 20

“of the one cherub was five”

H2568

five

מַגִּ֕יעַ17 of 20

“reaching”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

לִכְנַ֖ף18 of 20

“And the wings”

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

הַכְּר֥וּב19 of 20

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

הָֽאַחֵֽר׃20 of 20

“and the other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 3:11 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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