King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:13 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:13 in the King James Version says “The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were i...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 3:13 · KJV

Context

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

14

And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. wrought: Heb. caused to ascend

15

Also he made before the house two pillars of thirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. high: Heb. long

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.

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 · 12 words
כַּנְפֵי֙1 of 12

“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

הַכְּרוּבִ֣ים2 of 12

“of these cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

הָאֵ֔לֶּה3 of 12
H428

these or those

פֹּֽרְשִׂ֖ים4 of 12

“spread themselves forth”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

אַמּ֣וֹת5 of 12

“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)

עֶשְׂרִ֑ים6 of 12

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְהֵ֛ם7 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

עֹֽמְדִ֥ים8 of 12

“and they stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל9 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 12

“on their feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

וּפְנֵיהֶ֥ם11 of 12

“and their faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לַבָּֽיִת׃12 of 12

“were inward”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, 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 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:20

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