King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:14 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:14 in the King James Version says “And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon. wrought: Heb. caus...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 3:14 · KJV

Context

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

16

And he made chains, as in the oracle, and put them on the heads of the pillars; and made an hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

Read 2 Chronicles 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 10 words
וַיַּ֙עַשׂ֙1 of 10

“And he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת2 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת3 of 10

“the vail”

H6532

a separatrix, i.e., (the sacred) screen

תְּכֵ֥לֶת4 of 10

“of blue”

H8504

the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith

וְאַרְגָּמָ֖ן5 of 10

“and purple”

H713

purple (the color or the dyed stuff)

וְכַרְמִ֣יל6 of 10

“and crimson”

H3758

carmine, a deep red

וּב֑וּץ7 of 10

“and fine linen”

H948

probably cotton (of some sort)

וַיַּ֥עַל8 of 10

“and wrought”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

עָלָ֖יו9 of 10
H5921

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

כְּרוּבִֽים׃10 of 10

“cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:3Matthew 27:51Hebrews 10:20Exodus 26:31-35

Places in This Verse

Most Holy Place 2Altar · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E24 verses across 7 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes