King James Version

What Does Exodus 25:20 Mean?

Exodus 25:20 in the King James Version says “And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces sha...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”

Exodus 25:20 · KJV

Context

18

And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

19

And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. of: or, of the matter of the mercy seat

20

And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

21

And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Read Exodus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The cherubim's posture: wings 'stretched upward' in worship, 'covering' the mercy seat in protection, faces toward each other yet looking down at the mercy seat. This captures perfect worship—attentive to God's atonement, protective of its sanctity, united in focus. They model redeemed creation's response: beholding mercy with reverent wonder, shielding it from profanation, joining in unified adoration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This description provided the pattern for Bezalel's craftsmanship. Solomon's temple later replicated this design with larger cherubim (1 Kings 6:23-28), maintaining the symbolism of heavenly guardians attending God's throne.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the cherubim's posture and gaze model your worship response to the cross?
  2. What does it mean to 'cover' and protect the mercy of God from profanation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְהָי֣וּ1 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃2 of 18

“And the cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

פֹּֽרְשֵׂ֨י3 of 18

“shall stretch”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙4 of 18

“forth their 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

לְמַ֗עְלָה5 of 18

“on high”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

סֹֽכְכִ֤ים6 of 18

“covering”

H5526

properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect

בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙7 of 18

“forth their 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

עַל8 of 18
H5921

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

הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת9 of 18

“the mercy seat”

H3727

a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

פְּנֵ֥י10 of 18

“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

אִ֣ישׁ11 of 18

“shall look one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל12 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָחִ֑יו13 of 18

“to another”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֶל14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכַּפֹּ֔רֶת15 of 18

“the mercy seat”

H3727

a lid (used only of the cover of the sacred ark)

יִֽהְי֖וּ16 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

פְּנֵ֥י17 of 18

“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

הַכְּרֻבִֽים׃18 of 18

“And the cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Exodus 25:20 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 Exodus 25:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 28:181 Kings 8:7Hebrews 9:51 Peter 3:22John 1:51Ephesians 3:10

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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