King James Version

What Does Exodus 37:8 Mean?

Exodus 37:8 in the King James Version says “One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the ...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. on the end: or, out of, etc on the other end: or, out of, etc”

Exodus 37:8 · KJV

Context

6

And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.

7

And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat; on: or, out of, etc

8

One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. on the end: or, out of, etc on the other end: or, out of, etc

9

And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

10

And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

Read Exodus 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One cherub on each end (מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָד מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה, mi-katzah mi-zeh ukheruv-echad mi-katzah mi-zeh) demonstrates symmetry and completion—God's redemption is not one-sided but comprehensive. The repetition emphasizes each cherub's individual identity while maintaining their unified origin (beaten from one piece). This pictures the church: many members, one body (1 Corinthians 12:12), maintaining individual identity while sharing common origin and purpose in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The two cherubim, positioned at opposite ends of the mercy seat, created a throne-like structure with God's presence manifesting between them (Exodus 25:22). This imagery of God enthroned above cherubim appears throughout Scripture (Psalm 80:1, 99:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the symmetrical placement of cherubim teach about the completeness and balance of God's redemptive plan?
  2. How do the cherubim (one piece, two beings) illustrate unity and diversity in the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים1 of 15

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֶחָ֥ד2 of 15

“One”

H259

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

קְצווֹתָֽו׃3 of 15

“ends”

H7098

a termination

מִזֶּ֔ה4 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים5 of 15

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֶחָ֥ד6 of 15

“One”

H259

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

קְצווֹתָֽו׃7 of 15

“ends”

H7098

a termination

מִזֶּ֑ה8 of 15
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

מִן9 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת10 of 15

“on that side out of the mercy seat”

H3727

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

עָשָׂ֥ה11 of 15

“made”

H6213

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

אֶת12 of 15
H853

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

הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים13 of 15

“cherub”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

מִשְּׁנֵ֥י14 of 15

“on the two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

קְצווֹתָֽו׃15 of 15

“ends”

H7098

a termination

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 37:8 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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