Old Testament
1 Kings 6:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Each wing of the first cherub measured 5 cubits, so from wingtip to wingtip it spanned 10 cubits.
Compare translations
And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.
What 1 Kings 6:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about the impressive size of the cherubim, which were large angelic figures placed in the temple. Each cherub had wings that measured 5 cubits, which is about 7.5 feet. When you add the wings together, they spanned a total of 10 cubits, or about 15 feet. This detail highlights the grandeur and majesty of the temple's design. The cherubim were not just decorative; they symbolized God's presence and protection. Their size and form were meant to inspire awe and reverence among those who entered the temple. Understanding these measurements helps us appreciate the effort and thought that went into creating a sacred space. It reminds us that the physical representations of faith can carry deep spiritual significance, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. The cherubim serve as a reminder of the divine and the importance of honoring that presence in our lives and spaces today. Their wings reaching out symbolize the embrace of God's love and protection over His people.
How to apply 1 Kings 6:24 to your life
When we think about the cherubim's size, it encourages us to reflect on the importance of creating spaces in our lives that honor the divine. Consider how you can make your environment more sacred, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply being mindful. Let this inspire you to seek a deeper connection with the divine in everyday life. Remember, it's about the heart behind the space you create for God’s presence to dwell.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Building the Temple (1 Kings 6:1–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Solomon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 6:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 6:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 6:24 mean?
1 Kings 6:24 describes the size of the cherubim in Solomon's temple, emphasizing their impressive wingspan of 10 cubits, which symbolizes God's grandeur and presence.
What is the significance of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24?
The cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24 represent God's protection and divine presence in the temple, serving as a reminder of the sacredness of the space and the importance of reverence.
How big were the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24?
According to 1 Kings 6:24, each wing of the cherub measured 5 cubits, making the total wingspan 10 cubits, which is about 15 feet.
What does the wingspan of the cherubim symbolize?
The wingspan of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24 symbolizes the embrace of God's love and protection over His people, highlighting the majesty of the temple.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.