Old Testament
Exodus 25:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Make 2 cherubim out of hammered gold, one at each end of the mercy seat.
Compare translations
And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
What Exodus 25:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites to create two cherubim, which are angelic figures, from hammered gold. These cherubim are to be placed at each end of the mercy seat, a sacred cover for the Ark of the Covenant. The mercy seat represents God's presence among His people. The cherubim symbolize protection and the divine connection between God and humanity. Their design is meant to reflect beauty and reverence, emphasizing the importance of the space where God meets His people. This command highlights the significance of worship and the careful attention to detail in creating a place for God’s presence. The cherubim serve as a reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. This passage invites us to consider how we honor and recognize the sacred in our own lives, encouraging us to create spaces that reflect our relationship with the divine. It’s a call to appreciate the beauty and significance of worship in our everyday experiences.
How to apply Exodus 25:18 to your life
Consider how you can create a sacred space in your life, whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection. This could be a physical space or a moment in your day dedicated to connecting with something greater than yourself. Embrace the beauty of worship in your daily routine, recognizing its importance in your spiritual journey. Allow this practice to deepen your relationship with the divine and enhance your sense of peace and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 Exodus 25:18
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 Exodus 25:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 25:18 mean?
Exodus 25:18 describes God's command to the Israelites to create two cherubim from hammered gold to be placed at each end of the mercy seat, which is the cover for the Ark of the Covenant. This symbolizes God's presence and the connection between Him and His people.
What is the significance of the cherubim in Exodus 25:18?
The cherubim in Exodus 25:18 represent protection and the divine connection between God and humanity. Their presence emphasizes the holiness of the space where God meets His people and the importance of worship.
What is the mercy seat mentioned in Exodus 25:18?
The mercy seat is the sacred cover for the Ark of the Covenant, where God’s presence dwells among His people. It is significant in worship and symbolizes God's mercy and connection with humanity.
How can I apply the message of Exodus 25:18 to my life?
You can apply the message of Exodus 25:18 by creating a sacred space in your life for prayer or reflection. This practice can help deepen your relationship with the divine and enhance your sense of peace.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.