Learn more about Cherubim

Introduction to Cherubim

The term “Cherubim” refers to a class of angelic beings mentioned frequently in the Bible, often associated with the presence and holiness of God. Unlike the modern cultural depiction of cherubs as small, innocent-looking infants with wings, biblical cherubim are powerful, awe-inspiring beings that serve key roles in guarding sacred spaces and attending to the divine throne. The word “cherubim” is the plural form of “cherub” (Hebrew: כְּרוּבִים, *keruvim*), and they are one of the most enigmatic and visually striking entities described in Scripture.

Cherubim Pronunciation

“Cherubim” is pronounced as KER-oo-beem, with emphasis on the first syllable. The singular form “cherub” is pronounced KER-ub.

Cherubim in the Bible

The cherubim appear in several key biblical passages, each shedding light on their purpose and symbolic meaning:

• Guardians of Eden: In Genesis 3:24, after Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, God stations cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. This indicates their role as protectors of sacred space.
• The Ark of the Covenant: In Exodus 25:18-22, God commands Moses to craft two golden cherubim to sit atop the mercy seat of the Ark. Their wings stretch upward, covering the mercy seat, symbolizing their role in protecting the presence of God.
• The Tabernacle and Temple: Cherubim are woven into the curtains and veil of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1, 31), and large carved cherubim are featured in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:23-28). Their images serve as symbols of divine presence and holiness.
• Visions of Ezekiel: Ezekiel’s visions provide some of the most detailed and mysterious descriptions of cherubim (Ezekiel 1:4-28; 10:1-22). He describes them as having four faces (of a man, lion, ox, and eagle), four wings, and being associated with wheels full of eyes. These visionary creatures are called “living beings” (*chayyot*) in Ezekiel 1 and later identified as cherubim in Ezekiel 10.
• Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22: In poetic texts like Psalm 18:10 and 2 Samuel 22:11, God is depicted as “riding on a cherub” and flying. This imagery emphasizes God's power, swiftness, and transcendence.
• Revelation and Heavenly Worship: While the specific term “cherubim” is not used in Revelation, the “four living creatures” around the throne in Revelation 4:6-9 bear a strong resemblance to Ezekiel’s cherubim, suggesting continuity in the biblical vision of divine attendants.

Related Themes and Meanings to Cherubim

The cherubim are closely tied to several major theological themes in Scripture:

• Holiness and Separation: Their presence at the boundary of Eden and within the Holy of Holies underscores the need for separation between God's holiness and human sinfulness.
• Divine Throne and Glory: Cherubim often accompany or support the throne of God, symbolizing His majesty, rule, and omnipresence.
• Heavenly Worship: In prophetic and apocalyptic visions, cherubim participate in unceasing worship, pointing to the heavenly reality of God's reign and the angelic order that surrounds Him.
• Symbolism in Art and Worship: Their imagery in the tabernacle, temple, and later Christian and Jewish art shows their enduring importance in sacred symbolism.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Cherubim

• The plural form “cherubim” in Hebrew already includes a plural suffix, so saying “cherubims” in English is technically redundant.
• Cherubim are never described as “cute” or “childlike” in the Bible — this is a later artistic invention. Biblically, they are awe-inspiring and fearsome.
• Ancient Near Eastern parallels show similar guardian beings, like the winged bulls (lamassu) in Assyrian art, indicating a shared cultural symbolism of guardian spirits.
• The “chariot” vision of Ezekiel, involving cherubim and wheels, is a foundational text for Jewish mysticism (especially the Merkavah tradition), where divine visions play a key role.
• In Christian theology, cherubim are traditionally placed among the highest orders of angels, often second only to the seraphim in the hierarchy of angelic beings (as per writings like those of Pseudo-Dionysius).

Cherubim in Biblical Theology and Worship

Throughout Scripture, cherubim function as both literal beings and powerful symbols of God's transcendence, majesty, and inaccessibility. Their detailed and sometimes terrifying depictions serve to inspire awe and reverence in readers and worshipers alike. They remind humanity of the reality of the unseen spiritual realm and the holiness that surrounds God's presence.