1 Kings 8:7
1 Kings 8:7 in Multiple Translations
For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.
For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
For their wings were outstretched over the place where the ark was, covering the ark and its rods.
The cherubim spread their wings over the place where the Ark was, covering the Ark and its carrying poles.
For ye Cherubims stretched out their wings ouer the place of the Arke, and the Cherubims couered the Arke, and the barres thereof aboue.
for the cherubs are spreading forth two wings unto the place of the ark, and the cherubs cover over the ark, and over its staves from above;
For the cherubim spread their wings out over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and its poles above.
For the cherubim spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the staffs thereof above.
For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and covered the art, and the staves thereof above.
The wings of those statues spread out over the Sacred Chest and over the poles by which it was carried.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 8:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 8:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
אֶל
מְק֖וֹם
הָֽ/אָר֑וֹן
וַ/יָּסֹ֧כּוּ
הַ/כְּרֻבִ֛ים
עַל
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
וְ/עַל
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
pâras
H6566
to spread
V-Qal
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מְק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
הָֽ/אָר֑וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
וַ/יָּסֹ֧כּוּ
çâkak
H5526
to fence
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כְּרֻבִ֛ים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
cherub
Art | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
bad
H905
alone
N-mp | Suff
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 8:7
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הַ/כְּרוּבִים֙
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
פֹּרְשִׂ֣ים
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
V-Qal
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כְּנָפַ֔יִם
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מְק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
הָֽ/אָר֑וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
וַ/יָּסֹ֧כּוּ
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
הַ/כְּרֻבִ֛ים
kᵉrûwb
H3742
"cherub"
Art | N-mp
A cherub is an angelic being in the Bible, often depicted as guarding important places like Eden or God's throne. They're also shown as images on the Ark of the Covenant. The KJV translates this word as cherub or cherubims.
Definition: 1) cherub, cherubim (pl) 1a) an angelic being 1a1) as guardians of Eden 1a2) as flanking God's throne 1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant 1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: cherub, (plural) cherubims. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Chronicles 3:10; Psalms 18:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בַּדָּ֖י/ו
bad
H905
"alone"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
מִ/לְ/מָֽעְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 8:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Ark Enters the Temple
5There, before the ark, King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him sacrificed so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.
6Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim.
7For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles.
8The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day. 9There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of the land of Egypt.1 Kings 8:7 Summary
[The cherubim spreading their wings over the ark in 1 Kings 8:7 shows us that God is always watching over and protecting His people, just like a mother bird protects her babies with her wings, as seen in Psalms 17:8. This reminds us of God's promise to be our refuge and shield, as stated in Psalms 84:11. The cherubim's wings also symbolize God's presence and power, and their position above the ark teaches us about the importance of reverence and respect for God. By understanding the significance of the cherubim, we can deepen our appreciation for God's love and care for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place?
The cherubim represent the heavenly host and the presence of God, as seen in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Exodus 25:18-22, emphasizing the sacred nature of the space where the ark resides.
Why did the cherubim spread their wings over the ark?
The cherubim's wings overshadowing the ark signify God's protection and care for the covenant, as seen in Psalms 91:4, where God's wings are a symbol of refuge and safety.
What can we learn from the positioning of the cherubim in relation to the ark?
The positioning of the cherubim above the ark, as described in 1 Kings 8:7, teaches us about the importance of reverence and respect for God's presence, as well as the need for humility and submission in our approach to Him, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the temple dedication?
This verse highlights the attention to detail and the reverence with which the Israelites dedicated the temple, as seen in 1 Kings 8:1-6, and sets the stage for the rest of the dedication ceremony, emphasizing the importance of worship and the presence of God in their midst, as described in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the cherubim's wings overshadowing the ark evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this picture to my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God's presence in my daily life, just as the Israelites did in the temple?
- How does the concept of God's protection and care, as represented by the cherubim, impact my trust and faith in Him?
- What are some ways I can create a 'sacred space' in my own heart and life, where God's presence can be honored and revered?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 8:7
For the cherubim spread forth [their] two wings over the place of the ark,.... The most holy place where the ark stood, even from wall to wall: and the cherubim covered the ark, and the staves
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 8:7
And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:7
1 Kings 8:7 For the cherubims spread forth [their] two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.Ver. 7. And the cherubims covered the ark] Which had the law within it, and the mercy seat upon it: to set forth Christ’ s covering the curses of the law, in whom is the ground of all mercy: which things the angels desire to pry into, as into the pattern of God’ s deep wisdom.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 8:7
(6-8) And the priests brought in the ark.—It is clear from this description that the ark was placed lengthways between the cherubim, so that the staves by which it was borne, when drawn out (though still partly attached to the ark) were seen—probably by projections visible through the veil—in the Holy Place; although, as the narrative remarks with characteristic minuteness of accuracy, “not without” from the porch. The reason why this detail is dwelt upon is obvious. Up to this time it had been forbidden to withdraw the staves (Exodus 25:13-15), so that the ark might always be ready for transference; now the withdrawal marked the entrance on a new period, during which it was to rest unmoved.There they are unto this day.—This phrase—not unfrequently repeated in the narrative (see 1 Kings 9:21; 1 Kings 10:12; 1 Kings 12:19, &c.)—is an interesting indication of quotation from older documents; for at the time of the compilation of the book the Temple and all that it contained had been destroyed or removed. It is remarkable that in the record of the successive spoilings of the Temple by the Chaldæans (2 Kings 24:13; 2 Kings 25:13-17), while the various vessels, the brazen pillars, and the sea are mentioned in detail, nothing is said of their carrying away the ark, which would have been the choicest, as most sacred, of all the spoils. (See Notes on these passages.) About the Jewish tradition, referred to above (see Note on 1 Kings 8:4), setting aside the supposed miracle, there is no intrinsic improbability, considering the respect paid to Jeremiah by the Chaldæans. (See Jeremiah 39:11-14.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 8:7
7. covered the ark and the staves thereof above] The ark appears to have been placed lengthwise, (the length was two cubits and a half,) beneath the wings of the cherubim. Thus the staves also would lie along in the rings and so be overshadowed by the wings.