Bible Questions and Answers

What is the meaning of cherubim and seraphim?

Using Strong’s Concordance: Cherubim 03742 כרוב kᵉruwb of uncertain derivation. Translated in the KJV – cherubims 64 times, cherub 27 times.

Cherubim were placed to prevent access to the tree of life in Eden. ("im" is the plural marker for Hebrew nouns just as "s" is the plural marker for English nouns. So, "Cherub" is singular and "Cherubim" is plural. Technically, it is an error to translate "Cherubim" as "Cherubims" since the word has been transliterated directly from the Hebrew).

Cherubim were placed one at each end of the Mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant with one face and two wings each. They were also made for the most holy place in Solomon’s Temple with one face and two wings each and described as a chariot. ;1 Chronicles 28:18

They are mentioned in Ezekiel’s vision of the Glory of God leaving Jerusalem. They are described with two faces and two wings on the walls in Ezekiel’s vision of the future Temple to be built in the millennial reign of Christ.

They are also likely to be the four living creatures described in the visions of John in Revelation.

The faces of the cherubim would seem to represent the four characteristics of God’s servants illustrasted in the four Gospel accounts of Jesus. The faces are believed to have been the four standards of the camp of Israel – man, lion, ox and eagle. From Ezekiel's accounts I deduce that the single face of a cherub was that of an ox.

Seraphim 08314 שׂרף saraph. Translated in the KJV – ‘fiery serpent’ 3 times, ‘fiery’ 2 times, ‘seraphim’ 2 times.

Meaning:

1. serpent, fiery serpent, poisonous serpent (fiery from burning effect of poison)
2. seraph, seraphim: majestic beings with 6 wings, human hands or voices in attendance upon God
3. Described as seraphim only in Isaiah’s vision of his calling. Isaiah 6:2
4. Whether cherubim and seraphim exist as living entities outside of visions is not certain.

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn