Cherubim are among the most fascinating and mysterious beings described in Scripture. Unlike the chubby-winged angels seen in art, the biblical cherubim are fierce, majestic, and deeply symbolic. They are not only heavenly creatures but guardians of the holy. From Genesis to Revelation, cherubim are shown as protectors of God’s glory, carriers of His presence, and living symbols of divine majesty and power.
In the book of Genesis, after Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, God stationed cherubim with a flaming sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life. In Exodus, God commanded that two cherubim be fashioned on the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. These images are not just visual details—they are theological truths. Cherubim represent the sacred boundaries between God and man, and at the same time, they highlight God’s mercy dwelling among His people.
When the prophet Ezekiel saw visions of God’s throne, it was the cherubim who carried it. Their appearance was complex, radiant, and full of meaning—having multiple wings, faces, and wheels within wheels. These aren’t merely celestial beings; they are a reminder of the holiness and transcendence of God. They show us that the presence of God is not casual or common, but weighty, awe-inspiring, and pure. The verses below open a window into the powerful biblical portrayal of cherubim and how they magnify the holiness of our God.
Bible Verses About Cherubim
1. Genesis 3:24
After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
2. Exodus 25:18
And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover.
3. Exodus 25:20
The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover.
4. Exodus 26:1
Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.
5. 1 Kings 6:27
He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the opposite wall…
6. 1 Kings 8:7
The cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its carrying poles.
7. 2 Chronicles 3:10
For the Most Holy Place he made a pair of sculptured cherubim and overlaid them with gold.
8. Psalm 18:10
He mounted the cherubim and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
9. Psalm 80:1
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.
10. Psalm 99:1
The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.
11. Ezekiel 1:5
And in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human…
12. Ezekiel 1:10
Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
13. Ezekiel 10:1
I looked, and I saw above the vault that was over the heads of the cherubim what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli.
14. Ezekiel 10:2
The Lord said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim…”
15. Ezekiel 10:4
Then the glory of the Lord rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple.
16. Ezekiel 10:7
Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand to the fire that was among them. He took up some of it and put it into the hands of the man in linen…
17. Ezekiel 10:8
Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like human hands.
18. Ezekiel 10:14
Each of the cherubim had four faces: One was the face of a cherub, the second the face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
19. Ezekiel 10:15
Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the Kebar River.
20. Ezekiel 10:18
Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim.
21. Ezekiel 10:19
While I watched, the cherubim spread their wings and rose from the ground…
22. Ezekiel 11:22
Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.
23. Ezekiel 28:14
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God…
24. Ezekiel 28:16
Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub…
25. Hebrews 9:5
Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover.
26. 2 Samuel 6:2
He and all his men went to Baalah in Judah to bring up from there the ark of God… who is enthroned between the cherubim on the ark.
27. 2 Kings 19:15
And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim…”
28. Isaiah 37:16
Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God…
29. Revelation 4:6
Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures…
30. Revelation 4:7
The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle.
31. Revelation 5:6
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures…
32. Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb…
33. Revelation 5:14
The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
34. Revelation 7:11
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.
35. Revelation 19:4
The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Cherubim
Cherubim remind us of the untouchable majesty and holiness of God. They are not merely heavenly decorations or poetic symbols. They guard, they carry, they worship, and they reveal. Their presence in Scripture highlights both the nearness and the sacredness of God’s presence. From Eden to the Ark to the visions of Ezekiel and Revelation, cherubim mark the places where heaven meets earth.
They are a vivid reminder that God’s glory is too pure for sin and that access to Him requires reverence and cleansing. Yet even as they guard the way, they also surround the mercy seat, pointing us to the grace and atonement God has provided. These living beings are filled with mystery and meaning, and through them, we’re invited to take God seriously, to worship Him with awe, and to remember that He is both high above and deeply near.
Say This Prayer
Holy God, I am in awe of Your glory. Thank You for revealing Yourself through Scripture in such profound ways. Thank You for the cherubim who remind us that Your presence is sacred, powerful, and holy. Forgive me for the times I have approached You casually or forgotten how awesome You truly are.
Teach me to reverence You rightly, to worship You in spirit and truth, and to live with a deeper awareness of Your majesty. Let my heart honor You as the King who sits enthroned above all, and help me to draw near with humility and gratitude through the mercy You provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.