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כְּרוּב

𐤊𐤓𐤅𐤁

kᵉrûwb

H3742 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain uncertain (possibly, to be near, to bless, to protect; meaning in Hebrew uncertain)

Definition

A supernatural or heavenly being, typically represented as a composite figure associated with the divine presence and protection of sacred spaces. In the Hebrew Bible, the כְּרוּב (keruv) appears prominently as a guardian or attendant of the throne of YHWH, often depicted as supporting the throne or covering the Ark of the Covenant with outstretched wings. In prophetic and poetic contexts, the keruv is depicted as a winged figure, sometimes described as possessing multiple faces or aspects, symbolizing power, movement, and proximity to the divine.

Semantic Range

supernatural or heavenly being, guardian of sacred space, attendant of divine throne, image on Ark of the Covenant, visionary throne guardian; cherub (in English translation, but distinct from later usage)

Root / Etymology

etymology uncertain. The root and derivation of כְּרוּב (keruv) are unknown; it does not correspond with any securely identified Hebrew root. Attempts to link it to Akkadian karabu ('to bless'), kuribu ('intercessor, protective spirit'), or related West Semitic terms describing guardian beings are debated and remain inconclusive.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The use of כְּרוּב (keruv) in the Hebrew Bible is largely concentrated in texts describing sacred architecture or divine encounters (e.g., tabernacle, temple, prophetic visions). In Exodus and Chronicles, keruvim (plural) are the figures above the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, representing a divine chariot or throne and acting as guards of sacred boundaries. In prophetic visions (Ezekiel 1, 10), the keruvim are part of a complex visionary description, distinct from later angelologies. The term later came to be rendered in English as 'cherub' or 'cherubim' (KJV), though in biblical contexts these are not infantile or decorative figures, but powerful, awe-inspiring beings linked with the presence of Israel's deity. No direct Judean or Israelite iconographic evidence survives; artistic parallels exist in Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian sphinxes or winged guardians, but the biblical description is unique. Usage of the term in post-exilic, Second Temple, and rabbinic periods evolved alongside changing understandings of angelology and celestial hierarchy. The English 'cherub' derives ultimately from the Hebrew term, but later iconography diverges greatly from biblical usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a cherub or imaginary figure; cherub, (plural) cherubims.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

כרב (uncertain) (k-r-b (uncertain)) — uncertain; possibly nearness, blessing, protection

Word Forms

11 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3742-02 הַ/כְּרֻבִ֗ים hakeruvim HTd/Ncmpa the cherubim the throne-guardian beings 40
H3742-04 כְּרֻבִ֖ים keruvim HNcmpa cherubim heavenly throne-guardians 15
H3742-01 הַ/כְּרוּב֙ hakeruv HTd/Ncmsa the cherub the throne-guardian 15
H3742-03 כְּר֨וּב keruv HNcmsa cherub guardian throne-being 7
H3742-07 לַ/כְּרֻבִ֔ים lakeruvim HRd/Ncmpa the cherubim to the throne-guardians 4
H3742-05 כְרֻבִ֖ים kheruvim HNcmpa cherubim throne-guardians 3
H3742-06 לַ/כְּר֗וּב lakeruv HRd/Ncmsa the cherub to the throne-guardian 2
H3742-09 וּ/כְרוּב ukheruv HC/Ncmsa and cherub and a throne-guardian 2
H3742-11 וְ/הַ/כְּרֻבִ֗ים vehakeruvim HC/Td/Ncmpa and the cherubim and the throne-guardians 1
H3742-08 לִ/כְר֔וּב likheruv HR/Ncmsa and a cherub to a throne-guardian 1

Occurrences in Scripture

91 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3742-02 Genesis 3:24 הַ/כְּרֻבִ֗ים hakeruvim HTd/Ncmpa the cherubim the throne-guardian beings
H3742-04 Exodus 25:18 כְּרֻבִ֖ים keruvim HNcmpa cherubim heavenly throne-guardians
H3742-03 Exodus 25:19 כְּר֨וּב keruv HNcmsa cherub guardian throne-being
H3742-09 Exodus 25:19 וּ/כְרוּב ukheruv HC/Ncmsa and cherub and a throne-guardian
H3742-02 Exodus 25:19 הַ/כְּרֻבִ֖ים hakeruvim HTd/Ncmpa the cherubim the throne-guardian beings
H3742-02 Exodus 25:20 הַ/כְּרֻבִים֩ hakeruvim HTd/Ncmpa the cherubim the throne-guardian beings
H3742-02 Exodus 25:20 הַ/כְּרֻבִֽים hakeruvim-2 HTd/Ncmpa of the cherubim the throne-guardian beings
H3742-02 Exodus 25:22 הַ/כְּרֻבִ֔ים hakeruvim HTd/Ncmpa cherubim the throne-guardian beings
H3742-04 Exodus 26:1 כְּרֻבִ֛ים keruvim HNcmpa cherubim heavenly throne-guardians
H3742-04 Exodus 26:31 כְּרֻבִֽים keruvim HNcmpa cherubim heavenly throne-guardians
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