{
  "id": "dict_000885",
  "term": "cherubim",
  "slug": "cherubim",
  "letter": "C",
  "entry_type": "theological_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Cherubim are powerful angelic beings associated with the presence and holiness of God. In Scripture they appear in worship scenes and in symbolic roles connected to God’s throne and sacred spaces.",
  "simple_one_line": "",
  "tooltip_text": "",
  "aliases": [
    "Cherubim on the Ark"
  ],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [],
  "see_also": [],
  "lede_intro": "",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [],
  "description_academic_short": "Cherubim are heavenly beings mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. They are closely linked with God’s holy presence, appearing at Eden, over the ark of the covenant, in prophetic visions, and in heavenly worship. Scripture presents them as real spiritual beings, though some details of their appearance and exact rank are not fully explained.",
  "description_academic_full": "Cherubim are angelic beings who serve in close association with the holiness, glory, and presence of God. After the fall, cherubim were placed at the east of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. In the tabernacle and temple, cherubim were represented over the ark of the covenant and in the sanctuary’s design, emphasizing that God dwells in unapproachable holiness among His people. Prophetic visions, especially in Ezekiel, portray cherubim in exalted and awe-inspiring form, while heavenly worship scenes also place them near the throne of God. Scripture clearly treats cherubim as real heavenly beings, but interpreters should be cautious about going beyond the biblical text in describing their order, appearance, or precise functions in the angelic host.",
  "background_biblical_context": "",
  "background_historical_context": "",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "",
  "key_texts_primary": [],
  "key_texts_secondary": [],
  "original_language_note": "",
  "theological_significance": "",
  "philosophical_explanation": "",
  "interpretive_cautions": "",
  "major_views_note": "",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "",
  "practical_significance": "",
  "meta_description": "Cherubim are powerful angelic beings associated with the presence and holiness of God. In Scripture they appear in worship scenes and in symbolic roles connected to God’s throne and sacred spaces.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/cherubim/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/cherubim.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}