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Meaning & use

cherubims

noun·Advancedreligionrare

Last updated

UK/ˈtʃerəbɪmz/
US/ˈtʃerəbɪmz/

“cherubims” is a form of “cherubim”.

Meanings

  1. nounpluralreligionrare

    Nonstandard plural of 'cherubim', used in some older Bible translations for heavenly beings with wings that surround God's throne.

    Grammar: Used as a plural noun even though cherubim is already plural; the singular is cherub.

    Patterns

    • the cherubims of glory
    • cherubims and seraphims

    The old translation speaks of the cherubims that spread out their wings over the ark.

    In the stained-glass window, golden cherubims surround the throne.

    Modern versions usually say cherubim instead of cherubims.

  2. nounpluralreligionrare

    Nonstandard plural of 'cherub', used for the winged heavenly figures in religious art and old translations.

    Grammar: In standard modern English the plural is cherubs or cherubim, not cherubims.

    Patterns

    • carved cherubims
    • two cherubims

    The carver placed two cherubims at either end of the wooden chest.

    Older hymns sometimes mention cherubims singing around the throne.

    Most writers today would say 'two cherubs' rather than 'two cherubims'.

Common combinations

cherubims of glory
The letter to the Hebrews mentions the cherubims of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
golden cherubims
The temple was decorated with golden cherubims on the walls.
carved cherubims
Visitors admired the carved cherubims above the altar.
cherubims and seraphims
The sermon described cherubims and seraphims as ranks of heavenly beings.

Synonyms and how they differ

cherubim
The standard plural of cherub in biblical and religious contexts; use this instead of cherubims in modern writing.
cherubs
The everyday English plural, used for the chubby winged figures in art and informally for sweet children.
angels
A general word for heavenly messengers; broader than cherubim, which names one specific kind of being.

Word family

cherub noun
A winged heavenly being, or a plump winged child in art.
cherubic adjective
Looking sweet and innocent, like a cherub.
cherubim noun
The standard Hebrew-derived plural of cherub.
seraphim noun
Another order of winged heavenly beings, often mentioned with cherubim.

Commonly confused: cherubims or cherubim? cherubims or seraphim?

cherubims vs cherubim

This is the correct plural of cherub; cherubims adds a second plural ending and is considered nonstandard.

cherubims vs seraphim

Seraphim are a different order of heavenly beings, each with six wings, while cherubim have four faces and four wings in the same traditions.

Practice

Which sentence uses the standard modern English form?

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