Χερούβ (Ⱪeroύb) — winged creature / cherubim

Form 1

Part of speech: noun-name, n.

Inflections: Χερούβ; indeclinable; Χερούβ; pl.; Χερουβίν/Χερουβείν

Sense 1: winged creature, cherubim

Semantic entry: 6.99

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Images and Idols

Definition: in the NT the image of the winged creature that stood over the covenant box (but in certain OT contexts, supernatural winged creatures)

Notes: Since it is difficult to employ a satisfactory descriptive equivalent of χερούβ, most translators have simply employed a borrowed term and have described the appearance of the χερούβ in a glossary or marginal note. In English, however, it is impossible to use ‘cherub,’ since cherubs are known simply as ‘baby angels’ (typical of Valentine cards). In some English translations the plural form of χερούβ, namely, ‘cherubim,’ has been employed, but for some persons cherubim is a singular with an analogically formed plural cherubims. In general, for χερούβ one can best employ a phrase, either ‘the image of a winged creature’ or ‘a winged creature.’

Further resources: realia:4.1.2

Show passage in OET: HEB 9:5

OET-RV HEB 9:5

5 On the top of the box were the cherubs OF GLORY with their wings stretched out over the mercy seat which we won’t talk about right now.

OET-LV HEB 9:5

5 And above it, Cherubims of _glory overshadowing the mercy _seat, concerning which not it _is now to _be _speaking in part.

Jump to OET HEB 9:5 section.

UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Χερούβ

Form 1

Sense 1: winged creature, cherubim