The cherubim shall spread out their wings above is literally “the cherubs will be outspread [two-]wings to above.” The dual form is used for wings, meaning that each cherub would have just two wings (unlike the “seraphim” in Isaiah 6). The meaning of above in this clause is not clear, but “to above” may suggest “pointing upwards” (Revised English Bible) or simply “uplifted” (Durham). However, both Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version suggest that the wings of one cherub reached across the lid toward the wings of the other one, so that the wings of both cherubs covered the covenant chest. Good News Translation has “and their outspread wings are to cover it,” and Contemporary English Version has “with their wings spread over the chest.” One may also say “The cherubs [or, winged creatures] must face each other across the lid of the chest, and their wings must spread out and cover it.”

Overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings means that the wings of the two cherubim are to cover the “lid” in a protective way. But they would not be touching it since they are to be “spread upward” (New International Version). Their faces one to another is literally “and their faces each unto the other.” This does not mean that they are to be looking at each other, for toward the mercy seat suggests that they are to be looking down at the “lid” rather than across to each other. Literally the text says “unto the kapporeth shall be the faces of the cherubim.” Good News Translation unfortunately does not bring this out.

Alternative translation models for this verse are:

• The cherubs shall have their wings stretching out toward each other and covering the lid of the chest. They should face each other with their faces looking down toward the lid of the chest.

• The cherubs must face each other across the top of the box, with their faces looking down at the lid. The wings of one cherub must stretch across the top of the box toward the wings of the other cherub, covering the box.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .