Cherub

A cherub (Hebrew כרוב; plural cherubim, כרובים) is a supernatural creature mentioned several times in the Tanakh, or Old Testament, Book of Revelation and in certain media classes.

Origin of the word

The word cherub is probably related to the Babylonian word karabu (the Akkadian kuribu), meaning to be propitious or blessed—a name applied to spirits who served the gods as advisors and intermediaries (De Vaux, 1961). Others connect it with kirabu, the name of the Assyrian winged-bull god. Some scholars have even suggested tentatively that the Greek word gryphon might be derived from cherub. The greek sphinx also greatly resembles the beastly image of cherubim, and is sometimes used as an alternate term, often to denote a fallen cherub.

Related Topics:
Babylonian - Kirabu - Assyrian - Gryphon - Sphinx

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