Encyclopedia entry
Onyx
A hail; claw; hoof, (Heb. shoham), a precious stone adorning the breast-plate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Ex. 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. 2:12). The LXX. translates the Hebrew word by smaragdos, an emerald. Some think that the sardonyx is meant. But the onyx differs from the sardonyx in this, that while the latter has two layers (black and white) the former has three (black, white, and red).
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
(a nail) is the translation of the Hebrew shoham ; but there is some doubt as to its signification. Some writers believe that the “beryl” is intended; but the balance of authority is in favor of some variety of the onyx. (“The onyx is not a transparent stone, but as the color of the flesh appears through the nail (Greek onyx) on the human body, so the reddish mass which is below shines delicately through the whitish surface of the onyx. There are several varieties. White and reddish stripes alternating form the sardonyx; white and reddish gray, the chalcedony. When polished it has a fine lustre, and is easily wrought into a gem of great beauty.”-Rosenmiller.
In the Bible
11
Verses where Onyx is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Chronicles 29:2
Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance.
- Exodus 25:7
and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
- Exodus 28:9
Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:
- Exodus 28:20
and in the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. Mount these stones in gold filigree settings.
- Exodus 35:9
and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
- Exodus 35:27
The leaders brought onyx stones and gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece,
+5 more verses naming Onyx.
Scripture on Onyx
8
See all 8 +−
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.