New International Version and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. New Living Translation onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. English Standard Version and onyx stones and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. Berean Standard Bible and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Berean Literal Bible and onyx stones, and stones as settings for the ephod and for the breastplate. King James Bible And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate. New King James Version onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. New American Standard Bible and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece. NASB 1995 and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece. NASB 1977 and onyx stones and setting stones, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. Legacy Standard Bible and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece. Amplified Bible and onyx stones and other stones to be set for the ephod and the breastpiece. Berean Annotated Bible and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Christian Standard Bible and onyx with gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece. Holman Christian Standard Bible and onyx with gemstones to mount on the ephod and breastpiece.” American Standard Version and onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. Contemporary English Version onyx stones or other gems for the sacred vest and breastpiece. English Revised Version and onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. GOD'S WORD® Translation onyx stones, and other precious stones to be set in the [chief priest's] ephod and breastplate. Good News Translation carnelians and other jewels to be set in the High Priest's ephod and in his breastpiece. International Standard Version onyx stones, and stones for setting in the ephod and the breast piece. NET Bible onyx stones, and other gems for mounting on the ephod and the breastpiece. New Heart English Bible onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. Webster's Bible Translation And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breast-plate. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. World English Bible onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand shoham stones, and stones for settings, for an ephod, and for a breastplate. Berean Literal Bible and onyx stones, and stones as settings for the ephod and for the breastplate. Young's Literal Translation and shoham stones, and stones for settings, for an ephod, and for a breastplate. Smith's Literal Translation And stones of onyx, and stones of filling up for the ephod, and for the breast-plate. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOnyx stones, and precious stones, for the adorning of the ephod and the rational. Catholic Public Domain Version onyx stones and gems, to adorn the ephod and the breastplate. New American Bible onyx stones and other gems for mounting on the ephod and on the breastpiece. New Revised Standard Version and onyx stones and gems to be set in the ephod and the breastpiece. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd onyx stones, and precious stones for the ephod, and for the breastplate. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And oil to give light, and fragrances for oil of anointing, and for incense of sweet spices. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. Brenton Septuagint Translation and sardine stones, and stones for engraving for the shoulder-piece and full-length robe. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Materials for the Tabernacle…8olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 9and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Cross References and onyx stones 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. Job 28:16 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there. and gemstones Exodus 28:17-20 And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; / in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; / in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; … 2 Chronicles 3:6 He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. Ezekiel 28:13 You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold, prepared on the day of your creation. to be mounted on the ephod Exodus 28:9-12 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: / six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. / Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. … Exodus 39:6-7 They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings, engraved like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. / Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD had commanded Moses. Leviticus 8:7 He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. and breastpiece. Exodus 28:15-16 You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment with the same workmanship as the ephod. Construct it with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. / It must be square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. Exodus 39:8-14 He made the breastpiece with the same workmanship as the ephod, with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and with finely spun linen. / It was square when folded over double, a span long and a span wide. / And they mounted on it four rows of gemstones: The first row had a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; … Leviticus 8:8 Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. Exodus 25:3-7 This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; / ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; … Exodus 31:1-11 Then the LORD said to Moses, / “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. / And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, … 1 Kings 7:13-14 Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. / He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge for every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work. 2 Chronicles 2:7 Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided. Treasury of Scripture And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate. Exodus 25:5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, Exodus 28:9,17-21 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: … Exodus 39:6-14 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel… Jump to Previous Bag Beryls Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Cut Ephod Gems Jewels Mounted Onyx Priest's Setting Settings Shoham StonesJump to Next Bag Beryls Breastpiece Breastplate Breast-Plate Cut Ephod Gems Jewels Mounted Onyx Priest's Setting Settings Shoham StonesExodus 35 1. The Sabbath4. The free gifts for the tabernacle 20. The readiness of the people to offer 30. Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the work and onyx stones Onyx was among the precious materials brought willingly by Israel for the sanctuary. It had been known since the land of Havilah near Eden, where onyx is named among the region’s valued resources (Genesis 2:12). Two onyx stones were later set on the shoulder pieces of the high priest’s ephod and engraved with the names of Israel’s twelve tribes, six names on each stone. Aaron bore those names before the Lord as a memorial, representing the people whom he served before God (Exodus 28:9–12). 1Ch 29:2 Now with all my ability I have made provision… and gemstones Other precious stones were provided for the breastpiece of judgment. Their beauty was not merely ornamental; the costly materials honored the holiness and glory of the God who chose to dwell among His people. Israel, recently delivered from Egypt, gave these treasures freely for the worship of the Lord. Exo 28:17-20 And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones:… to be mounted on the ephod The ephod was a richly woven priestly garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and fine linen. Its shoulder stones showed that the high priest carried the tribes of Israel before the Lord. The office anticipated the greater ministry of Jesus Christ, who bears His people before God as their eternal High Priest. Exo 28:9-12 Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names…… and breastpiece. The breastpiece held twelve distinct gemstones, each engraved with the name of one tribe of Israel (Exodus 28:15–21). Worn over the high priest’s heart, it portrayed his representative intercession for the whole covenant people. The precious stones also anticipate the glory of God’s final dwelling, where the foundations of the New Jerusalem are adorned with jewels and God lives forever with His redeemed people (Revelation 21:19–21). Exo 28:15-16 You are also to make a breastpiece of judgment… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle. 2. Israelites The people of God, who are called to contribute materials for the Tabernacle. 3. Tabernacle The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. 4. Ephod A sacred garment worn by the high priest, part of the priestly attire. 5. Breastpiece A piece of the high priest's attire, adorned with gemstones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Teaching Points The Value of OfferingThe Israelites were called to offer valuable materials, such as onyx stones and gemstones, for the construction of the Tabernacle. This teaches us the importance of giving our best to God, not just in material offerings but in our time, talents, and resources. Symbolism of Stones The onyx stones and gemstones were not just decorative; they held symbolic meaning, representing the tribes of Israel. This reminds us that our contributions to God's work have deeper significance and impact. Unity in Diversity The gemstones on the breastpiece represented the twelve tribes, each unique yet part of a unified whole. In the body of Christ, we are diverse members with different gifts, called to work together for God's glory. God's Dwelling Among Us The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence with His people. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we are called to be living temples. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 35:9?2. How can we offer our "onyx stones" to God's work today? 3. What does "setting for the ephod" teach about preparing for worship? 4. How does Exodus 35:9 connect to New Testament teachings on giving? 5. Why is it important to contribute willingly to God's work? 6. How can we apply the principle of skilled craftsmanship in our church service? 7. What is the significance of onyx stones in Exodus 35:9 for the Israelites' worship practices? 8. How does Exodus 35:9 reflect the importance of offerings in ancient Israelite religion? 9. Why were specific materials like onyx and gemstones chosen for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 35? What Does Exodus 35:9 Mean and onyx stones“and onyx stones” (Exodus 35:9) • These were literal, precious stones God specifically requested, echoing earlier instructions in Exodus 28:9–12. • Onyx stones were to carry the engraved names of the twelve tribes on the high priest’s shoulders, a constant reminder that Israel was borne before the LORD (Exodus 28:12; Leviticus 8:9). • By singling out onyx first, the text highlights their unique role of memorial and intercession, much like the “memorial stones” Joshua set up at the Jordan (Joshua 4:6–7). and gemstones “and gemstones” (Exodus 35:9) • The phrase widens the offering list beyond onyx to include the twelve colorful jewels later listed for the breastpiece (Exodus 28:17–20). • Each tribe would be symbolized by one of these stones, underscoring individual identity within corporate covenant life—foreshadowing the “living stones” imagery applied to believers in 1 Peter 2:5 and the jeweled foundations of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:19–20. • God’s inclusion of variety celebrates the diversity He Himself placed within His people. to be mounted “to be mounted” (Exodus 35:9) • Mounting meant securely setting the stones in gold filigree (Exodus 28:11, 17). • Permanence mattered: nothing about the high priest’s garments was casual or temporary (Hebrews 9:23–24 compares these earthly copies to the heavenly realities). • The command also shows that artistic skill is part of worship; Bezalel and Oholiab were Spirit-empowered for this craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2–5; 35:30–33). on the ephod “on the ephod” (Exodus 35:9) • The ephod was the priestly vest that bore the onyx shoulder pieces (Exodus 28:6–8, 12). • By carrying the tribes’ names on his shoulders, the high priest literally “carried” Israel before God—an image echoed when Christ bears our sins (Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 7:25). • The ephod’s placement of stones points to strength and support, just as God promises to uphold His people (Isaiah 46:4). and breastpiece “and breastpiece” (Exodus 35:9) • The breastpiece of judgment sat over the priest’s heart and housed the twelve gemstones (Exodus 28:15–21; Leviticus 8:8). • Placing the tribes “over his heart” pictures affectionate representation, fulfilled ultimately in the loving intercession of Jesus our High Priest (John 17:9; Romans 8:34). • Inside the breastpiece were the Urim and Thummim for discerning God’s will (Numbers 27:21), reminding us that His guidance flows from His covenant love. summary Exodus 35:9 calls for onyx and other gems so they could be permanently set into the ephod and breastpiece. The verse highlights: • Memorial—Israel’s names borne continually before God. • Diversity—each tribe uniquely represented yet unified. • Permanence—crafted with care to last, reflecting heavenly realities. • Mediator—foreshadowing Christ, who carries us on His shoulders and over His heart. The command is more than a shopping list; it’s a vivid portrait of God’s covenant love, artistic beauty, and redemptive purpose. Hebrew and of onyx stonesוְאַ֨בְנֵי־ (wə·’aḇ·nê-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 68: A stone and gemstones וְאַבְנֵ֖י (wə·’aḇ·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 68: A stone to be mounted מִלֻּאִ֑ים (mil·lu·’îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4394: A fulfilling, a setting, consecration on the ephod לָאֵפ֖וֹד (lā·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 646: A girdle, the ephod, highpriest's shoulder-piece, an image and breastpiece. וְלַחֹֽשֶׁן׃ (wə·la·ḥō·šen) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2833: A pocket, rich, the gorget of the highpriest Additonal Resources Exodus 35:9 Blue Letter BibleExodus 35:9 Bible Gateway Exodus 35:9 Bible.com Exodus 35:9 NIV |
    |