Lexical Summary shoham: onyx Original Word: שֹׁהַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance onyx From an unused root probably mean to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color) -- onyx. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition (a gem) perhaps an onyx NASB Translation onyx (11). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. שֹׁ֫הַם noun masculineJob 28:16 a gem, identification dubious, Vrss vary; onyx or chrysoprasus RiHWB 2, 336 f., onyx TaylorHast. DB iii. 624, beryl RidgewayEncy. Bib. 545, malachite Myresib. 4808, etc.; compare also DrGenesis 2:12 (√ unknown; perhaps loan-word, compare Assyrian sâmtu DlWB 488); — ׳אֶבֶן הַשּׁ Genesis 2:12 (J; +הַבְּדֹלַח), in land „avilah; ׳אַבְנֵי שׁ Exodus 25:7; Exodus 28:9; Exodus 35:9,27; Exodus 39:6 (all P), 1 Chronicles 29:2; אֶבֶן omitted Ezekiel 28:13; Exodus 28:20; Exodus 39:13 (both P; all in lists of gems); יָקָר וְסַמִּיר ׳שׁ Job 28:16. Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical Usage Shoham, commonly rendered “onyx,” appears eleven times, always in passages that emphasize abundance, beauty, and memorial representation. From the primeval garden (Genesis 2:12) to the priestly garments (Exodus 28) and the royal treasury (1 Chronicles 29:2), its presence marks places and offices where God’s glory and covenant faithfulness are showcased. Creation and Edenic Abundance Genesis 2:12 places onyx among the riches of the land surrounding Eden: “And the gold of that land is pure, and bdellium and onyx are found there.” The stone thus enters Scripture as part of a world pronounced “very good,” portraying the perfection of God’s original handiwork. Because nothing in Eden is incidental, the early mention hints that precious stones are gifts to be used in worship and stewardship rather than idolized. Onyx in Israelite Worship 1. The Ephod Shoulder Pieces (Exodus 28:9–12; 39:6) “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel” (Exodus 28:9). Set in gold filigree and worn on the high priest’s shoulders, these stones bore six tribal names each, signifying that the entire nation was carried before the Lord whenever the priest entered His presence. Their placement on the shoulders—organs of strength—speaks of God’s sustaining power. In the fourth row of the breastpiece sat another shoham. Here the stone joined eleven others over the priest’s heart. Together they symbolized the tribes permanently “in remembrance before the Lord.” Onyx appears on the list of materials willingly offered for the sanctuary. The people’s generosity reflected their gratitude for redemption and their desire to see God dwell among them. Royal and Wisdom Settings • 1 Chronicles 29:2 records David’s personal provision for the future Temple, including “onyx stones,” displaying royal stewardship and foretelling the greater Son of David whose temple body would house divine glory. Prophetic Imagery and Cosmic Rebellion Ezekiel 28:13 pictures the king of Tyre—and behind him the primordial rebel—“in Eden, the garden of God,” adorned with every precious stone, including onyx. The description recalls the high priestly garments, highlighting how pride corrupted a creature once vested with reflected glory. The passage warns that external beauty without humility invites divine judgment. Symbolic Themes • Memorial: Names engraved on onyx declare that God’s people are remembered and represented before Him. Typological Fulfillment in Christ The high priest’s onyx stones prefigure Jesus Christ, the “great high priest” who carries His people on His shoulders and presses them to His heart. He engraves believers’ names not on gemstones but on His wounded hands (Isaiah 49:16), guaranteeing unfailing remembrance. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Intercession: Leaders today, like the ancient priest, must bear God’s flock in prayer, knowing each name is precious. Concluding Reflection Shoham threads through Scripture as a testimony to the Lord’s splendor, covenant memory, and redemptive purpose. Set in Eden, lifted onto priestly shoulders, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ, this stone calls God’s people to worship, holiness, and confident assurance that their names are eternally secure before His throne. Forms and Transliterations בְּשֹׁ֖הַם בשהם הַשֹּֽׁהַם׃ הַשֹּׁ֔הַם השהם השהם׃ וְשֹׁ֖הַם ושהם שֹׁ֑הַם שֹׁ֔הַם שֹׁ֕הַם שֹׁ֖הַם שֹׁ֙הַם֙ שֹׁ֨הַם שהם bə·šō·ham beShoham bəšōham haš·šō·ham hashShoham haššōham Shoham šō·ham šōham veShoham wə·šō·ham wəšōhamLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 2:12 HEB: הַבְּדֹ֖לַח וְאֶ֥בֶן הַשֹּֽׁהַם׃ NAS: the bdellium and the onyx stone KJV: there [is] bdellium and the onyx stone. INT: the bdellium stone and the onyx Exodus 25:7 Exodus 28:9 Exodus 28:20 Exodus 35:9 Exodus 35:27 Exodus 39:6 Exodus 39:13 1 Chronicles 29:2 Job 28:16 Ezekiel 28:13 11 Occurrences |
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