Onyx-stones hold a significant place in biblical texts, symbolizing beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. These stones are mentioned several times throughout the Scriptures, often in contexts that highlight their value and importance in religious and cultural settings.

Biblical References:

1. Creation and the Garden of Eden:
The first mention of onyx-stones is found in the description of the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:12 states, "And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there." This early reference associates onyx with the pristine and abundant resources of God's creation, underscoring its inherent value and beauty.

2. Priestly Garments:
Onyx-stones were integral to the design of the high priest's garments, as commanded by God. In Exodus 28:9-12 , the Lord instructs Moses, "Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel... Fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel." These stones served as a perpetual reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the priest's role as an intercessor for the people before God.

3. The Breastplate of Judgment:
The breastplate worn by the high priest also featured onyx among other precious stones. Exodus 28:20 lists onyx as one of the stones set in the breastplate, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. This inclusion further emphasizes the stone's significance in the religious and ceremonial life of the Israelites.

4. Solomon's Temple:
Onyx-stones were part of the lavish materials used in the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Chronicles 29:2 , King David mentions his preparations for the temple, stating, "Now with all my ability I have provided for the house of my God: gold for the gold work, 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 alabaster in abundance." The use of onyx in the temple's construction highlights its status as a symbol of divine splendor and human devotion.

Symbolism and Significance:

Onyx-stones in the Bible are often associated with themes of remembrance, holiness, and divine favor. Their use in the high priest's garments and the temple signifies a connection between the earthly and the divine, serving as a tangible representation of God's covenant with His people. The beauty and rarity of onyx also reflect the glory and majesty of God's creation, reminding believers of the richness of His provision and the depth of His love.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, onyx was highly prized for its aesthetic qualities and was commonly used in jewelry and ornamentation. The stone's layered appearance, often featuring bands of different colors, made it a popular choice for engraving and carving. Its presence in biblical texts aligns with its historical use as a symbol of wealth and status, further reinforcing its significance in the religious and cultural life of the Israelites.

Overall, onyx-stones in the Bible serve as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the material and spiritual wealth bestowed by God upon His people.

High Priest
... It was confined to the ephod by means of dark blue ribbons, which passed through
these rings; and it was also suspended from the onyx stones on the shoulder by ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... Hangings (xxxvi.8"19). Onyx stones (xxxvi.13"14). ... Onyx stones (xxxix.6"7).
Candlestick (xxxviii.13"17). Breastplate (xxxix.8"21). ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm

May 20 Evening
... Jesus the Son of God. Thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them
the names of the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/may 20 evening.htm

The Work of Christ.
... The High Priest in His garments of Beauty and Glory had upon his shoulders two onyx
stones, and upon his breast a breastplate with twelve stones. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,
... trees, and the Tyrians dyed, and the Phrygians embroidered with the needle, and
the Babylonians with the loom, and pearls gleamed, and onyx-stones flashed; if ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter i introduction modesty in apparel.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... and rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, oil for the light,
spices for anointing oil and for sweet incense, onyx stones, and stones to ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... to the girdle; and it was made of gold, and violet and purple, and scarlet twice
dyed and twisted linen: and on his shoulders he bore two onyx stones, on which ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The Doctrine
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Onyx-stones (1 Occurrence)
Onyx-stones. Onyx-stone, Onyx-stones. Oozing . Multi-Version
Concordance Onyx-stones (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 29 ...
/o/onyx-stones.htm - 7k

Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... ground. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ONYX. on'-iks o'-niks. See STONES, PRECIOUS.
Multi-Version Concordance Onyx (16 Occurrences). Romans ...
/o/onyx.htm - 12k

Mounted (32 Occurrences)
... Moses took God's rod in his hand. (See NAS). Exodus 25:7 onyxstones, and stones
to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. (See NIV). ...
/m/mounted.htm - 15k

Ephod (45 Occurrences)
... of the sacerdotal habit among Jews, being a covering for the back and breast, held
together on the shoulders by two clasps or brooches of onyxstones set in ...
/e/ephod.htm - 27k

Gems (5 Occurrences)
... (n.) The chamois. Multi-Version Concordance Gems (5 Occurrences). Exodus 25:7 onyx
stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. (See NIV) ...
/g/gems.htm - 7k

Breastpiece (21 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Breastpiece (21 Occurrences). Exodus 25:7 onyxstones,
and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate. (See NAS RSV NIV) ...
/b/breastpiece.htm - 12k

Breast-plate (22 Occurrences)
... hope of salvation. (WBS). Exodus 25:7 Onyxstones, and stones to be set
in the ephod, and in the breast-plate. (WBS). Exodus 28:4 ...
/b/breast-plate.htm - 12k

Breastplate (45 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 25:7 onyxstones, and stones to
be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY YLT). ...
/b/breastplate.htm - 24k

Ouches (8 Occurrences)
... occurs 8 times, it is clear that the gold settings of the engraved stones forming
the breast-plate of the high priest are intended; the onyxstones forming the ...
/o/ouches.htm - 10k

Stones (244 Occurrences)
... the hearts of the innocent. things of iron, and wood for the things of wood;
onyxstones, and stones (WEB). 1 Corinthians 3:12 But ...
/s/stones.htm - 74k

What does the Bible say about crystals? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Ezekiel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What is a free will offering / freewill offering? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus