Onyx-stone
Jump to: ConcordanceThesaurusGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The onyx stone is a significant and precious gemstone mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with beauty, wealth, and divine craftsmanship. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores its value and symbolic importance in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. Creation and the Garden of Eden:
The onyx stone is first mentioned in the context of the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 2:12, the land of Havilah is described as a place where gold is found, and "the gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx stone are there." This early mention highlights the onyx as a part of God's perfect creation, emphasizing its inherent value and beauty.

2. Priestly Garments:
The onyx stone holds a place of prominence in the description of the high priest's garments. In Exodus 28:9-12, God commands Moses to take two onyx stones and engrave the names of the sons of Israel on them. These stones were to be mounted on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, serving as a memorial for the tribes of Israel. The use of onyx in the priestly garments signifies its role in representing the people before God, symbolizing both remembrance and intercession.

3. The Tabernacle and Temple:
Onyx is also listed among the precious materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 29:2, King David mentions onyx stones as part of the offerings he prepared for the building of the Temple. This inclusion underscores the stone's value and its suitability for use in the sacred spaces dedicated to worship and the presence of God.

4. Symbol of Wealth and Beauty:
The onyx stone is frequently associated with wealth and beauty in biblical literature. In Ezekiel 28:13, the prophet describes the king of Tyre in terms of the splendor of Eden, listing onyx among the precious stones that adorned him. This imagery conveys the idea of opulence and divine favor, as the onyx is part of the adornment of a figure who once held a place of high honor.

Symbolism and Significance:

The onyx stone, with its rich layers and striking appearance, serves as a symbol of strength, endurance, and divine favor. Its use in the high priest's garments and the sacred spaces of the Tabernacle and Temple highlights its role in the worship and service of God. The onyx's enduring beauty and value make it a fitting representation of the eternal and unchanging nature of God's covenant with His people.

In the broader biblical narrative, the onyx stone reflects the themes of remembrance, intercession, and the splendor of God's creation. Its presence in the Scriptures invites believers to consider the beauty and richness of God's provision and the honor of being remembered before Him.
Greek
4557. sardonux -- sardonyx
... sardonyx. From the base of sardios and onux (the nail of a finger; hence the "onyx"
stone); a "sardonyx", ie The gem so called -- sardonyx. see GREEK sardios. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4557.htm - 6k
Library

The Names on Aaron's Breastplate
... one on the shoulders. On each shoulder it was clasped by an onyx stone
bearing the names of six of the tribes. Thus twice, on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the names on aarons breastplate.htm

Fragment vi. In a Similar Manner Should He Conduct Himself to ...
... Some think they were made of onyx stone, others of variegated glass: but most modern
writers suppose that what is meant was some sort of porcelain. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment vi in a similar.htm

The Scriptural Account of Paradise.
... Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
and the gold of that land is good, and there is bdellium and the onyx stone. ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xx the scriptural account of.htm

Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul.
... In the Itinerarium attributed to Antoninus of Placentia in that century mention
is made of ampull?? of onyx stone containing oil being brought into contact ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxv to leontius ex-consul.htm

Further Use Made of the System of the Phrygians; Mode of ...
... is that which encompasseth all the land of Havilath: there is gold, and the gold
of that land is excellent, and there is bdellium and the onyx stone." This, he ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter iv further use made of.htm

Chapter ii
... This is the one which encircles all the land of Havilah, where there is gold; and
the gold of that land is good; there is bdellium and the onyx stone. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ii.htm

Thesaurus
Onyx-stone (1 Occurrence)
Onyx-stone. Onyx, Onyx-stone. Onyx-stones . Multi-Version Concordance
Onyx-stone (1 Occurrence). Genesis 2:12 And the ...
/o/onyx-stone.htm - 6k

Onyx (16 Occurrences)
... Genesis 2:12 and the gold of that land is good. There is aromatic resin and
the onyxstone. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/onyx.htm - 12k

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

Resin (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Resin (4 Occurrences). Genesis 2:12 and the gold of that
land is good. There is aromatic resin and the onyxstone. (WEB NIV). ...
/r/resin.htm - 7k

Pison (1 Occurrence)
... pishon; the King James Version): A river of EDEN (which see), said to compass the
whole land of Havilah where there is gold, bdellium and onyxstone (Genesis 2 ...
/p/pison.htm - 7k

Pishon (1 Occurrence)
... pishon; the King James Version): A river of EDEN (which see), said to compass the
whole land of Havilah where there is gold, bdellium and onyxstone (Genesis 2 ...
/p/pishon.htm - 7k

Bdellium (2 Occurrences)
... Bdellium (2 Occurrences). Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is good: there
is bdellium and the onyxstone. (KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/b/bdellium.htm - 8k

Aromatic (6 Occurrences)
... prepared. (DBY). Genesis 2:12 and the gold of that land is good. There is
aromatic resin and the onyxstone. (WEB NIV). Genesis 37 ...
/a/aromatic.htm - 8k

Havilah (7 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary The sand region. (1.) A land mentioned in Genesis
2:11 rich in gold and bdellium and onyxstone. The question ...
/h/havilah.htm - 11k

Resources
What is the meaning of Pishon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Is Göbekli Tepe where the Garden of Eden was located? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Onyx: Seen in the Foundations of the City of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision
Top of Page
Top of Page