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onyx in the Bible

Hebrew: shoham, meaning: a hail; claw; hoof

Onyx is a precious stone adorning the breastplate of the high priest and the shoulders of the ephod (Exodus 28:9-12, 20; 35:27; Job 28:16; Ezek. 28:13). Two onyx stones on the ephod’s shoulder pieces were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes (6 on each).

Onyx was found in the land of Havilah (Genesis 2:12). The Septuagint 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).

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  • What and who is Havilah?
    • Article Version: September 12, 2026