Lexical Summary
shoham: onyx
Original Word:שֹׁהַם
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:shoham
Pronunciation:SHO-ham
Phonetic Spelling:(sho'-ham)
KJV: onyx
NASB:onyx
Word Origin:[from an unused root probably mean to blanch]
1. a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)
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 Translationonyx (11).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I.
Job 28:16 , identification dubious, Vrss vary;
onyx or
chrysoprasus Ri
HWB 2, 336 f.,
onyx Taylor
Hast. DB iii. 624,beryl Ridgeway
Ency. Bib. 545,malachite Myres
ib. 4808, etc.; compare also Dr
Genesis 2:12 (√ unknown; perhaps loan-word, compare Assyrian
sâmtu Dl
WB 488); —
Genesis 2:12 (J; +), in land
„avilah;
Exodus 25:7;
Exodus 28:9;
Exodus 35:9,27;
Exodus 39:6 (all P),
1 Chronicles 29:2; omitted
Ezekiel 28:13;
Exodus 28:20;
Exodus 39:13 (both P; all in lists of gems);
Job 28:16.
Topical Lexicon
Overview of Biblical UsageShoham, 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.
2. The Breastpiece of Judgment (Exodus 28:20; 39:13)
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.”
3. Tabernacle Contributions (Exodus 25:7; 35:9, 27)
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.
•Job 28:16 ranks onyx among the world’s costliest items yet declares that wisdom surpasses them all: “It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.” The comparison underscores that earthly splendor, while real, is never ultimate.
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.
• Strength and Support: The shoulder placement points to God’s power to bear His covenant community.
• Purity and Value: Onyx’s layered bands suggest depth and integrity, qualities expected in those who minister.
• Contrast with True Wisdom: Material worth is affirmed yet relativized in light of the fear of the Lord (Job 28).
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.
2. Generosity: The voluntary offerings of onyx encourage sacrificial giving for gospel work.
3. Humility amid Beauty: Talent, wealth, and aesthetics serve the Lord best when subordinated to His wisdom, guarding against the Tyrian pride condemned by Ezekiel.
4. Worship Design: While the New Testament frees believers from the Tabernacle pattern, excellence in church craftsmanship and art can still mirror God’s glory when motivated by reverence rather than ostentation.
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 wəšōham
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
