Onyx
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Onyx in the Bible?
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony quartz, identified in biblical texts as one of the twelve gemstones set in the breastplate and ephod of the high priest, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding onyx clarifies the material culture of the priesthood and the symbolic representation of the twelve tribes within the high priest's garments.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Onyx were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Onyx in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Onyx clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Onyx." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/onyx/