Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.

EXODUS 25:7KJV
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Exodus 25:7 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:7 mean?

Exodus 25:7 lists onyx stones and other precious stones that were to be set into the ephod and the breastplate, which were special garments for the high priest of Israel. These materials were among the offerings God asked the Israelites to bring for building and furnishing the tabernacle and its sacred objects.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving detailed instructions for gathering materials for the tabernacle. The ephod and the breastplate were both important parts of the high priest’s clothing, and the stones mentioned here were meant to be mounted into these garments as visible symbols of Israel’s tribes and God’s presence among His people.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:7

  • "Onyx" (שֹׁהַם, shoham) refers to a valuable gemstone, often understood as a type of banded stone, possibly similar to what we call onyx today. Its use highlights the preciousness of the materials dedicated to the tabernacle.
  • "Stones" (אֶבֶן, even) is a general word for stones, but in this context, it refers to gems suitable for setting into ornamental objects, emphasizing beauty and value.
  • "Set" (מִלֻּאִים, milu'im) means "settings" or "mountings," pointing to stones prepared to be fixed into the ephod and breastplate, not just loose gems.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod) and "breastplate" (חֹשֶׁן, choshen) are specific priestly garments. The ephod was a kind of vest, and the breastplate was a decorative piece worn over it, both central to the high priest’s role.

Why Exodus 25:7 matters

  • Exodus 25:7 shows that only the finest materials were to be used for the tabernacle and the high priest’s garments, underlining the importance and sacredness of Israel’s worship.
  • The mention of stones for the ephod and breastplate connects to later passages where these stones represent the twelve tribes of Israel, making the priest a visible representative of all the people before God.
  • This verse helps clarify that the tabernacle was not just a tent, but a carefully crafted, symbolic space, with every detail—including the choice and placement of stones—carrying meaning for Israel’s relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“Onyx” Hebrew H7718 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 2:12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
  • Exodus 35:9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.
  • Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

“set” Hebrew H4394 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 29:22 Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:
  • Exodus 29:34 And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.
  • Leviticus 8:28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

“breastplate” Hebrew H2833 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not loosed from the ephod.
  • Exodus 39:9 It was foursquare; they made the breastplate double: a span was the length thereof, and a span the breadth thereof, being doubled.

“ephod” Hebrew H646 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 39:2 And he made the ephod of gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.
  • Judges 18:18 And these went into Micah's house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?