And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.

EXODUS 35:9KJV
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Exodus 35:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 35:9 mean?

Exodus 35:9 lists onyx stones and other precious stones that were to be set into the ephod and breastplate, which were special garments worn by the high priest of Israel. The verse highlights specific materials the Israelites were to bring as offerings for constructing the priestly garments.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is speaking to the Israelites, relaying God’s instructions for building the tabernacle and its furnishings. The ephod and breastplate were important pieces of the high priest’s attire, used in worship and decision-making. This verse shows the detailed care and valuable resources involved in creating objects for Israel’s worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 35:9

  • אוֹנֶקְס (shoham, transliterated as "onyx"): This word refers to a precious stone, often understood as onyx, though the exact identification is uncertain. Its inclusion shows the value and beauty intended for the priestly garments.
  • אֶפֹּד (ephod, transliterated as "ephod"): This was a special, decorated garment worn by the high priest. Mentioning it here connects the stones directly to their sacred purpose.
  • חֹשֶׁן (choshen, transliterated as "breastplate"): This refers to the breastplate, a square piece worn over the ephod, set with twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. The stones were not just decorative but symbolized the people before God.

Why Exodus 35:9 matters

  • Exodus 35:9 clarifies that the materials for the tabernacle were not just ordinary supplies but included rare and valuable stones, emphasizing the importance and sacredness of the priestly role.
  • The verse connects the offerings of the people directly to the worship practices and leadership of Israel, showing that everyone’s contribution had a place in the nation’s relationship with God.
  • By listing these specific items, Exodus 35:9 sets up later descriptions of how the ephod and breastplate were made, helping readers understand the careful planning and community involvement in building the tabernacle.

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 28:20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.
  • 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 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 29:31 And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
  • 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 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • Exodus 28:26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
  • 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 25:7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate.
  • 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?