Exodus 35:9 Meaning and Explanation
“And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Onyx stones and precious stones for the priest's ephod and breastplate are needed.
The Context of Exodus 35:9
Precious stones are reserved for the high priest's sacred garments.
What Does Exodus 35:9 Mean?
Onyx stones—smooth, semi-precious gems with layered colors—served as decorative elements on the ephod (a sleeveless priestly garment). The breastplate, worn over the ephod by the high priest, held twelve stones representing Israel's twelve tribes. These gems were valuable and required careful procurement, either through trade or discovery. Their inclusion shows that priestly garments were not ordinary clothing but objects of beauty and spiritual significance.
The beauty and precision required in setting these stones meant that skilled craftspeople were essential to the tabernacle's completion. Not everyone could cut, polish, and mount gems; specialized knowledge and artistry were needed. This offering category implicitly called for skilled workers to volunteer their expertise, not just their materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 35:9
What does Exodus 35:9 mean?
Onyx stones and precious stones for the priest's ephod and breastplate are needed.
What is the context of Exodus 35:9?
Precious stones are reserved for the high priest's sacred garments.