from an unused root probably mean to blanch; a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color); onyx.
Transliteration:shôham
Pronunciation:sho'-ham
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שֹׁהַם (shôham, `{{H7718}}`) refers to a precious gem. Its etymology traces back to an unused root, likely meaning "to blanch," which suggests a connection to its color—pale, perhaps a pale green. This etymological hint is crucial for its identification. While often translated as "onyx," which typically refers to a banded chalcedony, many scholars and the Strong's definition itself lean towards "beryl" due to the suggested pale green hue. Beryl encompasses a range of colors, including emerald (green), aquamarine (blue-green), and heliodor (yellow-green). The ambiguity in translation reflects the challenge of precisely identifying ancient gemstones, but the consistent theme is that of a highly valued, beautiful stone. Its primary semantic range, therefore, centers on its identity as a precious and ornamental gem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term shôham appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in contexts related to wealth, adornment, and sacred objects.
1. **Genesis 2:12**: This is the first mention, describing the land of Havilah as a place where "the gold of that land is good; the bdellium and the onyx stone are there." Here, shôham is listed among valuable natural resources, establishing its preciousness from the earliest biblical narratives.
2. **Exodus 28:9-12, 20; 35:9, 27; 39:6-7, 13**: These passages are central to understanding the significance of shôham. It is specified for the high priest's garments:
* Two shôham stones were to be engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on each stone, and set on the shoulder pieces of the ephod. These served as "stones of remembrance" before the Lord for the sons of Israel ([[Exodus 28:12]]).
* One shôham stone (among others) was also part of the twelve stones set in the breastpiece, each engraved with the name of a tribe ([[Exodus 28:20]]).
* The Israelites freely offered shôham stones for the ephod and the breastpiece during the construction of the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 35:9, 27]]).
In this context, shôham is not merely ornamental but deeply symbolic, representing the entire community of Israel carried before God by the high priest.
3. **1 Chronicles 29:2**: King David prepares materials for the temple, including "onyx stones and stones for setting, glittering stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and alabaster in abundance." This inclusion highlights shôham as a valuable material for sacred architecture, contributing to the splendor of God's dwelling place.
4. **Job 28:16**: In a profound poetic discourse on the inestimable value of wisdom, Job declares, "It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire." Here, shôham serves as a superlative measure of earthly wealth and beauty, yet it is deemed insufficient to purchase or compare with wisdom.
5. **Ezekiel 28:13**: In a lament over the king of Tyre, who is depicted with Edenic imagery, it states, "You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the ruby, the topaz, and the diamond; the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle; and gold." This verse lists shôham among a panoply of precious stones, associating it with primeval perfection, divine splendor, and great wealth.
Across these occurrences, shôham consistently denotes a stone of significant value, beauty, and often, sacred or symbolic purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word shôham is frequently found in lists of other precious stones, indicating its place within the broader category of valuable gems. These include:
* אֶבֶן יְקָרָה (ʾeven yeqarah, `{{H68}}` `{{H3368}}`), the general term for "precious stone."
* Other specific gems mentioned alongside shôham are numerous, such as `{{H7276}}` (ruby), `{{H6357}}` (topaz), `{{H3095}}` (diamond), `{{H934}}` (beryl/chrysolite), `{{H3462}}` (jasper), `{{H5458}}` (sapphire), `{{H1304}}` (emerald), and `{{H5306}}` (carbuncle), particularly in Ezekiel 28.
* The **ephod** and **breastpiece** are intrinsically linked to shôham due to its prominent placement on these priestly garments.
* The concept of **representation** is crucial, as the stones on the ephod bore the names of the tribes.
* The pursuit of **wisdom** in Job 28 provides a conceptual contrast, highlighting that even the most precious material possessions pale in comparison to divine wisdom.
* **Wealth** and **opulence** are also strong related concepts, as seen in the descriptions of Havilah, Tyre, and the temple contributions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of shôham is multifaceted, drawing primarily from its use in the high priest's garments and its symbolic value.
1. **Representation and Intercession**: The most profound theological meaning derives from the two shôham stones on the ephod, bearing the names of the twelve tribes. This signifies the high priest's role as the representative of all Israel before God. He literally "carries" the people on his shoulders and over his heart into the divine presence, embodying the concept of intercession and remembrance. This prefigures the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents His people before the Father.
2. **Divine Glory and Perfection**: Its inclusion among the stones in Eden ([[Ezekiel 28:13]]) and its use in the Tabernacle and Temple contributions suggest an association with divine glory, beauty, and the perfection of God's creation. As a precious stone, it contributes to the splendor fitting for the dwelling place of the Almighty.
3. **Intrinsic Value and Sacred Purpose**: The consistent portrayal of shôham as a highly valuable gem underscores its intrinsic worth. When consecrated for sacred use, as in the Tabernacle, this value is elevated from mere material wealth to a symbol of devotion and a component of divine worship.
4. **The Incomparable Worth of Wisdom**: In Job 28, the shôham stone, along with other precious gems, is used as a benchmark for earthly value. By stating that wisdom cannot be purchased with such treasures, the text elevates divine wisdom to an incomparable status, far surpassing any material wealth. This theological point emphasizes the spiritual over the material.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שֹׁהַם (shôham, `{{H7718}}`) denotes a precious gem, most likely beryl or onyx, characterized by its beauty and high value. Its biblical occurrences consistently place it in contexts of wealth, adornment, and sacred objects. Most significantly, shôham stones were integral to the high priest's ephod, symbolizing the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel before YHWH. Theologically, shôham speaks to the concepts of divine representation and intercession, the glory and perfection associated with God's presence, the consecration of valuable materials for sacred purposes, and ultimately, the incomparable worth of divine wisdom compared to even the most coveted earthly treasures. It stands as a testament to both the material beauty of God's creation and its potential for profound spiritual symbolism within the biblical narrative.
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