ONYCHA (o-nyka), (Heb. shekh-ayleth, a scale), a substance mentioned as an ingredient of the holy perfume (Exod. xxx:34).
It is believed to have been the operculum (lid) of a shell mollusk called stromb or wing-shell, which being burnt gave out a certain perfume.
ONYX (6'n'Iks), (Gr. gpvt, on'ooks generally for Hcb. sho'ham, the leek green beryl).
One kind of chalcedony; a precious stone (Exod. xxv :7 ; Ezek. xxviii:13), exhibiting two or more colors disposed in parallel bands or lay ers. The Hebrew word shahant is uniformly so translated in the Bible. Opinion is divided as to the exact meaning of the term. Josephus says the onyx is meant. It was found in the land of Havilah (Gen. ii:12), and was evidently of high value, as it is mentioned among precious stones and metals (Job xxviii :to; Ezek. xxviii :13). It adorned the breastplate of the high priest and the two shoulders of his ephod (Exod. xxviii :9
I2, 2o). David also gathered such stones for the service of the future temple (t Chron. xxix :2). The onyx is a cryptocrystalline variety or sub variety of quartz. It is in layers of different col ors, which alternate with each other and bear some resemblance to the white and flesh-colored bands of the finger nail.
OPEN (e'p'n), (Gr. 6Lavolyw, dee-an-oygo, Luke xxiv:32, to explain, expound, make known, dis close).
Thus Jer. XX :I2, 'But, 0 Lord of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thcc have I opened my cause.' Acts xvii: 3, 'Paul . . . reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered.'