Onycha
“From a root meaning to scale or peel off”
Summary
Onycha was one of the aromatic ingredients in the sacred incense used in the tabernacle, likely derived from a marine mollusk.
☩Biblical Reference
Onycha is mentioned only once in Scripture as one of the four ingredients God specified for the sacred incense burned in the tabernacle. Combined with stacte, galbanum, and pure frankincense, it formed a holy perfume that was forbidden for personal use under penalty of being cut off from the people. The name comes from the Greek word for "fingernail," describing the shell-like shape of the substance.
☩Identity
Most authorities identify onycha as the operculum (the closing 'lid') of certain marine mollusks, particularly species of the Strombus family found in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. When burned, this substance produces a musky odor. Ancient sources describe it as coming from shell-fish that fed on aromatic plants. The inclusion of this ingredient among the sacred perfumes indicates that God sanctified elements from various realms of creation—plant and animal—for His worship.
Related Verses1 mention
Exodus· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Onycha," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).