![]() The original Hebrew word used for this component of the ketoret was שחלת, shecheleth, which means “to roar as a lion (from his characteristic roar)” or “peeling off by concussion of sound.” Shecheleth is related to the Syriac shehelta which is translated as “a tear, distillation, or exudation.” When the Old Testament was translated into Greek (the Septuagint version) the Greek word “onycha” ονυξ, which means “fingernail” or “claw,” was substituted for shecheleth. This formula was to be incorporated as a holy incense and was not to be duplicated for non-sacred use. Onycha (Greek: ονυξ), along with equal parts of stacte, galbanum, and frankincense, was one of the components of the HaKetoret (holy incense) which appears in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus (Ex.30:34-36) and was used in the temple in Jerusalem. The article below attempts to answer the age-old question - What is Onycha? Onycha Of the many substances proposed to be the mysterious onycha which one most closely fits the etymology and description of the substance recorded in this most ancient incense recipe? The correct identification of this ingredient affects not only the understanding of the function of the HaKetoret but also of it’s true purpose. Onycha symbolizes one of the vital components which should be present in prayer. ![]() The incense symbolizes the prayers of Gods people. The battle has raged for centuries with most people identifying onycha as the operculum of a sea snail. What is this exotic, elusive ingredient of the Holy Incense which Exodus 30:32 calls onycha?
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