רָאמָה
something high in value, i.e. perhaps coral
Definition
The Hebrew noun רָאמָה refers to a precious substance, likely coral, that was highly valued in the ancient world. It is used in the Old Testament to symbolize great worth and inaccessibility, often in poetic contexts that contrast it with divine wisdom. In Job 28:18, it is listed among treasures like pearls and crystal, all deemed worthless in comparison to the price of wisdom. In Ezekiel 27:16, it appears as a luxury trade item from Edom, exchanged for Tyre's merchandise, indicating its role in high-value commerce.
Biblical Usage
This word occurs only twice, both in poetic or prophetic literature. In Job 28:18, it is part of a wisdom poem that catalogs precious materials to emphasize that wisdom cannot be bought. In Ezekiel 27:16, it is listed among the goods traded with Tyre, highlighting economic prosperity. Both uses consistently portray it as a rare, costly commodity.
Etymology
Derived from the root רָאַם (rā'am, H7213), meaning 'to be high' or 'exalted.' This root suggests the word originally conveyed the idea of something elevated, either literally in height or figuratively in value, which naturally extended to precious substances like coral.
Semantic Range
רָאמָה contributes to the biblical theme that earthly treasures are ultimately inferior to spiritual realities. In Job 28, its inclusion underscores that divine wisdom surpasses all material wealth, a key concept in wisdom literature. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the deliberate contrast between fleeting human riches and the enduring value of God's wisdom.
In the ancient Near East, coral was a rare import, likely harvested from the Red Sea or Mediterranean, and used in jewelry and ornamentation. Its mention in trade lists (Ezekiel 27:16) reflects its status as a luxury item, akin to precious stones, in the economies of Israel and its neighbors.
פְּנִינִים (pənînîm, H6446) — pearls or red coral, also a precious substance used in parallel with רָאמָה in Job 28:18. כֶּתֶם (kethem, H3800) — gold, particularly fine gold, another metaphor for high value and purity.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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