from רָאַם; something high in value, i.e. perhaps coral; coral.
Transliteration:râʼmâh
Pronunciation:raw-maw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H7215 (רָאמָה, *râʼmâh*) is derived from the root רָאַם (ra'am), which fundamentally conveys the idea of being "high," "exalted," or "lifted up." This etymological connection provides the semantic basis for H7215 signifying "something high in value." While the precise identification of the material has been debated by scholars, the most common and widely accepted translation is "coral." This identification aligns with the "high value" aspect, as coral, particularly red coral, was a highly prized and rare commodity in the ancient Near East, valued for its beauty and perceived mystical properties. The definition suggests a precious substance, indicative of status and wealth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H7215 (רָָאמָה, *râʼmâh*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Job:
* [[Job 28:18]]: "No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above rubies." (ESV)
In this singular occurrence, râʼmâh is listed alongside other highly esteemed precious materials, namely "crystal" (גָּבִישׁ, *gavish*, `{{H1378}}`) and "rubies" (פְּנִינִים, *peninim*, `{{H6443}}`). The context of [[Job 28]] is a profound meditation on the elusive nature and incomparable value of wisdom. The passage describes humanity's remarkable ability to extract precious metals and stones from the earth, reaching into its deepest recesses. However, it contrasts this human ingenuity in acquiring earthly treasures with the inability to discover true wisdom through such means. The inclusion of râʼmâh among these valuable commodities serves to establish a high benchmark for earthly worth, against which the ultimate value of divine wisdom is measured and found to be infinitely superior.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root:** The primary related word is the verbal root רָאַם (ra'am, `{{H7413}}`), meaning "to be high," "to exalt," or "to lift up." This connection reinforces the understanding of râʼmâh as something elevated in status or value.
* **Other Precious Materials:** In [[Job 28:18]], râʼmâh is juxtaposed with "crystal" (גָּבִישׁ, *gavish*, `{{H1378}}`) and "rubies" (פְּנִינִים, *peninim*, `{{H6443}}`). These terms collectively represent the pinnacle of earthly treasures and beauty.
* **Wisdom:** The most significant conceptual relationship is with "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*, `{{H2451}}`). The passage explicitly states that the price of wisdom surpasses that of râʼmâh and all other precious stones, establishing wisdom as the ultimate and most valuable commodity.
* **Other Terms for Coral:** While H7215 is translated as "coral," another related Hebrew term, רָאמוֹת (ramoth, `{{H7414}}`), also derived from רָאַם, is found in [[Ezekiel 27:16]] and is similarly translated as "coral." This suggests a family of terms used to denote valuable, "high" or elevated substances, often specifically precious corals.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7215 (רָאמָה, *râʼmâh*) lies primarily in its role within the broader theological discourse of [[Job 28]]. As a highly valued earthly substance, coral serves as a potent symbol of humanly attainable wealth, beauty, and achievement. However, the passage employs râʼmâh and other precious materials as a stark contrast to the divine wisdom that humanity cannot unearth or acquire through its own efforts.
The inclusion of râʼmâh underscores the profound truth that even the most beautiful and costly items of human desire—those things that bring earthly prestige and comfort—are ultimately incomparable to the transcendent and inestimable value of God's wisdom. This wisdom is not found in the depths of the earth, but rather its source and path are known only to God ([[Job 28:23-28]]). Thus, râʼmâh functions as a theological foil, magnifying the infinite worth of divine wisdom by demonstrating the inadequacy of even the most prized earthly possessions to measure up to it. It highlights a fundamental theological principle: true value and ultimate understanding originate from God alone, far surpassing anything the created world can offer.
### Summary
The Hebrew term H7215 (רָאמָה, *râʼmâh*), derived from a root signifying "to be high," denotes something of "high value," consistently translated as "coral." Its singular appearance in [[Job 28:18]] places it among other precious gems (crystal, rubies) to represent the pinnacle of earthly wealth and beauty. Theologically, râʼmâh serves as a powerful rhetorical device within Job's profound discourse on wisdom. By contrasting its earthly preciousness with the incomparable value of divine wisdom, the text highlights that even the most exquisite and sought-after material treasures pale in comparison to God's transcendent wisdom, which is uniquely revealed by Him. Thus, râʼmâh underscores the ultimate supremacy of divine truth over all forms of material wealth and human endeavor.
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