Coral
NatureWhat is the meaning of Coral in the Bible?
The Hebrew terms ra'moth and peninim are variously translated as 'coral' or 'red coral' in English Bible versions, though scholarly consensus remains divided on whether these terms denote actual marine coral or other red precious materials such as rubies or carnelian.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the ambiguity of these Hebrew terms clarifies the material culture of the ancient Near East and aids in accurate interpretation of poetic passages that use coral as a metaphor for extreme rarity and value.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Coral were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Coral in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Coral clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Coral." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/coral/