Coral is a precious material mentioned in the Bible, often associated with beauty and value. It is a marine substance formed by the skeletal remains of small sea creatures, and it has been prized throughout history for its ornamental use and rarity.

Biblical References:

1. Job 28:18 · In the poetic discourse on wisdom, coral is mentioned alongside other precious materials to emphasize the incomparable value of wisdom. The verse states, "Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; and the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls." This highlights the idea that while coral is valuable, it pales in comparison to the worth of divine wisdom.

2. Ezekiel 27:16 · In the lamentation over the city of Tyre, coral is listed among the goods traded by the merchants of Syria. The verse reads, "Aram was your customer because of the abundance of your goods; they exchanged turquoise, purple fabric, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares." This indicates the high esteem in which coral was held in ancient trade, being grouped with other luxurious items.

Symbolism and Cultural Context:

In biblical times, coral was considered a symbol of wealth and status. Its inclusion in lists of valuable items underscores its desirability and the esteem in which it was held by ancient cultures. The use of coral in trade and its mention in wisdom literature reflect its dual role as both a material possession and a metaphor for something of great worth.

Coral's beauty and rarity made it a fitting symbol for the preciousness of wisdom and the opulence of prosperous cities like Tyre. Its mention in the Bible serves to illustrate the broader themes of value, both material and spiritual, that are woven throughout the scriptures.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the references to coral in the Bible can be seen as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth compared to the eternal value of spiritual wisdom. The scriptures use coral to draw a contrast between the temporal and the eternal, urging believers to seek after wisdom and understanding, which are far more precious than any earthly treasure.

In summary, coral in the Bible is a symbol of beauty and value, used to convey deeper spiritual truths about the pursuit of wisdom and the fleeting nature of material wealth. Its presence in the scriptures serves as a reminder of the priorities that should guide the lives of the faithful.Job 28:18
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:16
Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of your making: they occupied in your fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.
Nave's Topical Index

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... 1. ITS GENERAL MEANING: ... It is evident from these scriptures that sanctification has
to do with the ... is not the thing of an hour; it grows as the coral reef grows ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm

'Time for Thee to Work'
... know that this is the Christ.' The Scriptures which we ... letter of the word, as the
coral insects painfully ... it seem enough to suppose a mere general reference to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/time for thee to work.htm

The Contribution of Science to Christianity
... the Pacific Ocean there is a belt of living coral. ... science, and these of a somewhat
general kind ... than are many ancient interpretations of the Scriptures to the ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the contribution of science to.htm

Mosaic Cosmogony.
... crag of England to its red and coral crags; and ... of a cosmogony in the minds of general
readers to ... the fact above established, that the Scriptures wisely speak ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/mosaic cosmogony.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... inhabitant being present in the general assembly and ... spirit of whoredom and idolatry
concerning the learning ... you find suiting with the Scriptures take, though ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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