Gematria
Each of the 22 letters in the Hebrew
alphabet is correlated with a specific number. Gematria is
the computation of individual letters, words or entire sentences utilizing
their numerical equivalence. Some people believe that the words and
ideas in the Torah may be connected with or understood from the numerical
values and relationships. It is alleged that the numerical word-value
is not unintentional, but rather prearranged. This study was first introduced
amongst tannaim in the 2nd
century C.E.
Many believe there are secret codes to be uncovered
by interpreting the numerical values of the letters in the Bible. The kabbalists employ gematria to decipher the Torah and everyday events. Gematria is also used to interpret the Midrash and Talmud. There are many
Jews, however, that believe one must be of stable mind to partake in
the study of gematria, so as to not go fanatical.
Each letter represents
a different number. The letters “א” to “ט” symbolize
the numbers one to nine, “י” to “צ” from
10 to 90, and “ק” to “ת” from
100 to 400. Any numbers higher than 400,
are designated by dots over the letters.
Over the centuries, scholars
have created numerous sophisticated systems
of gematria for interpreting the Jewish
texts and traditions. For example, the numerical
value of each letter in a word may be deciphered
separately to indicate something explicit.
And each letter in a word really has a hidden
meaning or secret behind its mathematical
quantity. Many individuals believe there
are an unlimiated number of secrets
in the Torah that can be unlocked utilizing gematria.
Sources: Eisenberg, Ronald L. The
JPS Guide to Jewish Traditions. PA:
Jewish Publication Society, 2004; Wigoder,
Geoffrey , Ed. The
New Standard Jewish Encyclopedia.
NY: Facts on File, 1992; "The
Art of Gematria." |