What Is Gematria

Gematria (Hebrew: גימטריה, also known as gematriya or gimatria) is a form of Jewish mysticism that involves the practice of assigning numerical values to Hebrew letters, words, or phrases. This practice is based on the fact that the Hebrew alphabet is composed of consonants, each of which has a numerical value. By adding up the numerical values of the letters in a word or phrase, practitioners of gematria believe they can uncover hidden meanings, connections, or insights. This practice is often used in the study of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and other Jewish religious texts, as well as in Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). In Arabic, the equivalent practice is known as abjad (أبجد), and in Greek, it is referred to as isopsephy (ισοψήφια). Gematria has been used throughout Jewish history for various purposes, including textual interpretation, cryptography, and even as a form of divination. However, it is important to note that not all Jewish scholars and communities accept or practice gematria, and its validity and usefulness are subjects of ongoing debate.