What is gematria?

gematria is an ancient Jewish system of assigning numerical values to words and phrases. This form of numerology is still used today in many Jewish texts and traditions, as well as for unique interpretations of the Bible.

In gematria, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is assigned a numerical value from one to five hundred. This value remains consistent regardless of how the letter appears or which language it is written in. For example, the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet has a value of seventy every time it appears, whether in Hebrew or English. In gematria, words are formed by adding up the numerical value for each letter used in that word or phrase.

Gematria is often used in Talmudic study to provide additional insights into words and phrases. Some scholars suggest that by using the numerical values associated with certain letters, a deeper understanding can be gained about what was intended with certain passages. It's also believed that certain numbers have mystical properties associated with them and their corresponding letters can make special meanings known.

Gematria has also played an important role in kabbalistic magic practices throughout history as well. By rearranging letters and words to form other words with similar values or meanings, practitioners would create powerful spells or perform protective rites for themselves or others.

In modern times, gematria can be used for similar purposes as well as to gain more insights into Hebrew texts such as prayers that people might recite on a daily basis. Through careful calculations, a deeper understanding can be gained regarding which phrases hold special power and how certain words might be connected to each other—a practice referred to as gematria l'havdil ("gematria made distinct").