Jewish gematria numbers

jewish gematria is a centuries-old system of numerology used by Jewish scholars and mystics to uncover hidden meanings in the Torah and other texts. The Gematria system assigns numerical value to individual Hebrew letters, which allows for the calculation of what are called "gematria numbers". These numbers are used to decipher the spiritual, moral, and ethical messages embedded within words, sentences, and entire books of the Bible.

The gematria system is believed to have originated in ancient Babylonia and was adopted centuries later into Jewish mysticism. Depending on the system of gematria used, each Hebrew letter has a numerical value attached to it. For example, in the most commonly used system, Aleph (א) is assigned the number one, Bet (ב) is assigned two, Gimmel (ג) is assigned three, and so on up to 400 for Tav (ת).

Once a string of words or letters has been assigned numeric values from one through 400—the numerical sum then forms the basis for additional interpretations. An example of this would be Psalm 20:2 which reads in Hebrew "Koh anochi yodati" which translates into English as "Thus I know my Lord." By utilizing gematria this verse can be interpreted to mean that God/Lord is known through knowledge rather than through physical strength or money; "Koh anochi yodati" adds up to 86 using traditional Jewish gematria where Koh equals 27, anochi=29; yod=10; and ati=20 which results in 86.

Beyond its numerological interpretations Jewish Gematria is also used to derive special words known as Notarikon. Notarikon involves forming new words out of combinations of initial letters of other words. The intention behind Notarikon is that greater truths can be found if special attention is paid when claiming new ideas by studying word combinations with intricate meanings obtained from abbreviation. An example being 'Aleph-Bet" which sums up numbers 1-2(Aleph/Bet), indicating there are two sources-God and Man that comprise life before us all.