What is gematria?

gematria is an ancient Jewish system of assigning numerical values to Hebrew words, letters, and phrases. It was developed in the early rabbinic period and has been used throughout Jewish history as a means of interpreting texts. The word comes from a Greek phrase meaning "calculation " or "geometry" which itself has its origins in the Babylonian system of numerology.

At its core, gematria looks for hidden meaning in words by assigning numerical values to each letter, allowing it to uncover hidden meanings or messages within the text. It often ties into Jewish mysticism by attempting to identify patterns and symbols within a work of scripture. Sometimes this involves drawing connections between seemingly unrelated words and concepts based on their numerical values alone.

The impact that gematria has had on Jewish culture over the centuries is both undeniable and immense. Even today, many Jews consider gematria to be a crucial tool when interpreting the Bible and the Talmud. In fact, some rabbis consider gematria to be more important than traditional methods of interpretation because it allows them to uncover deeper layers of understanding within any written work. It is also used by many Jews to aid them in decision making processes or for general meditative purposes.