What is the gematria

Gematria is an ancient system of numerology that assigns numerical values to words and phrases, typically believed to hold spiritual significance. It is most commonly associated with Jewish and Christian Kabbalistic tradition, though it has been used by other cultures for thousands of years. The values ascribed to words or letters in gematria are often used as a guide to interpreting scripture or studying the hidden meanings behind sacred texts.

Gematria assigns a numerical value to each letter, based on either its position in the Hebrew alphabet (aleph=1, bet=2...tav=400) or Greek alphabet (alpha=1, beta=2... omega=800). These numerical values can then be used to derive the total value of a word or phrase by adding up the individual values of each letter. In some cases, they also substitute alternative characters with mathematical equivalents (for example, chaf = 500).

Once derived, these numerical values are often compared to one another in order to find connections between different words and phrases. Some believe that this practice reveals hidden codes and messages within various works of literature and scripture that would otherwise remain undetectable. Proponents of this technique point out how certain numbers recur throughout various stories and ancient texts, indicating that these numbers were intentionally included by their authors as signs or symbols pointing toward some deeper message or truth.

In addition to its use in interpretation of sacred texts, gematria is also sometimes employed for divination. By examining the numeric equivalents of words relating to one's concerns – such as their name – practitioners aim to discover insights regarding events due to occur in their lives. Furthermore, some use gematria for wordplay – discovering connections between unrelated words based on their numerical equivalents.

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