What is gematria?

Gematria is an ancient numeric system used to assign numerical value to words, phrases, and letters. It is closely tied to the Hebrew alphabet, which assigns numerical values to the consonants. The final letter of most Hebrew words is given two or three times the value of preceding letters, while the middle letters are given a double value. While it may seem like a strictly religious practice in origin, its usage dates back to at least 6th century BC Sumerian culture, when merchants sought to create numerical codes for communication rather than tracking items manually.

While gematria originated with Hebrew language and literature, it quickly expanded into other languages and cultures in Asia Minor as well as Egypt and Greece. Although its primary purpose was numerological in origin and function – assigning numbers for mathematical purposes – it also became an important tool for historians seeking insight into lost languages, old texts and even codes embedded in ancient literary works.

In the Jewish tradition, numerology (also known as gematria) has been studied since Ancient Greek times by famous rabbis such as Rashi and Maimonides. It seeks to derive spiritual insights from examination of numbers-related words used in metaphysical texts such as the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). In essence, it reads a text on two levels: one superficial (literal) level through which we interpret its literal meaning; another deeper level through which we interpret its numerical meaning (gematria). In both cases results vary greatly depending on interpretation style adopted by commentator.

Gematria is an important tool for students of Sacred Texts because it helps elucidate hidden messages from ancient authors not directly related to literal messages they created. Additionally this type of numerology can be used by people interested in divination — gaining knowledge about interactions between people or occurrences taking place today or in future — but those having deep knowledge about gematria's principles use it mainly for exegesis (interpretation) purposes instead.

See more about how to understand gematria