Numerology - Gematria

The Mathematics of the Torah

 
introduction
 
home

Numerology - Gematria: The Mathematics of the Torah

introduction
Four Ways to Calculate numerical value
filling
examples
charts
 

In Hebrew, each letter possesses a numerical value. Gematria is the calculation of the numerical equivalence of letters, words, or phrases, and, on that basis, gaining, insight into interrelation of different concepts and exploring the interrelationship between words and ideas.

Here is a basic introduction to Gematria that discusses different systems for identifying the numerical equivalence of individual letters, how these letters can be calculated according to the implicit word-value of their names.

The assumption behind this technique is that numerical equivalence is not coincidental. Since the world was created through God's "speech," each letter represents a different creative force. Thus, the numerical equivalence of two words reveals an internal connection between the creative potentials of each one. (see Tanya, Sha'ar HaYichud VeHaEmunah, chapters 1 and 12.) 

There are four ways to calculate equivalence of individual letters:

  • Absolute Value
  • Ordinal Value
  • Reduced Value
  • Integral Reduced value

The Tikunei Zohar explains that the concept of reduced value is related to the spiritual world of Yetzirah. On that basis, a relationship can be established between these four forms of calculation, the four spiritual realms, and the four letters of God's name: 

Letter Calculation Form World
yud Absolute value Atzilut
hei Ordinal value Beriah
vav Reduced value Yetzirah
hei Integral reduced value Asiyah

 

 

 
 
   
Next
 
 

 
   

The material contained on this site has been prepared by gal einai institute, a United States non-profit organization dedicated to disseminating and implementing the inner wisdom of the Torah--Kabbalah and Chassidut--as taken from the teachings of rabbi yitzchak ginsburgh
©5760-5765 (2000-2005) by Gal Einai Institute,  All rights reserved