How gematria works

gematria is a system of numerology that assigns numerical values to words, letters, and phrases. It is believed to be an ancient system from the time of Moses where words and letters acquired specific numerical values and could be used to decode hidden meanings. In some ancient systems of gematria, each letter was given a specific numerical value, allowing various mathematical operations with these numbers in order to derive secret meanings.

Gematria is largely practiced in Jewish tradition and is thought to be based on the ancient Hebrew alphabet, which assigns numerical values to each of its 22 letters. This letter-number correspondence allows for the combination of both words and numerical values that correspond with one another. Gematria operators use words or phrases and add up their corresponding numbers which indicate secret significance or divine messages from the spiritual realm. For example, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" can be expressed using gematria by assigning each letter with a number from 1 to 22: yud - 10; shin - 21; lamed - 12; vet – 5; vav – 6; reish – 20; alef - 1 etc., eventually adding up to 70 symbols which then create an important metaphysical value revealing secret knowledge.

Traditionally gematrai has been used as a tool for exegesis or biblical interpretation through the evaluation of Scriptures that are rendered unintelligible due to their ambiguous nature and hermeneutical challenges posed by various languages. But modern day practitioners still use this system in many aspects such as linguistic communication studies, cryptography, lifestyle numerology and astrological awareness as well as creative applications such as poetry and literature writing etc…