gematria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “gematria” mean?
A numerological system in Jewish tradition where letters of the Hebrew alphabet are assigned numerical values, and words or phrases are interpreted based on the sums of their letters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A numerological system in Jewish tradition where letters of the Hebrew alphabet are assigned numerical values, and words or phrases are interpreted based on the sums of their letters.
Any system of assigning numerical values to letters for the purpose of mystical or symbolic interpretation, sometimes applied by extension to other alphabets or traditions beyond its original Jewish Kabbalistic context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically in both varieties within its specialized contexts.
Connotations
Carries connotations of Jewish mysticism, esoteric study, and textual analysis. Neutral within its field, but may sound obscure or arcane to general audiences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is almost entirely confined to texts on religion, mysticism, or occultism, with no notable regional variation in frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “gematria” in a Sentence
[Noun] + is explored through gematria.Scholars + apply gematria + to [text].The + gematria + of [word/phrase] + reveals [insight].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gematria” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He attempted to gematrize the biblical passage.
- They would often gematriate names for mystical insight.
American English
- She gematrized the phrase to find its hidden value.
- Practitioners gematriate texts to uncover connections.
adverb
British English
- The text was interpreted gematrically.
- He read the Torah portion gematrically.
American English
- She approached the scripture gematrically.
- The name was analysed gematrically.
adjective
British English
- The gematrical analysis revealed a surprising link.
- He presented a gematric proof for his theory.
American English
- A gematrical calculation formed the basis of her argument.
- The gematric value was significant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, Jewish studies, history of mysticism, and comparative religion.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely require explanation if used.
Technical
Used as a precise term in Kabbalistic, occult, and numerological writings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gematria”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gematria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gematria”
- Misspelling as 'gemmatria' or 'gematra'.
- Pronouncing the 'g' as hard /ɡ/ (like in 'go') instead of soft /ɡ/ (as in 'gem').
- Using it as a synonym for general 'numerology' without its specific Jewish/mystical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not exactly. Gematria is a specific form of alphanumeric numerology used within Jewish mystical tradition (Kabbalah). General numerology is a broader, more secular practice.
While its original system is for Hebrew, the concept has been adapted by some to English and other languages using various letter-number assignments (e.g., A=1, B=2...), but this is a modern extension, not traditional gematria.
In Hebrew, the word for 'father' (av, aleph-bet) and 'mother' (em, aleph-mem) both sum to 3 (1+2 and 1+40, using one common system), sometimes interpreted as symbolizing their unity in creating the child.
Within academic religious and Jewish studies, gematria is studied seriously as a historical hermeneutic method and cultural artifact of Kabbalah. It is not considered a scientific or mainstream linguistic tool.
Gematria is usually specialized, academic, religious in register.
Gematria: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈmeɪ.tri.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈmɑː.tri.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word itself is a technical term and does not form part of idiomatic expressions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GEM' + 'MATRIX'. A 'gem' of hidden meaning found in the 'matrix' of letters and numbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A NUMERICAL CODE; LANGUAGE IS A CRYPTIC PUZZLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary linguistic context for the term 'gematria'?