What is gematria?

gematria, also known as gimatria or onken, is a Hebrew system of numerical interpretation based on numerical values assigned to the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This numerology-like system allows texts and words to be interpreted based on their numerical value. Traditionally, gematria has been used by Jews to interpret biblical texts as well as to derive hidden meanings from Jewish scriptures. Today, some new age practitioners use gematria in their own spiritual practice.

The Hebrew alphabet is composed of 22 letters, each letter representing its own unique number value. It is believed that these values were derived from the ancient Jewish practice of counting letters from the first letter of the Torah. With gematria, each letter in a word or text has a numerical value and these values are then added together to form a total numerical value for that word or text. The sum of this total provides meaning to the word or phrase and reveals its hidden spiritual meaning.

Furthermore, words with the same numerical value are thought to have sameness in meaning as well– an idea which scholars refer to as gematria equality. Fore example, "king" and "crown" both have a numerological sum of 145 in their respective names; thus they can be viewed symbolically as one in the same element — with the crown being represented by kingly power and authority through example within royal contexts.

In addition to biblical interpretation and using equal values amongst words, some people nowadays use it for other topics such as modern names and contemporary worldviews/philosophies. However it is important to note that this situation is generally considered an improper use of gematria due simply lacks historical context; whereas Biblical Gematria has been practiced for thousands of years — often times passed down only orally from one individual or group within a family setting — modern forms of gematra lack scholarly sound arguments for their respective findings which creates discourse and confusion when attempting to interpret new age-Gematrians views relative to ancient metaphysical practices associated with understanding Jewish ideology through its varied forms (such as gematra).