what is the origin of gematria?

Gematria is a cryptic numerical code employed in the interpretation of Hebrew scriptures, which assigns numerical values to Hebrew letters. This code was developed by Babylonian scholars in the 6th century BC as a form of divination. Gematria incorporates ideas from numerology and astrology, and it is believed to offer insights into the deeper meanings of the Biblical texts.

The origin of gematria can be traced back to Babylonian times when the practice was used for predicting future emotions, events and outcomes. During this period, diviners and magicians interpreted data from numerical correlations that were believed to express powerful cosmological workings. The practice quickly spread throughout the ancient world and was incorporated into many different systems including Jewish mystics, Gnostics in early Christianity as well as Islamic astrologers.

In Judaism, gematria is most commonly used used in attempts to uncover hidden layers of spiritual meaning behind scriptural text. It is assumed that by using gematria one can uncover the mysteries of orthodox Judaism more deeply than those revealed by traditional analysis alone. This analysis revolves around assigning numerical values to letters within words throughout a single verse – or even multiple verses – in order to reveal their hidden implications. This type of interpretation has been applied to many types of texts, from scripture to poetry and prayers, since antiquity.

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