Gematria how to calculate

gematria is an ancient system of Hebrew numerology used to assign a numerical value to words and phrases in order to uncover hidden meanings and connections between the written and spiritual worlds. The term Gematria is derived from the Greek word "geōmetriā" meaning "geometry", as merging words with numerical values involves some basic computation. There are various methods of calculating gematria, but they all involve assigning a numeric value to each letter or character in a word or phrase.

The simplest computational approach is to assign each letter in the Hebrew alphabet an individual number. From there, you would simply add up the numbers of each letter in the word or phrase in order to obtain its gematria value.

For example, if we apply this method to the common Jewish name "Rivka" (רבקה), we can break it down into its component letters: Reish (ר) = 200; Bet (ב) = 2; Kaf (כ)= 20; Heh (ה) = 5. Adding these up gives us a total of 227.

But some letters have different values depending on where they are used in a word or how they interact with other characters. For instance, when Mem appears at the end of a word, it takes on a different numerical value than when it is found elsewhere; Vav also has different values depending on whether it appears at the start or end of a word, etc. In order to accurately calculate gematria, one must account for these dual or alternative assignments when needed.

Additionally, some cases require that you double one or more letters present (or even triple them), such as when dealing with honorific titles or divine powers often referenced in Jewish writing — Elohim , Mashiach , Avinu Malkenu , etc — before you add up their numbers for the final computation of its gematria value(s). This method requires slightly more effort than just adding up single-value letters since you may need to adjust accordingly mid-calculation.

Finally, there is adjustable gematria which assigns negative and positive values to each character based on sacred translations from Torah and Talmud texts instead of just assigning higher numerical values for larger words as is seen in more traditional gematrification techniques. This modern take on an ancient practice combines measurement through both literal and literary terms so as to reflect deeper meanings within passages taken out of context — this type also requires incorporating calculations not only by bi-dial but multi-dial conversion(s). It requires significant understanding of complex scripture interpretations before attempting so this practice should be undertaken by experienced readers familiar with Kabbalah/Jewish mysticism only .