Gematria is a form of Jewish mysticism in which each letter of the Hebrew alphabet carries a fixed numerical value. By calculating the sum of a word or phrase, practitioners find hidden connections between words of equal value, treating this equivalence as a form of divine commentary.
For example, the Hebrew word for "life" (chai) has a value of 18, making 18 a number of blessing. Gematria is central to Kabbalistic interpretation of the Torah and has influenced Jewish, Christian, and Islamic esoteric traditions alike.
Beyond scripture, gematria was applied to names, prayers, and amulets to determine their spiritual potency. Modern practitioners use it for personal name analysis and timing of significant life decisions.