The Hebrew number system It is a quasi-decimal alphabetical numbering system based on the Hebrew alphabet lettersThis system has its peculiarities since it does not contain a notation for the number zero, something that differs significantly from other ancient and modern numerical systems.
It is interesting to note that in everyday life in Israel, the traditional numbering system (based on the digits 0 to 9) is used for common activities such as expressing money, ages, and even dates. However, numbers in hebrew They are used in specific contexts, such as in religious texts or the Hebrew calendar.
The symbolic value of numbers in Hebrew
In Hebrew culture, numbers not only have a mathematical or quantitative value, but they acquire a symbolic and spiritual valueFor example, the number 1 symbolizes the unity of God (Yahweh), representing his exclusivity and sovereigntyOther numbers, such as 6, represent the imperfection or sin, while 7 is known as the number of the perfection, indicative of a complete and finished state. Therefore, the use of numbers in Hebrew can have symbolic implications beyond their numerical value.
In this sense, ordinal and cardinal numbers in Hebrew vary depending on the context. Below is more detail on their pronunciation and writing.
Pronunciation of numbers in Hebrew
In Hebrew, numbers are gendered, so they come in both masculine and feminine forms. This is one of the features that makes the Hebrew language unique in terms of its numerical structure.
- The number 1: In Hebrew, the number 1 is Aleph and is written as א. Pronunciation varies according to gender: in masculine it is cast and in feminine purchase. If it is a question of ordinal numbers, it is said rishon (male) and rishonah (female).
- The number 2: Number 2 is Bet and is written with the symbol ב. Its pronunciation is shnayim (male) and shtayim (feminine) in cardinals, and sheni (male) and shniyah (feminine) in ordinals.
- The number 3: This number, represented by the letter Gimel (ג), is pronounced shlosha (male) and shalosh (feminine) in its cardinal form. For ordinals, it is said shlishi in masculine and shlishit o shlishiyah in feminine.
- The number 4: The number 4 corresponds to the letter dalet (ד), and its pronunciation varies between arba'a (male) and or (feminine) in the cardinal numbers. For the ordinal numbers, it would be review (male) and revisit it (female).
The Hebrew number system and its structure
The Hebrew number system does not use a separate set of symbols to represent numbers, as is the case in other cultures. Instead, it uses the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Hebrew alphabet, assigning them numerical values. This system is based on the progressive assignment of numbers as the alphabet progresses:
- From 1 to 9: They correspond to the first nine letters of the alphabet.
- From 10 to 90: The following letters are used in the tens value.
- From 100 to 400: The values of the remaining letters cover the hundreds until reaching the last letter of the alphabet, Tav.
This system is quasi-decimal, since it jumps from units to tens, hundreds, etc., but there is no specific value for the zeroHowever, some researchers point out that the absence of zero reflects the Hebrew conception that the universe did not begin from nothing, but was created from something already existing.
Large numbers and gematric notation
When the values of hundreds are exceeded, letter combinations are used to form larger numbers. For example, to represent the number 1000, the letter Aleph is used accompanied by the symbol (׳) which indicates its multiplication by a thousand, like this: A'. This procedure extends to larger values, such as 3000 (with ג׳) and 5000 (ה׳).
Another interesting aspect is that the Hebrew numbering system It is used in the gematria, an ancient mystical interpretation technique from Judaism. In gematria, each letter has a numerical value and, through calculations, the hidden meaning of biblical words and other sacred texts can be revealed. In this way, words are given a spiritual meaning beyond their literal meaning.
Curiosities of the Hebrew numbering system
One of the curiosities of this system is that, due to the sacredness of the number 15, its representation with letters is avoided Yod y He (which add up to 15), since those letters are used to abbreviate the name of God (Yahweh). Instead, for the number 15, the following is used: Tet y wow (9 and 6 respectively).
Similarly, the combination that would result in the number 16 is avoided for similar reasons. These substitutions continue up to the number 19, to respect the name of God in numerical texts.
Another peculiarity is that the Hebrews often prefer not to use large numbers in their writings. Instead, they use words that describe the quantity in an approximate way. For example, instead of saying 'thousand', they might say 'multitude' to avoid an overly literal interpretation.
Hebrew numerals It also appears in cultural contexts such as inscriptions on synagogues, antique clocks, and religious documents, being an integral part of Jewish tradition.
As a final detail, Hebrew numbering, despite being used only in very specific situations, retains its relevance in the Jewish culture modern, especially in calendars, rituals and religious interpretation through gematria.
The Hebrew numeral system is fascinating not only for its structure, but for the mystical and cultural meanings that have been attributed to numbers over the centuries. Although standard Arabic numerals have been adopted in modern daily life in contemporary Israel, the traditional system lives on in religious and cultural contexts.