In Chinese culture, the number 8 is the ultimate symbol of good fortune and prosperity, representing fullness and success. Its unique shape, resembling the symbol for infinity (∞) but turned vertically, symbolizes the connection between Heaven and Earth. It’s a number that transcends natural laws, standing beyond the dimension of seven. In a way, eight unites duality, as seen in its visual symmetry and the presence of two “Alpha” (α) symbols bound together.
In Mandarin, “eight” is pronounced “Bā” (八). This sound finds an intriguing echo in Hebrew, where “Ba” (בה) translates to “in her” (the Shechinah). With the addition of one (the “kolel”), symbolizing “going beyond”, the Hebrew gematria (numerical value) of “Ba” also equals eight. Eight, in Jewish tradition, is notably the number of days marking the miracle of Hanukkah’s oil. In Hebrew, “Eight” (“Shmonei”) and “Oil” (“Shemen”) even share a root, reflecting a deeper connection between the concepts.
שמונה
שמן
In English, the word “Eight” takes on a similar symbolism when paired with “H” (for height), producing “Height,” a word that implies elevation and aspiration. The Hebrew letter Heh represents the divine in “HaShem” (“The Name” : God). This letter also resembles a ladder, symbolizing a climb towards understanding. The name YHVH contains two Heh letters, symbolizing Bina and Malkhut, the feminine aspects of spiritual receptivity and manifestation.
« Ba Ba Ba »
בה בה בה
Gematria = 21
= gematria of the gematria of the name of God EHYEH (« I will be »), corresponding to the sefira Keter (the Crown), the highest sefira.
אהיה
« Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh » (Exodus 3:14)
אהיה אשר אהיה
Repeating a concept three times in Jewish tradition forms a “Chazaka,” a state of confirmed completeness. This idea is reflected in the phrase “Ba Ba Ba” (“Eight Eight Eight” or “In Her, In Her, In Her”), with a gematria of 21—the same value as “Ehyeh” (אהיה), meaning “I Will Be” in Hebrew, which corresponds to Keter (the Crown), the highest level of spiritual understanding. This phrase, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (“I will be who I will be”), from Exodus 3:14, suggests an ongoing process of becoming, a journey through and within.
To ascend spiritually, one must go “into her,” or delve into Elohim, the divine name associated with the natural world, the feminineaspectoftheDivine. By integrating Elohim with YHVH, a higher, unified state is achieved.
#ElleOHim #higHer
The gematria (numerical values) of the seven words in the Bible’s opening verse offer additional layers of meaning.
Gematria of the 7 Words in the First Verse of the Torah: 913, 203, 86, 401, 395, 407, 296
– 1st and 3rd words = 999
– 3rd, 5th, and 6th words = 888
– 3rd, 5th, and 7th words = 777
– Value of the first 5 words = 1998 = 2 x 999 = 3 x 666
These numerical reflections in sacred text allude to connections between Heaven and Earth. When we separate Heaven and Earth in our priorities, focusing instead on earthly distractions, we distance ourselves from the unifying potential of these divine numbers.
“Elohim VeEt HaShamayim” (“Elohim and the Heavens”)
אלהים ואת השמים
Gematria = 888
= Gematria of “Yeshuat Eloheinu” (“Salvation of our God,” Psalm 98:3)
ישועת אלהינו
= Gematria of “HaShamayim Messaprim Kevod El” (“The Heavens declare the glory of God,” Psalm 19:2)
השמים מספרים כבוד אל
The first word in the Bible with a gematria of 888 is “Tifta’h,” which can mean “Engrave!” or “Open!” (see Exodus 28:11).
תפתח
When YHVH enters into Elohim, all is One.
In Hebrew, the word “Aleph,” the first letter of the alphabet, embodies unity. Formed by two letter Yuds (10 + 10) connected by a Vav (6), its gematria is 26, equivalent to the name YHVH (יהוה).
Through the lens of cultures and languages, the number eight emerges as a powerful emblem of completeness, continuity, and the harmonizing of Heaven and Earth. Its resonance across traditions invites us to see unity within duality, reminding us of the infinite potential that lies within all creation.