Topical Encyclopedia Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and holds significant importance in biblical texts and Jewish tradition. In the Hebrew language, Aleph is a consonant and is often silent, but it can take on a vowel sound depending on the diacritical marks associated with it. Its numerical value is one, symbolizing unity and primacy, which is reflected in its frequent symbolic use in Scripture.Symbolism and Meaning Aleph is often associated with the concept of God’s oneness and sovereignty. Its position as the first letter underscores themes of beginnings and leadership. In Jewish mysticism, Aleph is seen as a symbol of the divine and the ineffable nature of God. The letter is constructed from two Yods and a Vav, which some interpret as representing the connection between the divine and the earthly realms. Biblical Usage While Aleph itself does not appear as a word in the Bible, it is integral to the structure of certain biblical texts, particularly in the acrostic poems found in the Old Testament. For example, in the Book of Psalms and the Book of Lamentations, acrostic poems use each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to begin successive verses or sections. Psalm 119 is a notable example, where each section begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, starting with Aleph. Psalm 119:1-8 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart. 3 They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. 4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently. 5 Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed when I consider all Your commandments. 7 I will praise You with an upright heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes; do not utterly forsake me. Theological Significance In Christian theology, Aleph can be seen as a representation of Christ as the Alpha, the beginning of all things. This is paralleled in the New Testament with the Greek letter Alpha, as seen in Revelation 1:8 : "I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty." This connection emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ and His role in creation and redemption. Aleph in Jewish Tradition In Jewish tradition, Aleph is often associated with the breath of God, as it is a silent letter that requires breath to pronounce. This connection to breath and spirit is seen in the creation narrative, where God breathes life into Adam (Genesis 2:7). Aleph is also linked to the concept of learning and wisdom, as it is the first letter of the word "emet" (truth) and "Torah." Conclusion Aleph, as the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, carries deep symbolic meaning in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Its representation of unity, divinity, and beginnings makes it a profound element in the study of biblical texts and theology. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALEPHa'-lef ('): The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is nearly soundless itself and best represented, as in this Encyclopedia, by the smooth breathing ('), but it is the direct ancestor of the Greek, Latin and English "a" as in "father." In either case this beginning of the alphabet happens to be near the very basis of all speech-in one case the simple expiration of breath, in the other the simplest possible vocal action-the actual basis from which all other vowels are evolved. It became also the symbol for the number one (1) and, with the dieresis, 1,000. It is the symbol also for one of the most famous of Greek Biblical manuscripts, the Codex Sinaiticus. For name, written form, etc., see ALPHABET. Strong's Hebrew 8040. semovl -- the left... Or smosl {sem-ole'}; a primitive word (rather perhaps from the same as simlah (by insertion of the aleph) through the idea of wrapping up); properly, dark (as ... /hebrew/8040.htm - 6k Library Psalm 119 Aleph, the 1St Part. A Second Time the Master Zachyas, Doctor of the Law... The Dialect of the Galileans, Differing from the Jewish. Synagogues in the City; and Schools. Consciousness of Messiahship in the Mind of Jesus. --Jesus among ... Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia. Brakel and Comrie. Psalm CXIX. Thesaurus Aleph (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALEPH. a'-lef ('): The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. ... EC Richardson. Multi-Version Concordance Aleph (1 Occurrence). ... /a/aleph.htm - 7k Acrostic (2 Occurrences) Alphabet (2 Occurrences) Omega (3 Occurrences) Apostles (79 Occurrences) Alpha (3 Occurrences) Asenath (3 Occurrences) A (102073 Occurrences) Acts (271 Occurrences) Samaritan (8 Occurrences) Resources What are Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the longest chapter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Aleph (1 Occurrence)Psalms 119:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |