DEFINITION | BIBLE CODES

1. Definition of Bible Codes

a) Some writers have argued that the Hebrew manuscripts from which we derive the Bible's Old Testament contains 'hidden codes' or messages from God. These messages can be decifered, one theory states, by starting in certain places in the text and then either go forward or backward a set number of letters and continuing this process of letter selection until the message is manifest.

b) What is called Gematria is somewhat related to Bible codes. Gematria is a Jewish system of mystical rules used for biblical interpretation. First, each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is given a numeric value (e.g. what is called Aleph, the first letter of the alphabet, is given a value of 1, the next letter is given a value of 2, etc.). Second, the total value of various words and passages is calculated based on the letter equals number formula. The total values are then compared with other words and passages and an interpretation given.

c) By looking for secretly encoded messages within the first five books of the Bible (called the Torah or Law), some Jewish researchers claim they have discovered the names of Jewish sages. Such research has lent itself to an alternate name for Bible Codes called Torah codes.

d) Not only have Jewish researchers sought to unveil "secrets" in the Biblical text but also Christians as well. Some believers have heralded findings they believe reveal events that have occurred in the past.

e) On the surface, the finding of secret codes or hidden messages in the Bible could be seen as a proof of its divine origination and inspiration. Many legitimate Biblical scholars and even mathematicians, however, are quite skeptical regarding such claims.