Appendix 1 - The implicit numbers represented by the Bible's opening Hebrew words

With the introduction of alphabetic numeration into Israel, c200 BC, each Hebrew word acquired a numerical dimension.

The first eight words of the Bible - comprising the seven of Genesis 1:1 and the first of Genesis 1:2 - are given below.

Reading from right to left we see above the text the values of the individual letters expressed as numerals (according to the Hebrew scheme of alphabetic numeration); below are the word values (each derived as the sum of the letter values). These may be conveniently referred to as their characteristic values (CVs).

Let us observe in passing that

• the sum of words 1 - 7 (ie Gn.1:1) is 2701 (or 37.73) - the 73rd triangular number

• the sum of words 1 - 5 is 1998 (or 37.54, or 3.666)

• the sum of words 6 - 7 (ie "and the earth") is 703 (or 19.37) - the 37th triangular number

• the sum of words 1 - 8 is 3003 (or 3.7.11.13) - the 77th triangular number

Clearly, these word sequences define a marked and coordinated geometrical structure. Of considerable interest is the fact that the outline of the Genesis 1:1 triangle is 216, or 6x6x6.

VJ: 2002-01-29