Gimel — the 3rd Hebrew letter

ג

Gematria value 3 · sounds: G as in 'give' (hard G always)

Symbolism

Movement, giving, ripening (gamal — to deal fully, to wean); the camel that carries provision across distance

What the letter is built from

Traditionally a vav with a yod as a foot — a person in motion

gem: 16

Its first root in Scripture

The first gimel root is gadal, 'great' — the two great lights

b: Gen · c: 1 · v: 16 · word: הַגְּדֹלִים · root: גדל · meaning: great

Messianic thread

Gomel — the one who deals kindly. Tradition sees gimel as the rich man running to the poor man (the dalet next in line): loving-kindness in motion, the walk of Messiah who went about doing good.

In the mystical tradition

Gimel is gemilut chasadim, deeds of loving-kindness — one of the three pillars the world stands on. Its foot points forward: kindness must travel.

Wisdom of the letter

Three is the number of stability and completion begun — the cord of three strands, the third day's double blessing.

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