Greek Isopsephy
Greek isopsephy (ἰσοψηφία) is the ancient Greek practice of adding the numerical values of letters in a word or phrase. Similar to Hebrew gematria, it was used in classical antiquity for various purposes, from literary wordplay to mystical interpretation. The system assigns values to the 27 letters of the Greek alphabet, including three archaic letters (Stigma, Koppa, and Sampi) used specifically for numerals.
Greek Alphabet with Numerical Values
Note on Archaic Letters
Three archaic letters are used in the isopsephy system: Stigma (Ϛ = 6), Koppa (Ϙ = 90), and Sampi (Ϡ = 900). These letters were no longer used in classical Greek writing but were retained specifically for numerical notation.
Try Greek Isopsephy
Enter a Greek word or phrase to calculate its isopsephy value:
Examples
History of Greek Isopsephy
Isopsephy has ancient roots in Greek culture, predating the Common Era. The practice appears in various contexts throughout classical antiquity, from philosophical texts to everyday graffiti. One of the most famous examples comes from Pompeii, where graffiti reads: "I love her whose number is 545" (φιλῶ ἧς ἀριθμὸς ΦΜΕ) - a romantic message encoded using isopsephy.
The system gained particular prominence in Hellenistic and Roman periods. Greek mathematicians and philosophers used it both practically (for recording numbers) and mystically (for finding hidden meanings). The Neopythagoreans and later Neoplatonists saw deep significance in the numerical relationships between words.
In early Christianity, Greek isopsephy was applied to biblical texts. The most famous example is the "Number of the Beast" (666 or 616) in the Book of Revelation, which scholars have interpreted as referring to various historical figures through isopsephy. The name "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς) equals 888, which early Christians saw as symbolically significant, representing perfection beyond 777.
Byzantine scholars continued the tradition, using isopsephy in theological works and manuscripts. The practice also influenced Arabic and later Kabbalistic traditions, demonstrating the cross-cultural exchange of alphanumeric systems in the medieval period.
Today, Greek isopsephy is studied by classicists, biblical scholars, and historians of mathematics. It provides insights into ancient modes of thought, literary techniques, and the relationship between language and number in classical civilization. The system remains a fascinating window into how ancient Greeks perceived hidden patterns and meanings in their written language.
Notable Isopsephy Examples in Literature
- ΑΓΑΘΗ ΤΥΧΗ (Agathe Tyche - "Good Fortune") = 284 + 1329 = 1613 - commonly used inscription
- ΑΜΗΝ (Amen) = 99 - used in Jewish and Christian texts
- Homeric Epics - Scholars have found isopsephic patterns in the structure of Homer's works
- Magical Papyri - Greek magical texts frequently used isopsephy for spells and invocations