What does kabbalah mean?
Kabbalah denotes the Jewish mystical tradition that explores hidden spiritual truths, especially through symbolic interpretation of scripture and the disclosure of esoteric knowledge. Its name ultimately means “received tradition,” reflecting the idea that this knowledge has been transmitted from earlier authorities. In modern English, Kabbalah also appears in Western occult and ceremonial-magic contexts, where practitioners draw on its imagery, practices, and concepts of symbolic language. Those usages should not obscure the word’s primary historical association with Jewish mysticism, and it is not a general synonym for every form of magic or spirituality. Outside specialist religious, historical, or occult studies, the term may sound specialized and carries associations with secrecy, mysticism, and ancient knowledge. It is also easily confused with cabal because of their similar pronunciation and historical connections, although a cabal is a group or faction rather than a body of mystical teaching. Scholars of the subject are commonly called kabbalists, and Kabbalah is often discussed alongside Hasidism, Jewish philosophy, and the history of Jewish esotericism.
nounKabbalah is the Jewish mystical tradition concerned with the hidden spiritual meaning of scripture and the disclosure of esoteric truths. By extension, it can refer to a body of occult or esoteric teachings, especially in Western ceremonial magic.
- The Jewish mystical tradition of interpreting scripture symbolically and seeking hidden spiritual truths.
- A body of esoteric or occult teachings, especially one associated with Western ceremonial magic.
"She spent years studying Kabbalah before developing her own interpretation of its mystical symbolism."
"The lecture traced the way Kabbalah reshaped European ideas about magic and theurgy."
"His novel draws on Kabbalah to construct a symbolic system centered on language and transformation."
The plural is uncommon and is used when referring to distinct bodies or systems of Kabbalah.
"The exhibition compares several kabbalahs developed in different communities."
Kabbalah means “received tradition,” a fitting name for a body of knowledge presented as knowledge handed down from earlier teachers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kabbalah come from?
The English word was borrowed in the early 17th century from Hebrew qabbālāh, meaning “received lore” or “tradition,” from qabbāl, “to receive.” Jewish writers used the term for esoteric interpretation and mystical teaching, while related forms entered English through Latin, French, and other European languages. The cognate cabal originally referred to esoteric doctrine and later developed its modern sense of a secret faction or political group.
Related word forms
How kabbalah is actually used
The term is usually capitalized as Kabbalah in English, particularly when referring to the Jewish tradition. In occult contexts, it may suggest Western esoteric practice and should not be treated as a precise synonym for magic generally.
Easily confused with kabbalah
Kabbalah is a Jewish mystical tradition, whereas a cabal is a small group or faction pursuing a shared, often secret objective.