The Meaning of the Hebrew Symbol Chai

One of the best known Hebrew symbols is the two-letter Hebrew word Chai (חי).  The Chai might be the best known among all Hebrew symbols. Chai is actually a Hebrew word that has transformed into a virtual sign. In this article we will discuss the meaning of this famous Jewish moif.

Chai is its most familiar spelling, but it has also been spelled Hai and pronounced “xai”.  Its meaning in Hebrew means “life”, which is demonstrated in a number of ways.

Chai in Gematria

The Gematria, or the system of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase, adds up the values of the letters to relate to its word.  The value of the Hebrew letters Heth and Yud are combined to equal the number 18.  Eighteen is considered a spiritual or lucky number in Jewish tradition.  Money or gifts for Bar Mitvah and wedding bonds are given in multiples of 18, often referred to as “giving chai”.  Donations to Jewish charities are suggested in multiples of chai, or 18, rather than the charities who ask for multiples of 10 or 25. 

The word Chai in the Hebrew Language

Chai is a root word for many words in Hebrew.  For one, it is related to the word Chaya, which means “living thing” or “animal”.  Chaya and Chaim are popular female and male names respectively in Hebrew.  Chava, which also comes from the same root as chai, is the Hebrew name for biblical Eve. 

Life is important in Judaism and is sacred in its traditions.  It is also used in the slogan “Am Israel Chai!”, which means “The nation of Israel lives!”  All Jews will toast “l’ chaim”, or “to life”, as part of a celebration such as holidays, birthdays, and weddings, to name a few.

 Mezuzah pendant featuring the Chai symbol.

 The Chai symbol is common in jewelry pieces, especially for many Jewish people in all parts of the world.  Chai pendants and necklaces are often worn around the neck.  It is thought to be a virtue for protection.

In the images you can see several example to contemporary Jewish jewelry for men women featuring the famous symbol.


Chai disc pendant with Star of David

Prominent Hebrew Symbols in Jewish Culture

 Although the Jews have been scattered all over the world, they have been able to preserve their Jewish symbols. Distance has not been able to create a barrier as these Hebrew symbols are used to bind the Jewish people together no matter where they are. The history and faith of the Jewish are linked to the symbols they use to identify and unify them as a people.

Here are several significant Hebrew symbols which are recognized by every Jew all over the world.

Well Known Hebrew Symbols

The Symbol of Chai

The symbol of Chai is Hebrew and is of major significance among the Jews. The Chai consists of a combination of two letters from the Hebrew alphabet and these two letters when decoded means living. The numbers of Chai is equivalent to 18; a number of highly spiritual connotation among the Jewish people. The persons who wear this symbol will enjoy the protection that it offers.

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue is a prominent Hebrew symbol which is used as the guide for moral and ethical behavior among the Jews. This symbol although found in other religions were given to the Jews by God as a guide to help them to live virtuously. God gave the Ten Commandments to His messenger, Moses, and instructed him to give them to the Jews.  This information can be proven from the book of Exodus.

The Book of Psalms

 The Book of Psalms is an anthology of poems and songs written by David. The Jews believe that the Book of Psalms contains the most sacred words in Judaism.  Many people wear this book in the form of a lucky charm necklace because it is believed that the wearer will be blessed and protected.

The 72 Names of God

The Kabbalah contains seventy-two different names of God which are written using three letters sequence. There are no vowels in the Hebrew alphabet and this makes it difficult for anyone to pronounce each name. However, it is the belief that the wearer of jewelry bearing these names are able to draw strength and power from them. Each of the names is taken from the book of Numbers and is then decoded by well-known Kabbalah researchers. You can see for example how this beautiful Kabbalah bracelet is inscribed with the 72 Names of God.

It is evident that these Hebrew symbols play a significant part in the life of the Jewish people because they have been able to bear the test of time and can still be found in the homes of many Jews and they are also being worn by Jews as well.