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noun

Kabbalah

kuh-BAH-luh

Kabbalah (noun) means a tradition of Jewish mystical teaching that interprets the Hebrew scriptures through hidden, symbolic meanings. Example: “She spent years studying Kabbalah under a rabbi in Jerusalem.”

noun
1
A tradition of Jewish mystical teaching that interprets the Hebrew scriptures through hidden, symbolic meanings.
"She spent years studying Kabbalah under a rabbi in Jerusalem."
"Kabbalah has influenced everything from Renaissance philosophy to modern pop culture."

How to use Kabbalah

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mystical branch of Jewish religious thought, often associated with hidden or symbolic meanings in scripture.

Common mistake

Related to the word "cabal" (a secretive group), but the two now mean quite different things.

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She spent years studying _____ under a rabbi in Jerusalem.

Etymology

From Hebrew qabbalah, literally "something received" — reflecting the idea that these mystical teachings were handed down through the generations.

Origin: Hebrew

cabala kabala qabala cabbala kabbala qabalah Qabbala cabbalah Qabbalah

Rhymes for Kabbalah

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Kabbalah” mean?

The word “Kabbalah” means a tradition of Jewish mystical teaching that interprets the Hebrew scriptures through hidden, symbolic meanings. In plain terms, a mystical branch of Jewish religious thought, often associated with hidden or symbolic meanings in scripture.

How do you pronounce “Kabbalah”?

“Kabbalah” is pronounced kuh-BAH-luh (/kəˈbɑːlə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Kabbalah” in a sentence?

Here is “Kabbalah” used in a sentence: “She spent years studying Kabbalah under a rabbi in Jerusalem.”

What part of speech is “Kabbalah”?

“Kabbalah” is a noun.

Where does the word “Kabbalah” come from?

The word “Kabbalah” comes from Hebrew. From Hebrew qabbalah, literally "something received" — reflecting the idea that these mystical teachings were handed down through the generations.

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