What Does 'WAW' Mean in Psalm 119 and Its Significance in Hebrew Bible

Psalm 119 is one of the most significant chapters in the Bible, known for its alphabetical structure. This chapter is particularly intriguing due to its careful organization and rich linguistic layers. Let's delve into the meaning of the Hebrew letter 'WAW', also known as 'vav', and its role within this context.

Understanding the Structure of Psalm 119

Psalm 119 is part of the Psalms and is described as the longest chapter in the entire Bible. It is meticulously organized into twenty-two stanzas, each beginning with one of the Hebrew letters in alphabetical order. This method of structuring the chapter is not a novel concept in Jewish literature; however, it is unique to this psalm within the Christian Bible.

The Sixth Letter: WAW (Vav)

'WAW' is the sixth letter in the Hebrew alphabet and is transliterated as 'vav'. It is often pronounced as 'v', but the exact pronunciation can depend on the surrounding consonants and vowels. This letter carries significant linguistic and theological importance in Hebrew literature.

Historical Context: Misinterpretations and Clarifications

Some readers have expressed confusion regarding the presence and transcription of 'WAW' in Psalm 119. One common misconception is that 'WAW' is incorrectly transcribed as 'vow' in many sources. Clarifying this, the correct spelling and pronunciation in Hebrew is 'vav'. This letter is pronounced as 'v' and not 'w', which is often a point of confusion for non-native speakers.

Hebrew Script and Nomology

In Hebrew literature, each chapter is not numbered with digits but rather with the corresponding Hebrew letter from the Alef-Bet. For instance, the first chapter corresponds to the letter 'Alef', the second to 'Bet', and so on. Therefore, 'WAW' or 'vav' would correspond to the sixth chapter, a pattern that continues throughout the entire psalm.

Additional Insights: Pronunciation and Spelling

Talking to someone who has a native command of Hebrew, it becomes clear that the complexities of Hebrew pronunciation cannot be fully conveyed in English. As such, the letter 'WAW' is more accurately transcribed as 'vav'. Additionally, each verse within a chapter also follows this numbering system, allowing for precise referencing within the psalm.

Apart from Its Alphabetic Role

'WAW' has deeper significance beyond its alphabetic role. The letter 'vav' can serve as a grammatical conjunction in Hebrew, meaning 'and'. It can also create noun stems and can be a root letter in names and words. This duality of function underscores the rich linguistic layering within Hebrew literature.

Biblical Significance: 666 and the Number of the Beast

While 'WAW' or 'vav' is a regular letter in Hebrew, some specific numerical combinations carry symbolic significance. For example, the sixfold repetition of 'WAW' can be associated with the number 666, often referred to as the 'Number of the Beast' in the Book of Revelation. However, in the context of Psalm 119, such numerological interpretations are more relevant in Christian interpretive traditions and less so in the Jewish tradition.

Conclusion

Understanding 'WAW' or 'vav' in Psalm 119 requires a nuanced approach that appreciates both its linguistic and theological significance. As a key part of the broader Hebrew alphabet, it enriches our understanding of the psalm's structure and invites deeper reflection on its message and meaning.