kabbalah

American  

[kab-uh-luh, kuh-bah-] / ˈkæb ə lə, kəˈbɑ- /

Also cabbala, or cabala

noun

1. a system of esoteric theosophy and theurgy developed by rabbis, reaching its peak about the 12th and 13th centuries, and influencing certain medieval and Renaissance Christian thinkers. It was based on a mystical method of interpreting Scripture by which initiates claimed to penetrate sacred mysteries. Among its central doctrines are: all creation is an emanation from the Deity and the soul exists from eternity.

2. any occult or secret doctrine or science.

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kabbalah British  

/ ˈkæbəˌlɪzəm, kəˈbɑːlə /

noun

1. an ancient Jewish mystical tradition based on an esoteric interpretation of the Old Testament

2. any secret or occult doctrine or science

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• kabbalism
  noun
• kabbalistic
  adjective
• kabbalist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of kabbalah

First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin cabbala, from Hebrew qabbālāh “tradition,” literally, “something received,” i.e., “handed down”; see also cabal ( def. )

Example Sentences

David Ghiyam, a spiritual teacher whose guidance is rooted in Kabbalah, launched David AI this fall, which Ladjevardian said has quickly become the company’s highest-engagement chatbot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Madonna went on to thank her Kabbalah, or Jewish mysticism, teacher who was with her at the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2023

The parade route that passed through Central Avenue wound past the gelato shop, the Kabbalah bookstore and salons, and close to Marlena Jayatilake’s spice and tea shop.

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2022

“We were taking Kabbalah classes,” King said on The View in 2017.

From Washington Times • Jan. 22, 2022

I continued to devote myself to my studies, Talmud during the day and Kabbalah at night.

From "Night" by Elie Wiesel