Bible Dictionary
ALEPH
Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is nearly silent, represents the number one, and is also used as a symbol for the Codex Sinaiticus.
Definition
Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is nearly soundless, became a symbol for the number one, and is also used as a symbol for the Codex Sinaiticus.
Biblical Usage
Aleph is relevant to the Hebrew alphabet used in the biblical text and to the designation of a major Greek biblical manuscript.
Historical Background
The letter is described as the ancestor of Greek, Latin, and English “a.” Its near-silent character is represented by smooth breathing; with a dieresis it can signify 1,000.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-lef ('): The first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is nearly soundless itself and best represented, as in this Encyclopedia, by the smooth breathing ('), but it is the direct ancestor of the Greek, Latin and English "a" as in "father." In either case this beginning of the alphabet happens to be near the very basis of all speech--in one case the simple expiration of breath, in the other the simplest possible vocal action--the actual basis from which all other vowels are evolved. It became also the symbol for the number one (1) and, with the dieresis, 1,000. It is the symbol also for one of the most famous of Greek Biblical manuscripts, the Codex Sinaiticus. For name, written form, etc., see ALPHABET.</p><p>E. C. Richardson</p>