The עשר הספירות are a Kabbalistic phenomenon referring to ten distinct powers used to transmit content from a higher level to a lower one through transformation and refinement.
In the teachings of קבלה, the ספירות are presented as vessels for drawing vitality from the בורא into the world, through which He sustains and governs it. Chassidic thought emphasizes how a Jewish person, through the inner service of עבודת ה', can cause the divine life-force that enlivens his soul to be revealed in his outer faculties.
The ten[1] ספירות are: חכמה, בינה, דעת, חסד, גבורה, תפארת, נצח, הוד, יסוד, and מלכות.
In some systems, כתר is excluded from the list of the ten ספירות, for reasons explained later. In these cases, חכמה is considered the first ספירה, and דעת is inserted as a full ספירה following בינה.
When the ספירות are referenced in חסידות without further context, they typically refer to the ספירות of the world of אצילות.
Etymology
The word ספירה is associated with several root words in לשון הקודש, each of which sheds light on the function and nature of the ספירות. These connections include:
- מספר – meaning "number" or "counting," indicating structure and order.
- ספר – meaning "book," which implies a structured system or sequence.
- לספר – meaning "to express" or "to communicate," highlighting that each ספירה conveys a particular divine attribute.
- ספירת הדברים – meaning "inventory of items," suggesting the process of categorizing and organizing.
- ספיר – a brilliant and illuminating gemstone, symbolizing the role of a ספירה in radiating divine light.
- סיפור – meaning "story," representing the unfolding narrative of creation — past, present, and future.[2]
Each of these meanings reflects an aspect of what the ספירות are and how they operate within creation.
Grouping the Sefiros
The ספירות can be arranged in two primary ways. One is as a single vertical line of ten, one under the other, from חכמה through מלכות. The other is in three columns of three, with מלכות positioned below in the center.
In this arrangement, the ספירות are divided along two axes: three horizontal levels and three vertical levels.[3]
The Three Horizontal Levels
These levels represent a descending order from more spiritual and abstract to more concrete, paralleling the human form: - The head corresponds to חב"ד - The torso to חג"ת - The legs to נה"י
This vertical emanation reflects their relative ethereality, proximity to the אין סוף, and distance from the created worlds.
The Three Vertical Levels
1. חח"ן — the right column 2. בג"ה — the left column 3. דת"י — the central column
When viewed from right to left on this axis, the ספירות form a dynamic spectrum: the right side tends toward revelation and expansive outflow, while the left leans toward concealment and limitation. The center serves to balance and harmonize the two.[4][5]
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