Paleo-Hebrew is the oldest form of the Hebrew alphabet — the script of Moses and David — and in it every letter was a picture. An ox, a house, a nail, a cross. Reading the pictures reveals a layer of meaning hidden inside the words of Scripture. Below are all twenty-two letters, each with its authentic pictograph and meaning. Tap any letter to explore it — and watch how, taken together, the alphabet spells out the story of the Cross.
Aleph אGod / Strength / Leader
Bet בHouse / Family / Dwelling
Gimel גLift Up / Carry / Walk
Dalet דDoor / Path / Access
He הBehold / Reveal / Breath
Vav וNail / Secure / Connect
Zayin זCut / Pierce / Nourish
Chet חFence / Inner Room / Protection
Tet טSurround / Contain / Good
Yod יHand / Work / Deed
Kaph כOpen Hand / Cover / Allow
Lamed לLead / Authority / Teach
Mem מWater / Flow / Chaos
Nun נSeed / Life / Continue
Samekh סProp / Shield / Framework
Ayin עEye / See / Experience
Phay פMouth / Speak / Open
Tsade צJourney / Trail / Pursue
Qoph קBehind / Cycle / Time
Resh רHead / Highest One / First
Shin שTeeth / Destroy / Consume
Tav תCross / Sign / Covenant Mark
Every letter, its ancient pictograph, and its meaning — together on a single page. Save it, print it, or share it.
Tap the chart to open it full-size, then right-click or long-press to save.
Want the printable version? Download the free Paleo-Hebrew reference chart (PDF).