Atbash

/ˈætbæʃ/ noun

Definition

A simple letter substitution cipher used in Hebrew texts where the first letter of the alphabet is replaced with the last, the second with the second-to-last, and so on.

Etymology

From Hebrew aleph-tav-bet-shin, the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet mentioned in the system. An ancient encryption method documented in biblical texts and rabbinical literature.

Kelly Says

The Atbash cipher is basically a DIY medieval encryption system—it's so simple a child could decode it in minutes, yet ancient scribes used it to hide religious and political meanings in sacred texts.

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