I understand that in Hebrew, "David" contains three letters, two of which are "D" and it is speculated that this later gave rise to the familiar "Star of David" symbol. In ancient times, the letter D (Dalet in Hebrew) was written similar to the Greek Delta, much like a triangle, which when the two "Dalets" in David were joined formed the Star of David.

It coincides with someone reputed to be of the lineage of David, where this family line was an absolute requirement and foundation of his claims, that such a crest would be placed above his family tomb. In my opinion, the symbol represents just that, a crest that links him to David. This would also support the filmmakers claims that this was the Biblical Jesus's tomb.

Trying to decipher the meaning of the smaller circle or dot in relation to David symbology is more difficult. Perhaps someone has an idea on that count. The 15th letter (Samekh) in Hebrew alphabets is formed as an "o" (though representing "s"). Biblical genealogy tends to represent the importance of 14 (x2) in the line between David and Jesus, though the emphasis may be a numerological fit after the fact to reflect the divine number 7. It just makes sense to me that on a tomb, symbolism reflects a family crest or designation.

The possible Dalet above the tomb may elude to David, but does not necessarily have to reflect the Star of David. From what I understand, the Star of David did not come into wide usage until much later and its first emergence is connected to Jewish mystical tradition. If, however, it did exist earlier in one form or another, perhaps in secretive and mystical Kabbalistic traditions and via that to the Gnostics, then the tomb symbol might reflect more than lineage to David. For in that complete symbol, it is said that the downward pointing "D" or triangle represents David and the upward pointing "D" or triangle represents the messiah. The incomplete star of the tomb would appear at first glance, then, to be missing the messiah -- that is, unless the meaning was that the one in the tomb was the completion. Just speculation -- but the significance of the Dalet symbol itself referencing David (and preceeding of the Star of David) seems more plausible.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ignatzmouse2,

Um, this is just an idea ...

It looks like a fish head.

This is not a joke. The fish was the early Christian symbol.

It is the basis for the Pontif's ceremonial hat.

A bit more on this...

The letter 'D' (Dalet) was originally written in Hebrew as a triangle. The original script is referred to as "ktav ivri," (sometimes as Paleo-Hebrew) and is considered on one side of a theological debate to be the original script in which the Torah was written, having a sacred origin for that reason. Dalet is also used to represent the Names of God in Judaism.

That Dalet also comprises both the first and last letters of David also bears on its significance to both Jews and early followers of Jesus.

More expressively, Dalet literally means "door" ("dalt" in Hebrew) which is traced to its early pictographic triangular form, drawn from the door to a shepherd's tent. The connection to a shepherd's door is certainly tantalizing. Consider that Jesus often referred to himself as a door in just this way, and there is an extended passage in John 10 that is of particular significance.

"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep." (John 10: 2) "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." (John 10:7) "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9)

It makes a strong case that it is Jesus's own symbolic imagery for himself that is carved above the tomb's entrance, a symbolism that was of such meaning to his followers that they likewise inscribed it upon their own ossuaries.

Hello Dr.
Thank you for investing your time in answering the serious questions this program has opened.
I have one question and a commentary. I looked at the symbol above the tomb and on the box found in the monastery. Of course I have no training in Hebrew at all, so I looked at it purely from a layperson view. I thought it perhaps was an "open eye" or maybe the circle meant family and the arch a roof. That would mean House of?? As you think, David but perhaps the circle was a symbol for Jesus? Wasn't Jesus reputed to be a Gnostic? Does the circle have a special meaning in Gnosticism?
Also, please let us know if the Greek symbols etched into the wall of the tomb could be deciphered?