Shiur Komah in Jewish Mythology

3 myths

Myths, legends, and mystical writings about Shiur Komah from across Jewish tradition.

What does Shiur Komah mean in Jewish mythology?

Myths, legends, and mystical writings about Shiur Komah from across Jewish tradition.

3 myths on JewishMythology.com retell how Jewish tradition imagines shiur komah, drawn from the Hebrew Bible, Midrash, Talmud, Kabbalah, and later Jewish literature. Each story below synthesizes primary sources into a single narrative; follow any myth to read it, and from there into the source passages behind it.

Myth 6 min

The Measure of God's Body and the Weeping Behind Sealed Doors

Mystics wrote down how far it is across God's little finger. Then they said He cries when one Jew is hurt, and hides it behind shut doors.

KabbalahZoharShiur KomahDivine SufferingTemple DestructionIsaac Luria
Myth 5 min

Parasangs of Glory Rose Above the Throne

The throne's measures drown the mind in myriads of parasangs. Then a quieter voice says Israel's raw sigh is sweet and already heard.

HeikhalotThroneMetatronPrayerShiur KomahMerkavah
Myth 6 min

Rabbi Yishmael Could Not Name the Hidden Head

Rabbi Yishmael measured the neck in myriads, then reached a head no mouth could name. Speech broke before the brightness around the throne.

MerkavahProphecyRabbi YishmaelShiur KomahThrone