Krias Shma Word Count

Krias shma has 248 words corresponding to the 248 limbs (O.C. 61:3), but a count of the words shows only 240 without Baruch Sheim or 246 with that pasuk. How do resolve that discrepancy?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

First of all, let us begin with the source for the significance of 248. The Zohar teaches that there are 248 limbs in the human body and that each word of Shema corresponds to a different limb and serves to protect it. (Zohar, Ruth, 97b).

However, as you correctly note, the Shema does not have 248, it has 245 (and not 240 as you counted).

As such, the question stands: how do we corroborate the 248 symbolism with the Shema if it is three words short?

Perhaps you have noticed, that in the synagogue, when the congregation finishes the recitation of Shema and is about to proceed to the next section of the prayers, the Chazzan calls out the THREE words “Hashem Elokeichem, emet.” It is these three words that serve to make up the “missing” three words and bring us up to a full 248 words, which, as mentioned, corresponds to the limbs of the body. Everyone in the congregation is considered to have said these three words when merely hearing them due to the halachic principle of “shomea k’oneh,” which teaches that hearing something is considered as if one actually said it.

One who is praying alone, and therefore will be lacking the three extra words mentioned above, is to begin the recitation of the Shema with the words “Eil Melech Ne’eman” (G-d, Faithful King) which. These three words bring one praying alone to the total of 248. Sephardim who pray alone generally repeat the last three words of the Shema, just like a chazzan in the synagogue, in order to get their 248 words.

OC 61 and commentaries