The names of the ten Sefirot are: Chochmah - wisdom, Binah - understanding, Daat - knowledge, Chessed - kindness, Gevurah - strength, Tiferet - beauty, Netzach - victory, Hod - splendor, Yesod - foundation, and Malchut - kingship. The Sefirot are ten modes or attributes through which G-d manifests Himself. The Sefirot are not G-d, but they are the medium through which specific qualities and attributes can be ascribed to Him. The word Sefirah is related to the verb lesaper, which means to “express” or “communicate.” This implies that the function of a Sefirah is to express a certain attribute. It is also related to the word “sapphire” (sapir). A sapphire is a gemstone that is brilliant and illuminating, implying that the function of a Sefirah is to give Light. Combining these two concepts, one may say that the Sefirot have two basic functions, one as lights or luminaries that serve to reveal and express, and another as Vessels that limit and define the Light so that specific qualities are manifest. The Sefirot may be compared to the two hands of a king. Sometimes the king operates with his right hand and sometimes with his left. Ultimately, it is the king himself who is acting through the medium of his hands.