חָמֵשׁ

five

Definition

The Hebrew word חָמֵשׁ is the basic numeral 'five', used for counting, measuring, and ordering. It functions as a cardinal number (e.g., five years in Genesis 5:6) and can be part of compound numbers like fifteen (חֲמֵשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה). It also forms the ordinal 'fifth' (חֲמִישִׁי) to indicate position in a sequence, such as the fifth day of creation. In some contexts, it represents a set or group of five items, like the five golden tumors and five golden rats offered by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:4).

Biblical Usage

חָמֵשׁ appears frequently across all genres of the Old Testament, from historical narratives to legal and prophetic texts. It is commonly used in genealogies (Genesis 5), measurements (Exodus 27:1 for an altar five cubits long), and sacrificial instructions (Leviticus 5:11 for a tenth of an ephah of flour). A notable pattern is its use in military and organizational contexts, such as dividing armies or people into groups (e.g., Genesis 47:2). It also features in symbolic numbers, like the five cities of the Philistine pentapolis.

Etymology

Derived from the primitive Semitic root *ḫ-m-š, meaning 'five'. It is the masculine absolute form; the feminine is חֲמֵשׁ. Cognates exist in related languages like Ugaritic (ḫmš) and Arabic (ḫamsa). The ordinal 'fifth' (חֲמִישִׁי) is formed by adding the adjectival suffix. As a basic numeral, its meaning has remained stable, though its grammatical forms (like the construct חֲמֵשׁ) adjust for syntax.

Semantic Range

While primarily a numeral, 'five' can carry symbolic weight in biblical literature. It is associated with grace or God's goodness in some interpretive traditions, partly due to its link with the Pentateuch (five books of Moses) and the structure of the Tabernacle (e.g., five pillars at the entrance in Exodus 26:37). The number five also appears in contexts of divine provision (the five loaves in Jesus' miracle, echoing Old Testament patterns) and human responsibility (the five-fold division of Joseph's family in Genesis 47:2). Understanding its usage helps readers notice numerical patterns that structure biblical narratives and laws.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, numbers often had practical and symbolic significance. 'Five' was a fundamental unit in the base-10 counting system used by the Hebrews. The hand's five fingers made it a natural unit for counting and measuring (e.g., a 'handbreadth'). Culturally, groups of five were common in administration and military organization, reflecting efficient division. Unlike modern, purely abstract numbers, biblical usage sometimes imbues 'five' with covenantal or organizational importance, as seen in the five-fold presentation of Joseph's family to Pharaoh.

חֲמִשָּׁה (chamishshah, H2568) — the feminine form of 'five', used with feminine nouns. חֲמִישִׁי (chamishiy, H2549) — the ordinal 'fifth'. עֶשְׂרֵה (‛esreh, H6240) — 'ten', often combined with חָמֵשׁ to form 'fifteen'.

Word Details

Scripture References