חֲמִשִּׁים

fifty

Definition

The Hebrew word חֲמִשִּׁים (chămishshîym) is a cardinal number meaning 'fifty'. It is used both literally to denote the exact quantity of fifty (Genesis 6:15) and symbolically to represent a significant, often complete, period or group. In some contexts, it forms part of larger measurements, such as fifty cubits (Exodus 27:18), or designates specific groups, like the fifty prophets in the story of Elijah (2 Kings 2:7). The number also appears in cultic and legal settings, such as the fifty-shekel redemption price for a vow (Leviticus 27:3).

Biblical Usage

חֲמִשִּׁים appears frequently across the Old Testament, especially in the Pentateuch's legal and narrative sections. It is common in measurements for the Tabernacle (Exodus 26-27), in census counts (Numbers 1-4), and in laws regarding vows and valuations (Leviticus 27). In narrative, it often marks significant periods, like the fifty days of the flood's water prevailing (Genesis 7:24) or the fifty righteous persons Abraham pleads for in Sodom (Genesis 18:24-28). Prophetic books use it for symbolic groups, as seen with Elijah and the company of prophets.

Etymology

The word is the masculine plural form derived from the root חָמֵשׁ (chāmēsh, H2568), meaning 'five'. It follows a common Semitic pattern for forming tens, where the base number is modified. Cognates exist in related languages like Aramaic and Ugaritic. Its meaning is straightforwardly numerical, representing five units of ten.

Semantic Range

The number fifty carries theological weight, often associated with completeness, jubilee, and divine grace. Most significantly, it is the basis for the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10-11), a year of liberation and restoration occurring after seven cycles of seven years. This connects the number to themes of God's redemption, social justice, and the resetting of societal order. Furthermore, its use in Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18) highlights it as a measure of righteousness sufficient to invoke God's mercy, enriching our understanding of divine patience and the value of the righteous.

In ancient Israelite culture, fifty was a round number signifying a substantial quantity or a complete unit. It was used in everyday commerce, construction, and religious offerings. The cultural concept of the Jubilee Year, where land returned to its original owners and debts were forgiven every fifty years, was a radical economic and social institution unique to Israelite law, reflecting a theology of land stewardship and liberation from cycles of poverty.

חָמֵשׁ (chāmēsh, H2568) — the cardinal number 'five', the root unit. מֵאָה (mē'āh, H3967) — the cardinal number 'one hundred', a larger round number. עֶשְׂרִים ('esrîm, H6242) — the cardinal number 'twenty', a smaller round number often used in similar structural counts.

Word Details

Scripture References