חָמַשׁ

חָמַשׁ

to tax a fifth

Definition

The Hebrew verb חָמַשׁ (châmash) means 'to take a fifth' or 'to tax one-fifth.' It is a specific administrative term used in the context of taxation or collection, derived from the number five (חָמֵשׁ). In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the action of imposing a 20% tax on agricultural produce during the years of plenty in Egypt. This action was part of Joseph's economic strategy to prepare for the coming famine, as recorded in Genesis 41:34. The word carries no other distinct meanings in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 41:34. It appears in the context of Joseph advising Pharaoh to appoint overseers who will 'take a fifth' (וְיַחְמְסוּ) of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plentiful years. The usage is strictly administrative and economic, describing a centralized tax collection for state storage and future survival. No other patterns or contexts exist for this word in the biblical canon.

Etymology

חָמַשׁ is a denominative verb derived directly from the cardinal number חָמֵשׁ (chamesh, H2568), meaning 'five.' As a denominative, it forms a verb meaning 'to do something with a fifth' or 'to take a fifth.' This derivation is straightforward, linking the numerical concept directly to the action of imposing a one-fifth portion as a tax or levy.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is administrative, its single use in Genesis 41:34 is theologically significant as part of the Joseph narrative. It highlights God's provision and wisdom through Joseph, who implements a just and prudent economic policy that ultimately saves Egypt, Canaan, and the fledgling family of Israel from famine. Understanding this specific term enriches the reading by showing the practical, divinely-inspired governance that preserved the line of promise. In the ancient Near East, taxation of agricultural produce was a common practice for royal administrations, especially in river-based economies like Egypt. A 'fifth' or 20% tax was a known rate (cf. Genesis 47:24). This action centralized food reserves, demonstrating advanced state planning. The cultural context is one of centralized authority and long-term resource management, differing from modern concepts of taxation which are often more complex and monetized. עָשַׂר (asar, H6237) — to tithe or take a tenth; a different proportional levy often for religious purposes. מָס (mas, H4522) — a general term for forced labor, tribute, or levy, not specifying a proportion.

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