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H2568 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חָמֵשׁ
Chamesh
Number
Five

Definition

The Hebrew cardinal number chamesh (חָמֵשׁ) means five. It is foundational to many numerical structures in Scripture and the ancient world, based on the five fingers of the hand.

Usage & Theological Significance

The number five holds significant biblical presence: the Torah comprises five books (the Pentateuch); the Psalms are divided into five books; David selected five smooth stones to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40); the feeding of the 5,000 used five loaves (Matthew 14:17). In tabernacle construction, measurements of five and multiples of five abound (Exodus 26-27). Some scholars see five as the number of God's grace and provision — where human hands (five fingers) meet divine supply.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 43:34
When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five (chamesh) times as much as anyone else's.
1 Samuel 17:40
Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five (chamesh) smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
Matthew 14:17
'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered.
Leviticus 26:8
Five (chamishah) of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.
Revelation 9:5
They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months.

Related Words

External Resources

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