### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pémptos**, represented by `{{G3991}}`, is an ordinal number meaning **fifth**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Revelation. The term functions to mark a specific point in a sequence, whether in a series of divine judgments or a list of foundational elements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3991}}` is exclusively used within the apocalyptic visions of Revelation to denote order. It marks the opening of the **fifth** seal, which reveals the souls of the martyrs under the altar [[Revelation 6:9]]. It is also used when the **fifth** angel sounds a trumpet, leading to the opening of the bottomless pit [[Revelation 9:1]], and when the **fifth** angel pours out a vial of wrath, causing darkness to fall upon the kingdom of the beast [[Revelation 16:10]]. Finally, it describes the **fifth** foundation of the wall of the New Jerusalem, which is sardonyx [[Revelation 21:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other ordinal numbers are used in similar contexts, establishing sequence and order:
* `{{G1623}}` **héktos** (sixth): This word follows **pémptos** in sequence, as when the **sixth** seal is opened, causing a great earthquake [[Revelation 6:12]].
* `{{G1442}}` **hébdomos** (seventh): This ordinal often marks a culmination, such as the opening of the **seventh** seal which results in silence in heaven [[Revelation 8:1]].
* `{{G1182}}` **dékatos** (tenth): This term is used to denote a specific portion, as in "the **tenth** part of the city fell" during an earthquake [[Revelation 11:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3991}}` is derived entirely from the events it enumerates within Revelation's prophetic timeline.
* **Sequential Judgment:** The word helps structure the unfolding of God's end-times plan, marking the **fifth** step in multiple series of judgments (seals, trumpets, and vials), showing a clear and ordered progression ([[Revelation 6:9]], [[Revelation 9:1]], [[Revelation 16:10]]).
* **Divine Action:** Each use of **fifth** in the judgment sequences introduces a specific divine action. It is associated with the cry of the martyrs, the opening of the bottomless pit, and the darkness upon the beast's kingdom ([[Revelation 6:9]], [[Revelation 9:1]], [[Revelation 16:10]]).
* **Eternal Structure:** Its use in describing the **fifth** foundation stone of the New Jerusalem connects it not only to judgment but also to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where it signifies a part of the city's divine and ordered beauty [[Revelation 21:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3991}}` is a simple ordinal number whose importance comes from the profound events it specifies. Its role is to provide structure and sequence to the visions of Revelation. It meticulously marks the progression of divine judgments and contributes to the detailed description of the New Jerusalem, illustrating how even a simple number can frame events of ultimate theological importance.
TRV