### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pénte**, represented by `{{G4002}}`, is a primary number meaning **"five"**. It appears 38 times in 33 unique verses. As a fundamental numeral, it is used throughout scripture for straightforward counting and measurement in various contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4002}}` is frequently associated with key events and teachings. It is central to the miracle of feeding the multitude, where Jesus took **five** barley loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of five thousand ([[Matthew 14:17]], [[John 6:9]]). The number is also used prominently in parables to illustrate spiritual truths, such as in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where **five** were wise and **five** were foolish [[Matthew 25:2]], and the Parable of the Talents, where a servant faithfully manages **five** talents [[Matthew 25:15]]. In other instances, it marks specific quantities, such as the **five** husbands of the woman at the well [[John 4:18]] or a period of **five** days [[Acts 24:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words, often other numerals, provide context for the use of `{{G4002}}`:
* `{{G1417}}` **dýo** (two): This number often appears alongside **pénte**, most notably in the account of the feeding of the multitude with "**five** loaves and **two** fishes" [[Mark 6:38]]. It is also used to represent division or choice, such as serving **two** masters [[Matthew 6:24]].
* `{{G4000}}` **pentakischílioi** (five thousand): This term is directly derived from **pénte** and is used to specify the number of men fed with the **five** loaves, linking the small provision to the vast crowd ([[Matthew 16:9]], [[Mark 8:19]]).
* `{{G1427}}` **dṓdeka** (twelve): This number is connected to the miracle of the **five** loaves, as the disciples collected **twelve** baskets of leftovers, highlighting the abundance created from a small beginning [[John 6:13]].
* `{{G3463}}` **mýrioi** (ten thousand): In his teaching on spiritual gifts, Paul contrasts the value of speaking **five** understandable words in the church with **ten thousand** words in an unknown tongue, using **five** to represent clarity and effectiveness [[1 Corinthians 14:19]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G4002}}` is evident in its use to frame important spiritual lessons.
* **Divine Multiplication:** The number **five** is foundational to one of the most well-known miracles, where Jesus demonstrates that God's power can multiply a small offering—**five** loaves—to provide for thousands, showing that what seems insignificant can become abundant [[Matthew 14:19]].
* **Stewardship and Reward:** In the Parable of the Talents, the servant who receives **five** talents and gains **five** more is commended for his faithfulness, establishing **five** as a benchmark for diligent stewardship [[Matthew 25:20]]. Similarly, in the Parable of the Pounds, a servant is given authority over **five** cities for his efforts [[Luke 19:19]].
* **Spiritual Division and Wisdom:** The number is used to represent a clear division between two groups. In the Parable of the Virgins, the groups are divided into **five** wise and **five** foolish [[Matthew 25:2]]. It is also used to describe a household of **five** that will be divided [[Luke 12:52]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4002}}` is more than just a numerical value. It is a key element in biblical narratives, used to quantify resources, time, and people. It serves as the basis for demonstrating God's miraculous provision with the **five** loaves [[Matthew 14:17]], illustrates principles of wisdom and foolishness in the parable of the **five** wise and **five** foolish virgins [[Matthew 25:2]], and teaches about faithful stewardship through the parable of the **five** talents [[Matthew 25:16]]. The word **pénte** shows how a simple number can anchor profound spiritual truths.
TRV