### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chămîyshîy**, represented by `{{H2549}}`, is an ordinal number meaning **fifth**, or a fraction meaning a **fifth part**. Derived from the word for five, it appears 45 times across 44 verses. Its usage is precise, serving to establish sequence, mark time, and define specific portions in legal and administrative contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2549}}` is used to denote order and specific timing. It marks the **fifth** day of creation [[Genesis 1:23]] and is frequently used to identify the **fifth** son in a lineage, such as with Jacob's son [[Genesis 30:17]] and David's son Shephatiah [[2 Samuel 3:4]]. The "fifth month" is particularly significant, being a time of national fasting and mourning [[Zechariah 7:3]], but also a month of key historical events like the fall of Jerusalem [[Jeremiah 1:3]] and the death of Aaron [[Numbers 33:38]]. As a fraction, a "**fifth part**" is a crucial component of Levitical law, often required to be added for restitution or redemption of sanctified items or tithes ([[Leviticus 5:16]], [[Leviticus 27:31]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the numbering and legal applications associated with `{{H2549}}`:
* `{{H7243}}` **rᵉbîyʻîy** (fourth): As the preceding ordinal number, it often appears alongside "fifth" in genealogies and lists, establishing a clear sequence, as seen in the list of David's sons [[2 Samuel 3:4]] and the designated fasts [[Zechariah 8:19]].
* `{{H7637}}` **shᵉbîyʻîy** (seventh): This ordinal is used in conjunction with "fifth" to mark significant periods of time, particularly the months of fasting observed by the people of Judah [[Zechariah 7:5]].
* `{{H6224}}` **ʻăsîyrîy** (tenth): Occurring with "fourth," "fifth," and "seventh," this term completes the list of fasts that the LORD promises will become cheerful feasts for the house of Judah [[Zechariah 8:19]].
* `{{H3254}}` **yâçaph** (add): This verb is consistently paired with the "fifth part" in legal contexts, signifying the action required to **add** a portion for making amends or redeeming property ([[Leviticus 6:5]], [[Numbers 5:7]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2549}}` is demonstrated through its application in divine order, remembrance, and restoration.
* **Divine Order:** The use of "fifth" organizes society and worship according to a divine pattern. This is seen in the allocation of the **fifth** lot to the tribe of Asher [[Joshua 19:24]], the appointment of the **fifth** priestly course to Malchijah [[1 Chronicles 24:9]], and the command over the **fifth** division of the army [[1 Chronicles 27:8]].
* **Sacred Remembrance:** The **fifth** month serves as a marker for communal memory, specifically recalling the destruction of Jerusalem [[Jeremiah 52:12]]. The fasts of the **fifth** month were a practice of national mourning [[Zechariah 7:5]] that the LORD would one day turn to joy [[Zechariah 8:19]].
* **Principle of Restitution:** The law requiring the addition of a "**fifth** part" for a trespass offering [[Leviticus 5:16]] or for redeeming a sanctified field [[Leviticus 27:19]] establishes a principle of restoration that goes beyond simple repayment, acknowledging the gravity of an offense against God or others.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2549}}` functions as more than a simple numerical designator. As **chămîyshîy**, it structures time, lineage, and societal roles. As a "fifth part," it is a foundational component of biblical law concerning restitution and redemption. The word demonstrates how biblical numbering can carry significant weight, defining periods of sacred history and principles of divine justice and order.
TRV