a denominative from חָמֵשׁ; to tax a fifth; take up the fifth participle
Transliteration:châmash
Pronunciation:khaw-mash'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb חָמַשׁ (châmash, `{{H2567}}`) is a denominative verb derived from the numeral חָמֵשׁ (châmêsh, `{{H2570}}`), meaning "five." Its core meaning is intrinsically linked to the concept of "one-fifth" or "a fifth part." Specifically, it denotes the action of taking, taxing, or adding a fifth. The semantic range is quite narrow, primarily encompassing administrative or legal contexts where a specific proportion—one-fifth—is involved, whether as a tax, a portion, or an additional amount. It signifies a precise, calculated division or increment based on this specific fraction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb חָמַשׁ (châmash, `{{H2567}}`) appears in the Masoretic Text in only three instances, all of which align perfectly with its base definition:
1. **[[Genesis 47:24]]**: In the account of Joseph's administration during the famine in Egypt, Joseph establishes a law concerning the land. He declares to the people, "And it shall be when the harvests come in, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four-fifths shall be your own, for seed of the field and for your food and for those of your households and for your little ones." Here, חָמַשׁ is used to describe the act of "giving a fifth" as a tax or levy to the state. This highlights Joseph's shrewd economic policy, which, while securing Pharaoh's power, also ensured the survival of the populace.
2. **[[Genesis 47:26]]**: This verse reiterates the established law, stating, "Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth, except for the land of the priests alone, which did not become Pharaoh's." Again, חָמַשׁ refers to the "fifth" that is due to Pharaoh, solidifying its meaning as a fixed proportion of produce or income designated for the ruler. The exception for the priests' land further defines the scope of this taxation.
3. **[[Leviticus 27:31]]**: In the context of vows and dedications to the Lord, this verse addresses the redemption of a tithe. "And if a man desires to redeem any of his tithe, he shall add a fifth to it." Here, חָמַשׁ signifies the act of "adding a fifth" (or "adding one-fifth") to the original value. This serves as a penalty or premium for redeeming something that was dedicated to God, emphasizing the sanctity of the tithe and discouraging casual redemption. It reflects a principle of making restitution with an additional amount, ensuring respect for sacred offerings.
Across these occurrences, the consistency of meaning is striking: חָמַשׁ always denotes an action involving the precise proportion of one-fifth, whether as a tax levied, a portion received, or an amount added for redemption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the cardinal number חָמֵשׁ (châmêsh, `{{H2570}}`), "five," from which חָמַשׁ is derived. This foundational connection underscores the precise, mathematical nature of the verb.
Other related concepts include:
* **Taxation and Tribute:** The use in Genesis connects to the broader biblical themes of governmental authority and the collection of resources for public or royal use (e.g., מַס - mas, `{{H4522}}`, tribute/forced labor).
* **Tithing and Offerings:** The use in Leviticus relates to the system of tithes (מַעֲשֵׂר - maʿăśēr, `{{H4643}}`) and offerings (קָרְבָּן - qorbān, `{{H7133}}`), which were prescribed proportions of produce or wealth dedicated to God.
* **Redemption and Restitution:** The Levitical context also links to the concept of redemption (גָּאַל - gaʾal, `{{H1350}}`) and making restitution, often involving an additional amount (e.g., [[Leviticus 5:16]], [[Numbers 5:7]]).
* **Stewardship and Administration:** Joseph's actions exemplify wise stewardship and administrative foresight, managing resources for the common good under divine guidance.
### Theological Significance
Though limited in occurrences, the use of חָמַשׁ (châmash) carries significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Providence and Order:** In Genesis, Joseph's policy, guided by God, demonstrates a divinely inspired administrative wisdom that saved a nation from starvation. The "fifth" was not merely a tax but a structured means of resource management that ensured survival and future prosperity. It reflects God's meticulous ordering of creation and human affairs, even through seemingly secular means.
2. **Human Responsibility and Stewardship:** The requirement to give a fifth, whether to Pharaoh or to God (indirectly, through the redemption of tithes), underscores human responsibility in managing resources. In Genesis, it's a responsibility to the ruling authority for the common good. In Leviticus, it's a responsibility to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and the sanctity of what is dedicated to Him.
3. **Sanctity of Dedicated Things:** The "adding a fifth" in Leviticus 27:31 highlights the sacredness of what is vowed or tithed to the Lord. It serves as a deterrent against treating sacred obligations lightly. The additional fifth acts as a "penalty" or "premium," emphasizing that altering a commitment to God comes at a cost, thereby reinforcing the seriousness of covenant obligations and the inviolability of consecrated items.
4. **Justice and Proportion:** The consistent use of "a fifth" demonstrates a principle of precise proportion in divine and human dealings. It's a fixed, known quantity, reflecting a sense of order, fairness, and calculable obligation. This stands in contrast to arbitrary demands, suggesting a system rooted in equitable principles.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb חָמַשׁ (châmash, `{{H2567}}`) is a rare but precise term, derived from the numeral "five" (חָמֵשׁ, `{{H2570}}`). It consistently denotes the act of taking, taxing, or adding a "fifth" of something. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in [[Genesis 47:24]], [[Genesis 47:26]], where it describes Joseph's policy of collecting a fifth of the produce as a tax for Pharaoh, and in [[Leviticus 27:31]], where it refers to the requirement of adding a fifth when redeeming a tithe. Theologically, חָמַשׁ illuminates principles of divine providence and wise human stewardship in resource management, the sanctity of dedicated offerings, and the importance of precise, ordered obligations within both societal and covenantal frameworks. It underscores God's meticulous order and the serious nature of human commitments, whether to earthly rulers or to the Divine.
TRV