πέμπτος (pemptos)
pemptos
fifth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective pemptos simply means "fifth" in numerical order. It is a straightforward ordinal number used to count or sequence items without inherent symbolic weight beyond its position in a series. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the Book of Revelation.
Its usage is strictly literal and descriptive. John employs it to identify specific elements in his visions: the fifth seal reveals souls under the altar (Revelation 6:9), the fifth trumpet brings a star fallen from heaven (Revelation 9:1), the fifth bowl pours out judgment on the throne of the beast (Revelation 16:10), and the fifth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem is an jasper (Revelation 21:20). In each case, it serves to organize the sequence of events or structures clearly for the reader.
Unlike some numbers in Revelation that carry heavy theological symbolism, pemptos functions primarily as a marker of order. It helps structure the apocalyptic narrative by distinguishing one stage from another, ensuring the vision unfolds in a precise, countable progression rather than a chaotic blur.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pemptos simply means "fifth." In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within Revelation. It is an ordinal number used to mark sequence rather than carry deep symbolic weight. John uses it to order his visions clearly: the fifth seal reveals souls under the altar, the fifth trumpet brings a fallen star, the fifth bowl pours judgment on the beast’s throne, and the fifth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem is jasper.
For your faith, this precision offers comfort. God’s plan unfolds in an orderly way. Even when visions seem chaotic or judgments feel severe, they follow a set path. You are not lost in confusion. The same God who numbers the stars also counts the steps of history. This structure reminds us that nothing happens by accident.
When you read these passages, notice how each "fifth" marks a distinct moment. It helps you track the story without getting overwhelmed. Whether you see literal events or symbolic truths, the order itself points to a sovereign Lord who holds all things together. This steady rhythm invites trust in His timing and care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fifth4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πέμπτος3×
- πέμπτην1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 6:9
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had.
It marks the specific moment when the souls of martyrs are revealed under the altar, highlighting their faithful witness.
-
Revelation of John 9:1
The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him.
It signals the start of the fifth trumpet judgment, introducing a star fallen from heaven given the key to the abyss.
-
Revelation of John 16:10
The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain,
It identifies the fifth bowl of wrath poured on the beast’s throne, causing darkness and pain in its kingdom.
-
Revelation of John 21:20
the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.
It lists the fifth foundation stone of the New Jerusalem as sardonyx, showing the ordered beauty of the holy city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pemptos mean in the Bible?
Why does pemptos appear so rarely?
Does pemptos have symbolic meaning beyond being fifth?
How does understanding this word help my reading of Revelation?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 4 verses
When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God,…
Revelation of John 9:1The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss…
Revelation of John 16:10The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues…
Revelation of John 21:20the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth…