חָמַשׁ (cha.mash)
cha.mash
to take the fifth part
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chamash appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Genesis 41:34. In this context, it describes Pharaoh’s administrative order to reserve one-fifth of Egypt’s harvest during the seven years of plenty. The term is denominative, derived from the number five (chamesh), and specifically denotes the act of taking or arranging a fifth part.
Used exclusively in the Piel stem here, the word functions as a technical term for taxation or resource allocation. It does not imply a general sense of counting but rather the precise extraction of a specific share. This single occurrence highlights how biblical Hebrew could form verbs directly from numerical roots to describe concrete economic actions.
Translators typically render this verb as "tax" or "take one-fifth," reflecting its practical application in Joseph’s plan for national survival. The word underscores the meticulous nature of ancient administration, where precise fractions were used to manage resources effectively during times of crisis.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Genesis 41:34 records a moment where faith meets practical planning. Joseph advises Pharaoh to take up the fifth part of Egypt’s produce during the seven plentiful years. This specific action, described by the Hebrew word chamash, was not arbitrary but a strategic reserve for times of scarcity.
This verse reminds us that stewardship often involves disciplined preparation. God provided both the vision through Joseph and the means to preserve life. We are encouraged to manage our resources with similar foresight, trusting that careful planning honors the Provider who supplies our needs.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he will take a fifth of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/חִמֵּשׁ֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:34
Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt’s produce in the seven plenteous years.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it specifically describes the administrative act of reserving one-fifth of the harvest for future survival.