Lexical Summary chamash: To arm, to equip Original Word: חָמַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take up the fifth participle A denominative from chamesh; to tax a fifth -- take up the fifth participle see HEBREW chamesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from chamesh Definition to take the fifth part NASB Translation exact a fifth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. [חמשׁ] verb denominative only Pi`el וְחִמֵּשׁ אֶתֿ אֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם Genesis 41:34 (E) and he shall fifth (take the fifth part of) the land of Egypt, i.e. the fifth part of the produce (compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Linguistic Background חָמַשׁ describes the deliberate setting aside of one-fifth of available produce or resources. The verb’s only canonical use portrays a structured, governmental collection rather than a casual offering, highlighting a precise twenty-percent allocation. Canonical Context Genesis 41:34 is its solitary occurrence: “Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land and take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance”. Spoken by Joseph, the counsel anchors the entire narrative of Egypt’s survival and Israel’s preservation during the ensuing famine. Joseph’s Fiscal Strategy 1. Source of the plan: Divine revelation through Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis 41:25-32). Principles of Stewardship and Provision • Foresight and planning: “The prudent see danger and take cover” (Proverbs 22:3). Typological Significance Joseph, endowed with wisdom, authority, and a plan of salvation, foreshadows Christ, who through His own provision rescues a world facing spiritual famine (John 6:35). The twenty-percent levy signifies an ample yet reasonable cost that yields life-sustaining abundance for all who come. Ministerial Implications • Leadership: God-given insight must translate into concrete policies. Doctrinal Considerations • Divine sovereignty and human agency operate harmoniously: God reveals, humans obey, and deliverance results. Applications for Today 1. Personal finance: Set aside a consistent portion of income for foreseeable need and generous giving. חָמַשׁ thus stands as a singular term whose solitary use illuminates enduring lessons in wise stewardship, responsible governance, and the redemptive purpose of divinely inspired preparation. Forms and Transliterations וְחִמֵּשׁ֙ וחמש vechimMesh wə·ḥim·mêš wəḥimmêšLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 41:34 HEB: עַל־ הָאָ֑רֶץ וְחִמֵּשׁ֙ אֶת־ אֶ֣רֶץ NAS: of the land, and let him exact a fifth [of the produce] of the land KJV: over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land INT: charge of the land exact the land of Egypt 1 Occurrence |
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take a fifth part; Ethiopic 
1. 2 quinque facere).