Lexical Summary chomesh: Fifth part, fifth Original Word: חֹמֶשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fifth participle From chamash; a fifth tax -- fifth participle see HEBREW chamash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as chamesh Definition fifth part NASB Translation fifth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. חֹ֫מֶשׁ noun [masculine] fifth part — only לְפַרְעֹה לַהֹמֶשׁ Genesis 47:26, but connection with preceding awk-ward; read perhaps הַחֹמֶשׁ (ᵑ6), or לְחַמֵּשׁ ᵐ5, see Di. Topical Lexicon Definition and Contextחֹמֶשׁ denotes “a fifth part” or 20 percent of something. In Scripture it appears at the pivotal moment when Joseph, acting as Pharaoh’s vizier, institutes a land‐tax to organize Egyptian agriculture during and after the seven years of famine (Genesis 47:26). Usage in Scripture Genesis 47:26 records the sole occurrence: “So Joseph established a statute concerning the land of Egypt—it stands to this day—that Pharaoh should have one-fifth; only the land belonging to the priests did not become Pharaoh’s”. Here חֹמֶשׁ designates the fixed proportion of produce that belonged to Pharaoh. Though the exact term does not surface elsewhere, the concept of adding or paying a “fifth” recurs in the Torah’s restitution laws (for example, Leviticus 5:16; 6:5; 27:13, 27:31) and illustrates a broader biblical principle of proportional giving. Historical Background Joseph’s policy followed seven years of unprecedented abundance and seven years of severe famine (Genesis 41). By collecting surplus grain and later distributing it, Joseph preserved life and centralized Pharaoh’s economic power. When the Egyptians exhausted their money, livestock, and land, Joseph offered seed with the agreement that the crown receive a חֹמֶשׁ of future harvests. This stabilized the agrarian system, protected the populace from total destitution, and maintained a clear boundary between royal holdings and the priests’ allotments. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Providence and Sovereignty Joseph’s administration, including the 20 percent levy, exemplifies divine foresight. God used Joseph’s wisdom to fulfill His earlier promise of preservation for Jacob’s family (Genesis 45:5–7). 2. Justice and Mercy in Governance The proportion was neither confiscatory nor nominal; it balanced Pharaoh’s interests with the people’s survival. By retaining four‐fifths, the Egyptians remained stakeholders in their own labor. The passage models a just governance that sustains both ruler and citizen. 3. Sacred Exemptions The priests’ land was exempted, underscoring the biblical theme that those devoted to sacred service are provided for in distinctive ways (cf. Numbers 18:21). This anticipates Israel’s later support of Levites through tithes and offerings. Relationship to Other Biblical Proportions • Tithe (one-tenth) – designated for worship and support of ministry (Numbers 18:24). These varied fractions reveal a consistent scriptural logic: God assigns specific proportions to teach stewardship, equity, and reverence. Stewardship Principles Derived 1. Ownership Belongs to God Although Pharaoh legally owned Egypt’s land, Genesis 47 presents a higher sovereignty directing events. Believers recognize that all resources ultimately come from the Lord. 2. Provision through Planning Joseph’s foresight in establishing a fifth demonstrates the virtue of prudent planning. Churches and families may likewise allocate portions of income for future ministry or mercy needs. 3. Cheerful Compliance The Egyptians agreed, saying, “You have saved our lives” (Genesis 47:25). Grateful hearts willingly yield their portion when authority is exercised with integrity. Christological Reflections Joseph’s role foreshadows Christ, who through wise sacrifice preserves life for many (Genesis 50:20). The חֹמֶשׁ, set aside for Pharaoh’s storehouses, hints at the greater provision Christ makes by offering Himself wholly, not merely a fraction, securing eternal sustenance for His people. Practical Application for Modern Believers • Consider proportionate giving beyond the tithe when special needs arise, reflecting Joseph’s purposeful generosity. Summary חֹמֶשׁ, though occurring only once, embodies enduring biblical lessons on stewardship, governance, and redemption. Joseph’s 20 percent statute reveals a divine pattern of measured generosity, prudence, and mercy—principles that continue to guide faithful living and ministry today. Forms and Transliterations לַחֹ֑מֶשׁ לחמש la·ḥō·meš laChomesh laḥōmešLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 47:26 HEB: מִצְרַ֛יִם לְפַרְעֹ֖ה לַחֹ֑מֶשׁ רַ֞ק אַדְמַ֤ת NAS: that Pharaoh should have the fifth; only KJV: [that] Pharaoh should have the fifth [part]; except INT: of Egypt Pharaoh have the fifth except the land 1 Occurrence |
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