The concept of "one-fifth" appears in various contexts within the Bible, often relating to laws, offerings, and economic transactions. This fraction is significant in the biblical text, reflecting principles of justice, restitution, and dedication to God.

Levitical Law and Restitution

In the Levitical law, the fraction of one-fifth is frequently mentioned in the context of restitution. Leviticus 6:5 states, "or anything else about which he swore falsely, he must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering." This law underscores the importance of making amends for wrongs committed, emphasizing not only the return of the original value but also an additional 20% as a penalty and a gesture of sincerity in repentance.

Similarly, Leviticus 27:31 addresses the redemption of tithes: "If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value." This provision allows for flexibility in the management of one's resources while ensuring that the sanctity and commitment of the tithe are maintained.

Joseph's Economic Policy in Egypt

The fraction of one-fifth also plays a crucial role in the narrative of Joseph in Egypt. During the years of plenty, Joseph implements a policy to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land as a reserve for the impending famine. Genesis 41:34 records Joseph's advice to Pharaoh: "Let Pharaoh take action and appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance." This strategic measure not only saves Egypt from disaster but also elevates Joseph's status and influence, demonstrating the wisdom of prudent resource management.

Offerings and Dedicatory Practices

In the context of offerings, the addition of one-fifth is seen as a means of sanctifying or redeeming something dedicated to God. Leviticus 27:13 states, "If the owner wishes to redeem the animal, he must add a fifth to its value." This requirement ensures that the act of redemption is not taken lightly and that the dedication to God is honored with an additional sacrifice.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The use of one-fifth in these various contexts highlights a consistent biblical theme of justice, fairness, and dedication. It reflects a divine standard that goes beyond mere restitution to include an element of generosity and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The fraction serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in dealings with others and with God, ensuring that relationships and commitments are honored with sincerity and respect.

In summary, the concept of one-fifth in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing legal, economic, and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a tangible expression of the principles of restitution, stewardship, and dedication that are central to the biblical worldview.2549. chamishi -- fifth
... Word Origin ord. from chamesh Definition fifth NASB Word Usage fifth (36),
fifth part (1), five-sided (1), one-fifth (7). fifth part. ...
/hebrew/2549.htm - 6k

A Prisoner who Became a Mighty Ruler
... Let Pharaoh act quickly and put overseers over the land and collect one-fifth of
all that grows in the land of Egypt in the seven years of plenty. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a prisoner who became a.htm

Appendix --The Pharaohs of the Ancient and Middle Empires
... We possess monuments of about one-fifth of these kings, and the lengths of their
reigns, as far as we know them, all appear to have been short: we have no ...
/.../appendixthe pharaohs of the ancient.htm

Observing the Offerings and Widow's Mites.
... farthing. [The lepton or mite was worth one-fifth of a cent. It was a Greek
coin, and the kodrantes or farthing was a Roman coin. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxi observing the offerings and.htm

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
... In Alexandria, a city of 300,000, from one-fifth to two-fifths of the population
were Jews, two of the five wards being given over to them; and the Talmud ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiv flight into egypt and.htm

The Reformation in Hungary and the Confession of Czenger.
... The present number of Protestants in Hungary is about three millions, or one fifth
of the whole population (which in 1869 amounted to fifteen millions and a ...
/.../ 75 the reformation in.htm

Names and External Form of the Old Testament
... Chap.19, No.1. With reference to this five-fold division of the Law, the Rabbins
call it the five-fifths of the Law, each book being reckoned as one-fifth. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiii names and external.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... The Jews were required to give to religious objects at least one-fifth
of their income. One-fifth of the income of a million and ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... Landed property was subject to a tax of one-tenth of all grain, and one-fifth of
the wine and fruit grown, partly paid in product and partly commuted into money ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Vatican Decrees, Continued. The Infallibility Decree.
... in the general discussion on the schema de Romano Pontifice, nearly one half of
them on the part of the opposition, which embraced less than one fifth of the ...
/.../ 33 the vatican decrees.htm

Adjusting the Local Church to the Community
... As it is, the Movement made possible such determination for about one fifth of the
United States and the task of completing the survey may be accomplished in ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter vii adjusting the local.htm

One-fifth (7 Occurrences)
One-fifth. One-eyed, One-fifth. One-fourth . Multi-Version Concordance
One-fifth (7 Occurrences). Leviticus 6:5 or any ...
/o/one-fifth.htm - 8k

One-eyed (2 Occurrences)
One-eyed. One-and-fortieth, One-eyed. One-fifth . Multi-Version Concordance
One-eyed (2 Occurrences). ... One-and-fortieth, One-eyed. One-fifth . Reference ...
/o/one-eyed.htm - 7k

One-fourth (3 Occurrences)
One-fourth. One-fifth, One-fourth. One-god . Multi-Version Concordance
One-fourth (3 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). One-fifth, One-fourth. One-god . Reference ...
/o/one-fourth.htm - 7k

Bar (27 Occurrences)
... for sale are kept. 12. (n.) An ordinary, like a fess but narrower, occupying
only onefifth part of the field. 13. (n.) A broad ...
/b/bar.htm - 21k

Criticism (1 Occurrence)
... That two tithes were to be paid by the worshipper may safely be assumed as
impossible, as a tax of one-fifth would have been unendurable. ...
/c/criticism.htm - 101k

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