Brief Overview of πέμπτος (Strong’s G3991: pemptos)

Strong’s G3991: Ordinal number meaning “fifth.” In NT usage, appears primarily in Revelation’s sequences of judgments and descriptions. Significant in apocalyptic literature for its place in divine ordering of events. Related to number five’s symbolic meaning of God’s grace and divine ordering.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέμπτος represents divine order and sequence, particularly in apocalyptic contexts. In Revelation, it appears in structured sequences of judgments and blessings, suggesting God’s purposeful timing. Early church writers saw numerical significance in its usage. Today, it reminds us that God works through ordered progression in His divine plan.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέμπτος, pemptos, [PEMP-tos]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEMP-toss
• Part of Speech: Adjective (Ordinal Number)

Etymology:

• From πέντε (five)
• Suffix: -τος (forms ordinal numbers)
• Indo-European root *penkwe
• Related to Latin quintus

D – Defining Meanings

• Fifth
• Fifth in sequence
• Fifth in order

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a derived adjective

Translation Options:

• Fifth – Standard translation
• Fifth in sequence – Contextual emphasis
• Fifth in order – Formal usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πέντε [pente, PEN-teh] – five
• πενταπλός [pentaplos, pen-ta-PLOS] – fivefold
• πεντακις [pentakis, pen-TA-kis] – five times

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First/Second Declension Adjective
• Three Gender Forms:
• Masculine: πέμπτος
• Feminine: πέμπτη
• Neuter: πέμπτον
• Regular ordinal number endings
• Cross-references: πέντε (five)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes apocalyptic usage. Thayer’s emphasizes ordinal function. LSJ traces development from cardinal number. Vine’s highlights Revelation contexts. Moulton and Milligan show administrative usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“When He opened the fifth [πέμπτος] seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God.” (Revelation 6:9)

Additional References:
Revelation 9:1, Revelation 16:10, Revelation 21:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέμπτος highlights God’s orderly progression in His redemptive plan. In Revelation’s sequences, it reminds us that even in judgment, God works systematically and purposefully toward His ultimate goal of redemption.

D – Did You Know?

1. Five was considered a number of divine grace
2. Often used in ancient administrative records
3. Important in Jewish apocalyptic literature

Strong’s G3991: Ordinal number meaning “fifth.” In NT usage, appears primarily in Revelation’s sequences of judgments and descriptions. Significant in apocalyptic literature for its place in divine ordering of events. Related to number five’s symbolic meaning of God’s grace and divine ordering.

Part of speech: Adjective (Ordinal Number)

Tags: #Numbers #Revelation #DivineOrder #Sequence #BiblicalNumbers #Apocalyptic #FifthSeal #GraceNumber #DivineTimeline #BiblicalSymbolism​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​