The number 5 appears many times throughout Scripture. But what does this number actually signify? This article explores the biblical meaning and symbolism of the number 5. You’ll discover how this number points to God’s grace, goodness, and favor.
What Does the Number 5 Represent in the Bible?
The number 5 biblically often represents God’s grace. It’s considered the number of divine favor and goodness. This number appears in Scripture over 200 times. So what’s behind the special meaning of 5? Here are some key things the number 5 signifies in the Bible:
God’s Grace and Favor
One of the most common symbolic meanings of 5 is God’s grace. The number shows up in stories highlighting divine grace and mercy. For example, when Jesus fed the 5,000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew 14:13-21). This miracle reveals God’s abundant grace and provision.
God’s Goodness
The number 5 also represents God’s goodness. Many examples in Scripture reveal how God directs good things to happen in sets of 5. Like when David picked up 5 smooth stones to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40). The stones symbolized God empowering David despite his size and inexperience.
The Five-Fold Ministry
In the New Testament, some scholars argue the number 5 refers to the “five-fold ministry” – the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher (Ephesians 4:11). These roles all work together to equip believers for works of service.
Why Is the Number 5 Significant in the Bible?
So why is the number 5 special? Here are some reasons it carries symbolic meaning in Scripture:
It’s the Number of Grace
As mentioned, 5 is strongly tied to grace in the Bible. It’s considered the number of free grace and favor God gives people. This divine grace is what’s needed to enter His presence.
It Represents God’s Provision
The number 5 can also represent how God provides and meets the needs of His people. Like when Jesus fed the 5,000 from a few loaves and fish. Or in the Old Testament when David picked up 5 stones to defeat the giant Goliath.
It’s Half of the Perfect Number 10
Some connect the meaning of 5 to the number 10. In Scripture, 10 signifies completeness, order, and divine perfection. The number 5 is half of 10, so it hints at a portion of perfection and just a taste of God’s complete grace.
It’s Used Throughout Scripture
As stated earlier, the number 5 is used over 200 times in Scripture. It appears in prominent Bible stories in both the Old and New Testament. This frequent usage demonstrates it has special symbolic meaning.
Examples of the Number 5 in the Bible
To better understand its significance, here are some key examples of the number 5 found in Scripture:
David’s 5 Smooth Stones
When facing Goliath, David chose 5 smooth stones from a stream (1 Samuel 17:40). The number 5 represents how God divinely helped David defeat a giant enemy. It was by grace, not skill, that the young shepherd boy won.
5 Loaves and 2 Fish
This is likely the most well-known appearance of 5. Jesus miraculously fed over 5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish (Matthew 14:13-21). This powerful miracle reveals God’s abundant grace and provision.
5 Offerings in Genesis 4
In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel both bring offerings before God. Abel gives the firstborn of his flock. But Cain only brings fruits of the soil (Genesis 4:3-4). Cain’s heart and offering are later rejected by God, revealing that the state of one’s heart matters most.
Goliath’s Height and Armor
The infamous giant Goliath was said to be around 9 feet 9 inches tall (1 Samuel 17:4). The number 9 is composed of 5+4. Later, Goliath’s armor weighed 5,000 shekels. The emphasis on the number 5 represents the grace of God that empowered David to defeat this intimidating foe.
5 Barley Loaves
In a similar miracle to the feeding of the 5,000, Elisha multiplied 20 barley loaves to feed 100 men with leftovers to spare (2 Kings 4:42-44). Once again, 5 loaves highlight God miraculously providing enough grace and sustenance for all.
5 Key Stories That Reveal Biblical Meaning
Looking closer at a few pivotal Bible stories gives more insight into the symbolic meaning of 5:
1. David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
Young David volunteered to fight the warrior giant Goliath when no Israelite soldiers would. David defeated Goliath with a slingshot and stones, highlighting God’s power and grace to overcome any intimidating foe by His strength.
2. Feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21)
When Jesus fed the 5,000 from a few loaves and fish, one key lesson is that God can take something small and multiply it abundantly. Just as He multiplied food for thousands, He abundantly multiplies grace, strength, provision for all who believe.
3. The 5 Offerings of Leviticus
In Leviticus, God instituted 5 main types of offerings: burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt (Leviticus 1-5). These offerings symbolized atonement for sin and restoring peace with God. They highlighted the eventual grace found through Christ’s sacrifice.
4. Gideon’s 300 Men (Judges 7)
When Gideon was to battle a massive Midianite army with just 300 men, God supernaturally intervened so the Israelite army won. The number 300 symbolizes completeness, order, and perfection (as it’s composed of 5 x 5 x 10 x 10). Despite paltry numbers, the grace of God brought complete victory.
5. Pentecost Tongues of Fire (Acts 2:1-4)
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ followers like tongues of fire. Pentecost highlights the start of the New Testament church empowered by grace to preach the Gospel in the languages of many foreign Jews.
Why Does 5 Represent Grace in Scripture?
As highlighted in the stories above, the symbolic connection between 5 and God’s grace fills numerous Bible accounts. But why does this specific number represent grace?
For one, grace is referenced in the very first chapters of Scripture. In Genesis 3-5, Adam and Eve receive grace when God clothes their nakedness after sin enters the world. Grace is highlighted right away.
Also, 5 is half of 10 – the number for completion. So it hints at the completeness of grace believers can have through Christ. Grace available to cover sin, restore closeness with God, and enable obedience to His commands.
5 Key Things to Remember About the Number 5
In closing, here are 5 key points to remember about the biblical meaning and importance of the number 5:
- Symbolizes God’s Grace and Favor: Represents His undeserved grace, mercy, and blessing
- Stands for Divine Goodness and Provision: Highlights how God powerfully provides and cares for His people
- Appears Over 200 Times in Scripture: Used frequently, so clearly has symbolic meaning
- Seen in Prominent Stories and Events: Feeding 5,000, David vs. Goliath, Day of Pentecost
- Points to the Eventual Completeness of Grace: As half of 10 (perfection), it hints at full grace through Christ
The next time you come across the number 5 in reading Scripture, remember it signifies God’s all-sufficient grace and divine favor that abundantly meets all needs. This act of grace through Christ ultimately brings the completeness of salvation