The Number Five in the Holy Bible
1. Five as a Symbol of Man
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III clarifies that the number five symbolizes humans because man is distinguished by five senses, and the limbs are counted by five fingers on one hand and likewise in the feet when referring to the practical completeness limited to man.
2. The Limits of Human Work and Five Talents
He points out that the utmost a person can achieve by his effort is symbolized by the five — for example in the parable of the talents five talents are given as the maximum of human work alone, while the increase comes when grace joins.
3. Sin and Human Failings Illustrated by Five Examples
He uses the example of the Samaritan woman who had five husbands to express the depth of human fallenness, showing the five as a sign of man’s state in his sin and its limits.
4. The Sacred Books and the Five Laws
He notes that the books of the law given to people (the five books of Moses — the Pentateuch/five books) correspond with the five symbol related to humanity and responsibility before God.
5. Elements of Worship and Liturgical Materials
He states that the materials of the anointing oil or incense consisted of five components in certain ritual contexts, linking the number five with marks of worship related to human religious life.
6. Wonders and Miracles: the Five Loaves and the Multitudes
He cites the feeding of the multitude with five loaves that fed five thousand men, showing how the five is placed before thousands as a sign of human work that can become a means of great divine grace.
7. Spiritual Conclusion
Five in Scripture is the number of man: it defines his characteristics, limits, and gift, and calls to recognize that human work has importance but always needs God’s wisdom and help to bear greater good.
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