The term "fifties" in the Bible often refers to groups or divisions of fifty people or units, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. This number is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, often symbolizing organization, order, and divine instruction.

Old Testament References

1. Military and Administrative Organization: The number fifty is frequently used in the context of military and administrative organization. In 2 Kings 1:9-14, we see groups of fifty soldiers led by their captains. These groups were sent by King Ahaziah to confront the prophet Elijah. The repeated mention of "captains of fifty" underscores the structured military hierarchy of ancient Israel.

2. The Exodus and Wilderness Journey: During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, the number fifty appears in the context of the Tabernacle and its construction. In Exodus 26:5-6, the curtains of the Tabernacle are joined with fifty loops and fifty clasps, symbolizing unity and completeness in the dwelling place of God among His people.

3. Jubilee Year: The concept of the Jubilee, which occurs every fiftieth year, is a significant aspect of Israelite law. Leviticus 25:10 states, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you." The Jubilee year was a time of liberation and restoration, where debts were forgiven, and land was returned to its original owners, reflecting God's justice and mercy.

4. Census and Offerings: In Numbers 31:30, the Israelites are instructed to take a tribute from the warriors who went to battle, "one out of every fifty, both of the people and of the cattle, of the donkeys and of the flocks." This division for offerings highlights the importance of giving back to God a portion of what He has provided.

New Testament References

1. Feeding of the Five Thousand: In the New Testament, the number fifty appears in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. In Luke 9:14, Jesus instructs His disciples to have the crowd sit down in groups of about fifty. This organization facilitated the distribution of the miraculous provision of loaves and fish, demonstrating Jesus' compassion and divine provision.

Symbolic Meaning

The number fifty often symbolizes deliverance and freedom, as seen in the Jubilee year. It also represents order and structure, as evidenced by its use in military and organizational contexts. The use of fifty in the feeding of the five thousand illustrates the importance of preparation and order in receiving God's blessings.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, numbers often held symbolic meanings, and the use of fifty in the Bible reflects this cultural understanding. The division into fifties for military and administrative purposes was practical, allowing for efficient management and communication.

Overall, the number fifty in the Bible is associated with themes of liberation, divine provision, and structured organization, reflecting God's order and care for His people.(n.) Plural of Fifty.4004. pentekonta -- fifty
... 4004 -- . Word Origin a cardinal number from pente and a modified form of deka
Definition fifty NASB Word Usage fifties (1), fifty (5), fifty-three* (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4004.htm - 6k2572. chamishshim -- fifty
... 52* (2), 52,700* (1), 53,400* (3), 54,400* (1), 56* (1), 57,400* (2), 59,300* (2),
603,550* (3), 650* (1), 652* (2), 655* (1), 956* (1), fifties (6), fiftieth ...
/hebrew/2572.htm - 6k

Of the Concord Between Matthew, Mark, and John in their Notices of ...
... For as there was one writer who, in giving his account of that incident, did not
fail to specify that the people sat down at once by fifties and by hundreds ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxxix of the concord between.htm

Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ...
... One of these is found in the circumstance that Luke has stated that they were ordered
to sit down by fifties, whereas Mark's version is that it was by hundreds ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xlvi of the question as.htm

The Inexhaustible Barrel
... of sustenance; nay, not only so, for God had not simply one Elijah, but he had a
remnant according to the election of grace, who were hidden by fifties in a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the inexhaustible barrel.htm

The Origin and Growth of Law.
... And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people,
rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study ix the origin and.htm

Jesus the Bread of Life.
... behind the hills on the western shore and the shadows lying across the darkened
lake, the multitude break up into groups of hundreds and fifties, and seat ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xiv jesus the bread of.htm

The World's Bread
... And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.41. ... Mark's picturesque words
show the groups sitting by companies of hundreds or of fifties. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the worlds bread.htm

The Seven Deacons
... the work that they must do." Jethro further advised that men be appointed to act
as "rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 9 the seven deacons.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... Revolutionary days, ranking, as a trade-centre, fourth in the state, was as familiar
with Indians in her streets as the Milwaukee of the late fifties, and "out ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

Nothing but Leaves
... Was it not significant both of the character and mission of Elias when he called
fire from heaven upon the captains of fifties; nor was he upon whom his mantle ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/nothing but leaves.htm

Touching the Hidden Keys.
... Christians to rise. This time he knew he had made his meaning clear. They
got up in clumps, in groups, by fifties! Mr. Moody said ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/touching the hidden keys.htm

Fifties (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fifties (13 Occurrences). Mark 6:40 They sat down in ranks,
by hundreds and by fifties. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/fifties.htm - 10k

Tens (17 Occurrences)
... men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers ...
/t/tens.htm - 11k

Captains (159 Occurrences)
... have the fear of God, true men hating profits wrongly made; and put such men over
them, to be captains of thousands, captains of hundreds and of fifties and of ...
/c/captains.htm - 42k

Thousands (65 Occurrences)
... men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers ...
/t/thousands.htm - 29k

Commanders (93 Occurrences)
... heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains
of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains ...
/c/commanders.htm - 36k

Courts (59 Occurrences)
... a system of jurisprudence. He appointed judges over tens, fifties, hundreds,
thousands-in all 78,600 judges. This system was adequate ...
/c/courts.htm - 33k

Consumeth (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 1:14 Lo, come down hath fire from the heavens, and consumeth the two heads
of the former fifties and their fifties; and, now, let my soul be precious ...
/c/consumeth.htm - 17k

Capable (10 Occurrences)
... have the fear of God, true men hating profits wrongly made; and put such men over
them, to be captains of thousands, captains of hundreds and of fifties and of ...
/c/capable.htm - 10k

Officials (229 Occurrences)
... men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers ...
/o/officials.htm - 36k

Leaders (167 Occurrences)
... men, such as fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers ...
/l/leaders.htm - 35k

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