To evaluate the expression \( 39 \cdot 3 - 5 \), we first perform the multiplication:
\[ 39 \cdot 3 = 117 \]
Now, we subtract 5 from 117:
\[ 117 - 5 = 112 \]
So, the numerical equivalent of the expression \( 39 \cdot 3 - 5 \) is:
\[ \boxed{112} \]