Definition and Etymology:
The term "Sibboleth" originates from the Hebrew word "שִׁבֹּלֶת" (shibboleth), which can mean "ear of grain" or "stream." In the context of the biblical narrative, it is used as a linguistic marker or test.

Biblical Context:
The account of Sibboleth is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 12:1-6. This account occurs during the time of the judges, a period characterized by a cycle of Israelite apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The narrative involves a conflict between the Gileadites, led by Jephthah, and the Ephraimites.

Narrative Summary:
After Jephthah's victory over the Ammonites, the Ephraimites confront him, accusing him of not calling them to fight against the Ammonites. A conflict ensues, and the Gileadites defeat the Ephraimites. To prevent the Ephraimites from escaping across the Jordan River, the Gileadites seize the fords of the Jordan. They use the word "Sibboleth" as a test to identify fleeing Ephraimites, who could not pronounce it correctly, saying "Shibboleth" instead. This linguistic difference led to the death of 42,000 Ephraimites. The passage reads:

"Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim down, because they had said, 'You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in Ephraim and Manasseh.' The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, 'Let me cross over,' the men of Gilead would ask him, 'Are you an Ephraimite?' If he answered, 'No,' they would tell him, 'Please say Shibboleth.' If he said, 'Sibboleth,' because he could not pronounce it correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. So at that time, forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed." (Judges 12:4-6)

Theological and Cultural Significance:
The account of Sibboleth highlights the importance of language and dialect as markers of identity and belonging. It serves as a poignant reminder of the divisions that can arise within the people of God due to tribalism and internal strife. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of pride and disunity among the tribes of Israel, which often led to conflict and bloodshed.

Applications and Reflections:
In a broader sense, the term "shibboleth" has entered the English language to denote any custom, tradition, or phrase that distinguishes one group of people from another. The account encourages believers to seek unity and understanding within the body of Christ, avoiding divisions based on superficial or cultural differences. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the need for humility and reconciliation among God's people.Sibboleth

the Ephraimite pronunciation of the word Shibboleth. (Judges 12:6) [SHIBBOLETH]

SIBBOLETH

sib'o-leth (cibboleth).

See SHIBBOLETH.

5451. sibboleth -- probably an ear (of wheat, etc.)
... 5450, 5451. sibboleth. 5452 . probably an ear (of wheat, etc.). Transliteration:
sibboleth Phonetic Spelling: (sib-bo'-leth) Short Definition: sibboleth. ...
/hebrew/5451.htm - 6k

Lessons from Nature
... out of such-and-such a selection, and as for those who cannot say Shibholeth, and
lay a pretty good stress on the "h," but who pronounce it "Sibboleth;"let the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Sibboleth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SIBBOLETH. sib'o-leth (cibboleth). See SHIBBOLETH.
Multi-Version Concordance Sibboleth (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/sibboleth.htm - 7k

Shibboleth (1 Occurrence)
... They said "sibboleth," as the word was pronounced by the tribes on the west, and
thus they were detected (Judges 12:1-6). Forty-two thousand were thus detected ...
/s/shibboleth.htm - 8k

Sibmah (5 Occurrences)

/s/sibmah.htm - 9k

Fords (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 then said they to him, "Now say'Shibboleth;'" and he said "Sibboleth;"
for he couldn't manage to pronounce it right: then they laid hold of him ...
/f/fords.htm - 9k

Forty-two (15 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 then said they to him, "Now say'Shibboleth;'" and he said "Sibboleth;"
for he couldn't manage to pronounce it right: then they laid hold of him ...
/f/forty-two.htm - 10k

Ephraimites (7 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth:
for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then ...
/e/ephraimites.htm - 8k

E'phraimites (9 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 they said to him, "Then say Shibboleth," and he said, "Sibboleth," for
he could not pronounce it right; then they seized him and slew him at the ...
/e/e'phraimites.htm - 9k

Manage (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 then said they to him, "Now say'Shibboleth;'" and he said "Sibboleth;"
for he couldn't manage to pronounce it right: then they laid hold of him ...
/m/manage.htm - 8k

Passages (8 Occurrences)
... If he said, Nay; (KJV WBS YLT). Judges 12:6 Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth:
and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. ...
/p/passages.htm - 9k

Crossing-places (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:6 Then they said to him, Now say Shibboleth; and he said Sibboleth, and
was not able to say it in the right way; then they took him and put him to ...
/c/crossing-places.htm - 7k

What is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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