Shibboleth
“Ear of grain, or flowing stream”
Summary
A Hebrew word used as a pronunciation test to identify Ephraimites fleeing from the Gileadites, now proverbially signifying any distinguishing word or characteristic by which group membership is tested.
☩The Historical Incident
After Jephthah defeated the Ammonites, the Ephraimites complained they had not been called to the battle and threatened violence. War ensued between Gilead and Ephraim, and the Gileadites controlled the Jordan fords. When Ephraimite survivors tried to escape across the river, guards challenged them to pronounce 'Shibboleth.' The Ephraimites, whose dialect lacked the 'sh' sound, said 'Sibboleth' instead, revealing their identity and resulting in their deaths—42,000 fell by this test.
☩Meaning and Significance
The word 'Shibboleth' means either 'ear of grain' or 'flowing stream'—the latter meaning may have suggested this particular test word at a river crossing. The incident reveals how dialectal differences can distinguish groups even when they share the same language. It illustrates the tragic consequences of tribal jealousy and civil conflict within Israel. The word has entered English vocabulary to denote any test, password, or distinguishing characteristic that identifies group membership.
Related Verses1 mention
Judges· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shibboleth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shibboleth," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shibboleth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).