Bible Encyclopedias
Shibboleth

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

shib´ṓ - leth ( שבּלת , shibbōleth ): A test of speech applied by the men of Gilead to the Ephraimites, who wished to cross the Jordan, after defeat. If they pronounced the word ṣibbōlēth , their dialectic variety of speech betrayed them. ( Judges 12:6 ). The word probably has the sense of stream or "flood" (compare Psalm 69:2 ).

Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Shibboleth'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​s/shibboleth.html. 1915.