### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nibchaz**, represented by `{{H5026}}`, is a term of foreign origin that refers to **a deity of the Avites**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a highly specific and rare term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H5026}}` is in [[2 Kings 17:31]]. The verse states that "the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak." This act is recorded as part of a larger account of the various peoples settled in Samaria. The worship of **Nibhaz** is listed immediately before the description of the Sepharvites, who **burnt** `{{H8313}}` their **children** `{{H1121}}` in the **fire** `{{H784}}` to their own **gods** `{{H430}}`, Adrammelech and Anammelech.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context illuminate the nature of this foreign worship:
* `{{H5757}}` **ʻAvvîy** (Avites): This term identifies the people who worshipped **Nibhaz**, defined as "an Avvite or native of Avvah."
* `{{H8662}}` **Tartâq** (Tartak): Mentioned in the same phrase, this is another deity "of foreign derivation" that the Avites made.
* `{{H152}}` **ʼĂdrammelek** (Adrammelech): One of the **gods** `{{H430}}` of the Sepharvites, defined as "splendor of (the) king," to whom children were sacrificed in the same passage.
* `{{H8313}}` **sâraph** (to be on fire): This root is used to describe how the Sepharvites **burnt** their children, highlighting the severe nature of the idolatry associated with this context.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5026}}` lies entirely in its negative example as a foreign idol.
* **Idolatrous Creation:** The Avites `{{H5757}}` are said to have "made" `{{H6213}}` **Nibhaz**, emphasizing the human origin of this idol in direct opposition to the one true God [[Genesis 1:1]].
* **Association with Detestable Practices:** The mention of **Nibhaz** is directly linked to the horrific practice of child sacrifice by the Sepharvites, who **burnt** `{{H8313}}` their children to their gods [[2 Kings 17:31]]. This frames the worship of Nibhaz within a context of practices explicitly forbidden by God.
* **Condemnation of False Worship:** This type of worship stands in stark contrast to God's commands. Regarding the burning of sons, God states it was something "which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind" [[Jeremiah 19:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5026}}` **Nibhaz** represents a foreign deity whose worship is mentioned as a specific example of idolatry. Its sole appearance in scripture [[2 Kings 17:31]] serves to illustrate the syncretic and condemned religious practices of the peoples settled in Samaria. While a minor figure, **Nibhaz** stands as a clear marker of the foreign worship that the biblical narrative consistently opposes.
TRV