of foreign origin; Nibchaz, a deity of the Avites; Nibhaz.
Transliteration:Nibchaz
Pronunciation:nib-khaz'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5026}}` (Nibchaz) is a proper noun, specifically the name of a pagan deity. Its definition explicitly states it is "of foreign origin," indicating it is not a native Hebrew word but rather a transliteration of a foreign divine name. The base definition identifies Nibchaz as "a deity of the Avites," a specific people group resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians. Therefore, its semantic range is extremely narrow, referring exclusively to this particular idol worshipped by the Avites. Unlike common nouns or verbs, `{{H5026}}` does not carry a broader conceptual meaning or participate in a wide array of linguistic contexts; its significance is entirely derived from its identity as a false god within a historical and theological framework.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5026}}` (Nibchaz) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 17:31]]. This solitary occurrence is found within the critical historical narrative detailing the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the subsequent resettlement of Samaria by various foreign peoples under Assyrian policy. [[2 Kings 17]] describes how these new inhabitants brought their own religious practices and deities with them.
The verse states, "And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim." The context of [[2 Kings 17:31]] is crucial. It lists Nibchaz alongside other foreign deities—Nergel, Ashima, Tartak, Adrammelech, and Anammelech—each associated with a specific group of resettlers (e.g., the men of Cuthah made Nergel, the men of Hamath made Ashima, etc.). This passage highlights the rampant syncretism that developed in Samaria, where the new inhabitants worshipped their own gods while also superficially fearing the Lord, leading to a corrupt and condemned religious practice ([[2 Kings 17:33-34]]). The mention of Nibchaz serves as a concrete example of the idolatrous abominations that defiled the land and provoked divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a specific pagan deity, `{{H5026}}` (Nibchaz) is conceptually related to a host of terms and concepts within biblical theology that address idolatry and false worship.
* **Other Pagan Deities:** Most directly, Nibchaz is linked to the other idols mentioned in [[2 Kings 17:30-31]], such as Nergel, Ashima, Tartak, Adrammelech, and Anammelech. These collectively represent the pantheon of foreign gods introduced into Israelite territory.
* **Idolatry (General):** The broader concept of worshipping false gods is central. Hebrew terms for idols often convey contempt, such as `{{H457}}` ('elil), meaning "worthless, nothing," or `{{H1544}}` (gillulim), often translated as "dung-gods" or "blocks," emphasizing their defiling and contemptible nature.
* **Syncretism:** The blending of distinct religious beliefs, as seen in the practices of the new inhabitants of Samaria, where they "feared the Lord, and served their own gods" ([[2 Kings 17:33]]).
* **Avites:** The specific people group associated with the worship of Nibchaz, highlighting the ethnic and geographic origins of this particular cult.
* **Baal and Asherah:** While not directly linked to Nibchaz, these Canaanite deities represent the most prominent and pervasive forms of idolatry that plagued Israel throughout its history, providing a broader context for understanding the spiritual threat posed by foreign gods.
* **False Gods/No-gods:** The biblical worldview consistently portrays all deities other than Yahweh as non-existent or powerless (e.g., [[Isaiah 44:6-20]], [[Psalm 115:3-7]]), often using terms like `{{H430}}` ('elohim) in a plural sense for "gods" but contrasting them sharply with the one true God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5026}}` (Nibchaz) is profound, despite its singular appearance. It serves as a stark illustration of several critical biblical themes:
* **The Exclusivity of Yahweh:** The very existence of a named foreign deity like Nibchaz in the biblical text underscores God's absolute demand for exclusive worship. The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" ([[Exodus 20:3]]), directly condemns the worship of any deity, including Nibchaz. The narrative of [[2 Kings 17]] demonstrates the severe consequences of violating this foundational covenant.
* **The Worthlessness of Idols:** Implicit in the biblical condemnation of Nibchaz and similar deities is their inherent powerlessness and non-existence as true gods. They are mere creations of human hands, unable to hear, see, or save ([[Psalm 115:4-7]]). Their worship is an affront to the living God and a descent into spiritual futility.
* **Divine Judgment on Idolatry:** The mention of Nibchaz is embedded within a chapter that explains why the Northern Kingdom fell and why the land was subsequently cursed with foreign inhabitants and their abominable practices. The worship of such gods was a primary catalyst for God's righteous judgment upon Israel. The syncretism involving Nibchaz represents a profound spiritual apostasy that broke the covenant relationship between God and His people.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Blindness:** The Avites' creation and worship of Nibchaz illustrate the spiritual blindness of those who turn away from the true God. They sought security and blessing from deities that had no power, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of divine authority and sovereignty.
### Summary
`{{H5026}}` (Nibchaz) is a proper noun identifying a specific foreign deity worshipped by the Avites, a people group resettled in Samaria by the Assyrians. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[2 Kings 17:31]], where it is listed among other pagan gods introduced into the land after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The context highlights the pervasive idolatry and syncretism that ultimately provoked divine judgment upon the land. Theologically, Nibchaz represents the worthlessness of false gods, the exclusivity of Yahweh's claim to worship, and the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy. Its inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering condemnation of all forms of idolatry and His demand for singular devotion.
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