### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nibshân**, represented by `{{H5044}}`, is the name of a place in Palestine. Its derivation is uncertain. This name appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its context highly specific. It is identified as a city located in the wilderness portion of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{H5044}}` is found in a list of cities within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The passage in [[Joshua 15:62]] states, "And Nibshan{H5044}, and the city of Salt{H5898}, and Engedi{H5872}; six cities{H5892} with their villages{H2691}." This context places Nibshan geographically alongside two other known locations in the wilderness, establishing it as part of a cluster of settlements in that region.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words used in the same verse as Nibshan provide its entire contextual meaning:
* `{{H5898}}` **ʻÎyr ham-Melach** (city of (the) salt; Irham-Melach, a place near Palestine; the city of salt): This location, "the city of Salt," is listed directly with Nibshan, indicating a close geographical relationship within the same district [[Joshua 15:62]].
* `{{H5872}}` **ʻÊyn Gedîy** (fountain of a kid; En-Gedi, a place in Palestine; En-gedi): Also listed with Nibshan, En-gedi is a prominent wilderness oasis and stronghold mentioned elsewhere as a place of refuge [[1 Samuel 24:1]] and natural beauty [[Song of Solomon 1:14]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city...in the widest sense): This term classifies Nibshan as a **city**, a guarded or established settlement, rather than a mere encampment. The verse explicitly groups it with five other such locations [[Joshua 15:62]].
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (a yard...a hamlet...court, tower, village): The text notes that these six cities had their **villages**, implying that Nibshan was a central town with smaller, dependent hamlets surrounding it [[Joshua 15:62]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5044}}` is purely geographical and historical, marking a specific location within the biblical narrative of Israel's settlement.
* **Territorial Marker:** The primary importance of Nibshan is its inclusion in the formal listing of territories assigned to the tribe of Judah, specifically in the wilderness region [[Joshua 15:62]].
* **Geographical Context:** Its association with the "city of Salt" and "En-gedi" firmly situates it in the arid landscape near the Dead Sea.
* **Defined Settlement:** By being designated an **ʻîyr** `{{H5892}}` with associated **villages** `{{H2691}}`, Nibshan is presented as a permanent and organized community within the Israelite tribal structure.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5044}}` **Nibshân** is a place name whose biblical identity is confined to a single, specific list in the book of Joshua. Although it is never mentioned again and its origins are unknown, its inclusion in [[Joshua 15:62]] defines it as one of the six cities of the wilderness allotment of Judah, alongside the city of Salt and En-gedi. Its sole appearance serves to help delineate the promised inheritance of the tribes of Israel.
TRV