or (feminine) שִׁבֹּלֶת; from the same as שֹׁבֶל; a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch; branch, channel, ear (of corn), (water-)flood, Shibboleth. Compare סִבֹּלֶת.
Transliteration:shibbôl
Pronunciation:shib-bole
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שִׁבֹּל (shibbôl, `{{H7641}}`) and its feminine form שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`) present a fascinating semantic duality, rooted in the concept of "outgrowth" or "extension." Derived from the same root as שֹׁבֶל (shōvel, `{{H7640}}`), meaning "train (of a robe)" or "flowing skirt," the primary senses diverge into two distinct yet analogically linked categories:
1. **Flowing Water:** This semantic field encompasses "stream," "channel," and "water-flood." The underlying idea is that of something flowing out, extending, or overflowing. This meaning emphasizes movement, power, and often, an overwhelming force.
2. **Plant Growth:** This field includes "ear of grain" or "branch." Here, the concept is that of something growing out from a stalk or main body, an extension that bears fruit or foliage. This meaning highlights life, sustenance, and productivity.
The famous usage as "Shibboleth" in [[Judges 12:6]] leverages the distinct phonetic quality of the word, turning its pronunciation into a test of identity and origin. This particular application underscores the word's concrete sound and its potential for serving as a marker. The semantic range thus covers both natural phenomena (water and plants) and a unique socio-linguistic marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word שִׁבֹּל/שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbôl/shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`) appears in several significant biblical contexts, each illuminating a facet of its semantic range:
* **As "Ear of Grain":** This is the most frequent usage, particularly in the narrative of Joseph's dream in Genesis.
* In [[Genesis 41:5]], [[Genesis 41:22]], [[Genesis 41:26]], and [[Genesis 41:27]], "ears of grain" (שִׁבֹּלֶת) are central to Pharaoh's prophetic dreams, symbolizing years of abundance and famine. The imagery of "full and good ears" contrasted with "thin, blighted ears" directly relates to the concept of agricultural productivity and divine provision or judgment on the land.
* **As "Stream" or "Water-Flood":** This usage often conveys a sense of overwhelming power or danger.
* In [[Psalm 69:2]] and [[Psalm 69:15]], the psalmist cries out from being engulfed by "deep waters" and "water-floods" (שִׁבֹּלֶת), metaphors for overwhelming troubles and despair. Here, the word vividly portrays the feeling of being submerged and helpless before powerful forces.
* [[Job 40:23]] describes the Behemoth's indifference to a "swelling river" (שִׁבֹּלֶת), emphasizing the creature's immense power and fearlessness even in the face of a mighty current.
* [[Isaiah 27:12]] speaks of God gathering the dispersed Israelites from "the channel of the River" (שִׁבֹּלֶת), referring to the Euphrates. This usage denotes a specific geographical feature, a river's course, from which the exiles will be brought back.
* **As "Shibboleth" (Linguistic Test):** The most renowned instance is found in the account of the Gileadites and Ephraimites.
* In [[Judges 12:6]], the Gileadites used the pronunciation of "שִׁבֹּלֶת" as a linguistic test to identify escaping Ephraimites, who could only pronounce it as "סִבֹּלֶת" (sibbōleth). Here, the word itself, whether meaning "stream" or "ear of grain," becomes a crucial, life-or-death identifier, highlighting the precision of discernment and the severe consequences of linguistic and tribal distinction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of שִׁבֹּל/שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbôl/shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`) is enriched by examining its etymological connections and conceptual parallels:
* **שֹׁבֶל (shōvel, `{{H7640}}`):** This is the immediate etymological link, meaning "train (of a robe)" or "flowing skirt." This connection reinforces the underlying sense of "extension," "flowing out," or "trailing," which beautifully bridges the semantic gap between a flowing stream and an ear of grain growing out from a stalk. Both share the characteristic of an extended, often pendulous, form.
* **סִבֹּלֶת (sibbōleth):** While not a distinct Strong's number, this phonetic variant is crucial to the narrative in [[Judges 12:6]]. It represents the Ephraimite mispronunciation of שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`). This contrast highlights the significance of subtle linguistic differences in ancient societies for tribal identity and survival.
* **Words for Water:** Concepts like מַיִם (mayim, "water"), נָהָר (nahar, "river"), and מַבּוּל (mabbul, "flood") contextualize שִׁבֹּלֶת when it refers to water. Unlike generic terms, שִׁבֹּלֶת often implies a specific aspect of water – its channel, its current, or its overwhelming nature.
* **Words for Grain/Harvest:** Terms such as דָּגָן (dagan, "grain"), תְּבוּאָה (tevu'ah, "produce"), and קָצִיר (qatsir, "harvest") provide a broader agricultural context for שִׁבֹּלֶת as an "ear of grain." It represents the tangible outcome of cultivation and a symbol of sustenance.
* **Concepts of Judgment and Discernment:** The "Shibboleth" test is a powerful example of how a seemingly innocuous word can become an instrument of judgment, revealing identity and allegiance. This resonates with broader biblical themes of divine discernment and the consequences of one's true nature being exposed.
### Theological Significance
The dual semantic range of שִׁבֹּל/שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbôl/shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`) offers profound theological insights:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nature:** Whether depicting overwhelming floods or abundant harvests, the word points to God's ultimate control over the natural world. The "ears of grain" in Genesis underscore His providence in providing sustenance and His power to bring both plenty and famine. The "water-floods" in Psalms illustrate the destructive power of nature, often employed by God as an instrument of judgment or as a metaphor for the overwhelming trials permitted by Him. In both cases, human destiny is shown to be intricately linked to these natural phenomena, which are under divine command.
* **Identity and Discernment:** The "Shibboleth" incident in Judges is a stark theological lesson on identity, discernment, and the consequences of division. It reveals how even subtle differences can expose one's true allegiance or origin. The inability of the Ephraimites to pronounce the word correctly led to their demise, symbolizing the inability to hide one's true nature or to escape the consequences of rebellion. This can be extrapolated to spiritual discernment, where one's "speech" or "confession" (metaphorically or literally) can reveal their true spiritual identity and alignment.
* **Life and Death:** The word encapsulates both life-giving sustenance (ears of grain) and life-threatening danger (water-floods). This duality reflects the biblical understanding of God as both the giver of life and the righteous judge who brings calamity. It reminds us that the very elements that sustain can also destroy, all within the framework of divine purpose.
### Summary
שִׁבֹּל (shibbôl, `{{H7641}}`) and its feminine form שִׁבֹּלֶת (shibbōleth, `{{H7641}}`) are rich Hebrew terms with a striking semantic breadth. Rooted in the concept of "outgrowth" or "extension," the word encompasses two primary meanings: "flowing water" (stream, channel, water-flood) and "ear of grain" or "branch." The biblical occurrences vividly illustrate these meanings, from the symbolic "ears of grain" in Joseph's dream, representing divine provision and judgment, to the overwhelming "water-floods" in the Psalms, depicting distress and divine power. Most famously, its use as "Shibboleth" in [[Judges 12:6]] transforms the word into a crucial linguistic test, highlighting themes of identity, discernment, and the severe consequences of tribal or spiritual division. Theologically, שִׁבֹּלֶת underscores God's sovereignty over nature, His ability to provide sustenance and unleash judgment, and the profound significance of identity and clear discernment in the face of ultimate accountability.
TRV