Bible Dictionary
Sibboleth
Sibboleth was the Ephraimite pronunciation of Shibboleth. The difference in pronunciation exposed Ephraimite fugitives at the Jordan crossings.
Definition
Sibboleth is the Ephraimite pronunciation of Shibboleth. The difference consisted in the Ephraimite form of the word and became a means of distinguishing Ephraimites from others.
Biblical Usage
In Judges, the pronunciation of Sibboleth exposed Ephraimite fugitives attempting to cross the Jordan. Their inability to pronounce the word in the expected manner identified them.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the Ephraimite pronunciation of the word Shibboleth. (Judges 12:6) [Shibboleth]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sib'o-leth (cibboleth).</p><p>See SHIBBOLETH.</p>