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Judges 12:6 Cross References
Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Judges 12:6. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Judges 12:6 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Judges 12:6 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Psalms 69:15 (KJV) »
Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

Mark 14:70 (KJV) »
And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.

Matthew 26:73 (KJV) »
And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

Matthew 12:25 (KJV) »
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:

Isaiah 27:12 (KJV) »
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 (KJV) »
The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

Proverbs 18:19 (KJV) »
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Proverbs 17:14 (KJV) »
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Psalms 69:2 (KJV) »
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

Galatians 5:15 (KJV) »
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Judges 12:6 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Interpretation of Judges 12:6
“Then said they unto him, Say now ‘Shibboleth’: and he said, ‘Sibboleth’: for he could not frame to pronounce it right.” (Judges 12:6)
Summary of Meaning
The account of Judges 12:6 describes a crucial moment in the conflict between the Gileadites and the Ephraimites. The term “Shibboleth” served as a linguistic test to distinguish between the two groups. The Gileadites were able to identify the Ephraimites by their failure to pronounce the word correctly, revealing not just a matter of language, but deep-rooted tribal identity and conflict.
Commentary Insights
- Matthew Henry: Henry notes that the Gileadites used the pronunciation of “Shibboleth” to expose the enemies among them. The word signifies “in the harvest” or “a stream,” which can be seen metaphorically as distinguishing between true and false identity, akin to separating the righteous from the wicked.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes the cultural aspects tied to pronunciation. He points out that speech can reveal one's background and origin, illustrating how language can serve as a delimiter in communal identities. He argues that such distinctions are critical in understanding the dynamics of conflict in Israelite history.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke explains the significance of the word itself, emphasizing the importance of accurate pronunciation as indicative of one's tribal allegiance. He also highlights the tragic consequences of such distinctions, wherein a single misspoken word could lead to death.
Thematic Connections
This verse connects with broader themes found throughout the Bible, such as:
- Identity and Belonging: The example of Shibboleth demonstrates how identity is often connected to language and culture.
- Division and Conflict: It reflects the ongoing conflicts among tribes and illustrates a deeper spiritual division within Israelite society.
- Judgment and Discernment: The Gileadites' ability to discern Ephraimites highlights God's judgment based on true identity and belonging.
Related Bible Cross-References
This verse can be cross-referenced with:
- James 3:6 - "And the tongue is a fire..." which speaks about the power and dangers of speech.
- Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." indicating the significant impact of words.
- 1 Corinthians 14:10 - "There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world..." affirming cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Acts 2:4 - "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues..." showing the importance of language from a New Testament perspective.
- Exodus 23:33 - "They shall not dwell in thy land..." similar themes of identity and separation based on allegiance.
- 2 Corinthians 6:17 - "Come out from among them, and be ye separate..." stressing the call for discernment among God's people.
- Romans 10:12 - "...the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." This links to the inclusivity versus exclusivity theme in language and culture.
Application to Today’s Context
Judges 12:6 serves as a reminder about the importance of understanding context—cultural, linguistic, and spiritual. In contemporary discourse, discerning identity can be crucial in inter-community relations. The differences in speech not only reflect cultural backgrounds but also signal deeper values and beliefs.