Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really strange and complex passage from the Book of Judges, and it’s important to understand what it’s trying to convey. Here’s my explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: This verse comes from a time when the Ephraimites were being harassed by a powerful and vengeful leader named “Shibboleth.” They were essentially being persecuted and oppressed. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce [it] right.” – This is the core of the problem. The Ephraimites were asking a question, “What is this Shibboleth?” They didn’t understand it. And the leader, Shibboleth, was trying to answer it, but he couldn't quite figure out what it meant. He was struggling to express himself clearly. “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.” – This is where it gets really dramatic. The Ephraimites, fearing this leader, attacked him. They killed him. And they killed him at a specific location : the Jordan River valley. They slaughtered about 40 and two thousand people. Putting it all together – What’s the message? This verse is a story of danger and divine judgment. It's essentially saying: A powerful enemy was threatening the Ephraimites. The leader was a dangerous person who needed to be stopped. The Ephraimites were being attacked, resulting in a massive loss of life. Important Context - Why is this story significant? This passage is important because it’s part of a larger narrative about the Israelites' rebellion against God. It’s often seen as a warning to the people about the dangers of defying God and the consequences of violence. It highlights that even seemingly small acts of defiance can lead to devastating results. In short, this verse describes a brutal attack on a leader who was causing harm to the Ephraimites, resulting in a huge loss of life. --- Disclaimer: I've provided an explanation based on common interpretations of biblical texts. Biblical interpretation is complex and can be subject to varying viewpoints. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? Would you like me to: Explain a particular symbol or meaning within the story? Discuss its significance in the larger context of the Old Testament?