Nibhaz
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Nibhaz in the Bible?
Nibhaz was an idol worshipped by the Avvites, a people group deported to Samaria by the Assyrian Empire, as recorded in 2 Kings 17:30.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Nibhaz clarifies the specific foreign deities integrated into the religious landscape of Samaria, illustrating the syncretic practices that the biblical authors criticized as deviations from Yahwism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Nibhaz. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nibhaz in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nibhaz clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Kings 17:30
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nibhaz." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nibhaz/