נִבְחַז

נִבְחַז

Nibchaz, a deity of the Avites

Definition

Nibchaz is the name of a foreign deity worshipped by the Avites, a people group resettled in Samaria by the Assyrian king after the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17:31). The biblical text identifies Nibchaz as one of the gods the Avites 'made' for themselves, placing it within a list of pagan idols. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this specific divine figure. The single biblical occurrence provides no further description of the deity's attributes or domain, leaving its precise nature and mythology unknown beyond its foreign and idolatrous association.

Biblical Usage

The word נִבְחַז (Nibchaz) is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 2 Kings 17:31. It appears in a historical narrative listing the false gods worshipped by various peoples the Assyrians brought into the land of Samaria. Its usage is strictly as a proper name for a deity, with no verbal or descriptive forms. The context is a theological indictment of syncretism, illustrating how these foreign nations 'feared the LORD but also served their own gods' (2 Kings 17:33).

Etymology

The etymology of נִבְחַז (Nibchaz) is explicitly noted in the biblical text as being 'of foreign origin' (2 Kings 17:31). It is not derived from a Hebrew root. Scholars generally agree it is a transliteration into Hebrew of a name from the language of the Avites, possibly related to an Akkadian or other Mesopotamian deity. The meaning in its original language is uncertain, though some propose connections to words meaning 'barker' or 'yapper,' potentially linking it to a canine or animal-shaped idol.

Semantic Range

The mention of Nibchaz serves as a potent theological marker for the sin of idolatry and religious syncretism. Its inclusion in 2 Kings 17 underscores the core failure that led to Israel's exile: abandoning the exclusive worship of Yahweh for the gods of the nations (2 Kings 17:7-12). Understanding this foreign name enriches reading by highlighting the concrete, named alternatives to Yahweh that tempted God's people. It illustrates the biblical pattern of recording the actual names of false gods to condemn them, contrasting them with the holy name of the LORD. In its original setting, Nibchaz represented the tangible religious practices of a transplanted people, the Avites, trying to maintain their cultural and spiritual identity in a new land. The act of 'making' Nibchaz (2 Kings 17:31) suggests it was a manufactured idol, likely a statue or image. This contrasts sharply with the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as the uncreated Creator who forbids graven images (Exodus 20:4-5). The reference provides a snapshot of the complex religious landscape of the ancient Near East, where every nation had its own pantheon. Tartak (H8662) — Another Avite deity listed alongside Nibchaz in 2 Kings 17:31. Succoth Benoth (H5524) — A deity of the Babylonian settlers in Samaria, mentioned in the same passage (2 Kings 17:30).

Word Details