The term “Shibboleth” can mean one of two things: either “ear of corn” (Genesis 41:5–7, Genesis 41:22–27 (10x in total); Ruth 2:2; Job 24:24; Isaiah 17:5; Zechariah 4:12) or “stream/river” (occurs in Isaiah 27:12 and [Psalm 69:2, Psalm 69:15). But the meaning is ultimately irrelevant; all that matters is the pronunciation.
6 they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell.