מְגִדּוֹ (me.gid.don)
me.gid.don
Megiddo
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun megiddon refers to the ancient Canaanite city of Megiddo, situated on the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley. Its name translates to "place of crowds," a fitting description for a strategic hub that drew armies and travelers alike. Located just six miles from Mount Carmel, it controlled the vital trade routes connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia.
Scripture records this location in twelve verses, particularly within Joshua, Judges, and II Kings. It appears as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Manasseh, yet the text notes that the Israelites could not fully drive out its inhabitants (Judges 1:27). Its position made it a frequent battleground for ancient powers.
This city holds significant weight in biblical prophecy due to its linguistic connection to Armageddon. The Greek form Armagedōn combines "Megiddo" with the Hebrew suffix for "mountain," appearing in Revelation 16:16. While some read this as a literal geographical endpoint for final conflict, others understand it as a symbolic representation of all worldly powers arrayed against God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Megiddo was more than a dot on an ancient map; it was a crossroads where empires collided. Situated on the southern edge of the Jezreel Valley, this city controlled the vital trade routes between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Its strategic location made it a frequent battleground, drawing armies and travelers alike. The name itself suggests a place of crowds, reflecting its role as a hub of activity and conflict throughout biblical history.
For readers today, Megiddo offers a sobering reminder of the costs of resisting God’s direction. King Josiah’s death there illustrates how personal conviction, when disconnected from divine instruction, can lead to tragic outcomes. Conversely, the city’s mention in Zechariah highlights deep communal mourning and repentance. These narratives invite us to examine our own lives: Are we navigating life’s crossroads with wisdom and attentiveness to God’s voice?
While some interpret Megiddo’s prophetic connection to Armageddon as a literal endpoint for conflict, others see it as a symbol of worldly powers opposing God. Regardless of interpretation, the text consistently points to the reality that human plans must align with divine will. This ancient city challenges us to seek guidance rather than rely solely on our own strength or strategy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Megiddo9×
- from/ Megiddo1×
- at/ Megiddo1×
- and/ Megiddo1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְגִדּ֖וֹ5×
- מִ/מְּגִדּ֔וֹ1×
- מְגִדּֽוֹן\׃1×
- מְגִדּֽוֹ\׃1×
- מְגִדּ֥וֹ1×
- מְגִדּ֑וֹ1×
- וּ/מְגִדּ֑וֹ1×
- בִּ/מְגִדּ֔וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:19
“The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.
This verse records the kings of Canaan fighting at Megiddo, highlighting its role as a strategic military hub where ancient powers clashed.
-
II Kings 23:29
In his days Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates; and King Josiah went against him, but Pharaoh Necoh killed him at Megiddo when he saw him.
King Josiah’s death at Megiddo serves as a poignant example of the consequences of engaging in battle without clear divine guidance.
-
Zechariah 12:11
In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddo.
The reference to mourning in the valley of Megiddo connects the city’s history of tragedy with themes of national repentance and spiritual awakening.
-
I Kings 9:15
This is the reason of the forced labor which King Solomon conscripted: to build Yahweh’s house, his own house, Millo, Jerusalem’s wall, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
Solomon’s construction projects at Megiddo demonstrate the city’s enduring economic and strategic importance during Israel’s united monarchy.