נְכוֹ (ne.kho)
ne.kho
Neco
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Neco, or Necho, identifies a specific historical figure: the Pharaoh of Egypt who ruled during the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah. His name appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah. He is best known as the ruler who confronted King Josiah at the battle of Megiddo, an event that marked a turning point in Judah’s history.
Lexical sources note that his name translates to "lame," though this etymology does not appear to influence how he is portrayed in the biblical text. Instead, he is consistently referred to by his title or regnal name, such as "Pharaoh Neco." His interactions with Judah’s kings are central to understanding the geopolitical tensions of the era, particularly as Egypt and Assyria vied for control over the region.
Neco’s reign is significant because it coincides with the fall of Assyria and the rise of Babylon. He marched north to support the remnants of the Assyrian empire at Carchemish, a campaign that brought him into direct conflict with Josiah. Later, he deposed Jehoahaz and installed Jehoiakim as king, demonstrating Egypt’s temporary dominance over Judah before Nebuchadnezzar’s victory at Carchemish shifted power to Babylon.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Neco appears in Scripture as a reminder that human history unfolds under God’s sovereign oversight. As Pharaoh of Egypt, he was a powerful political player who clashed with King Josiah and reshaped the leadership of Judah. His actions were not random; they occurred within a specific timeline where empires rose and fell according to divine permission.
When we read about Neco in 2 Chronicles 35:22, we see that Josiah did not listen to his words, which came from the mouth of God. This detail shows that even foreign rulers can be instruments of a larger plan. It invites us to trust that God is working behind the scenes, using even difficult political shifts to guide His people toward their ultimate purpose.
Understanding this historical context helps us see that our own times are also held in God’s hands. We do not need to fear the chaos of changing powers or uncertain futures. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that history is moving toward a conclusion where God’s justice and mercy will fully prevail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Necho8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְכוֹ֙1×
- נְכֹֽה\׃\ \ס1×
- נְכֹ֧ה1×
- נְכֹ֤ה1×
- נְכֹ֜ה1×
- נְכ֧וֹ1×
- נְכ֖וֹ1×
- נְכ֔וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 35:22
Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and didn’t listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
This verse highlights that Neco's words came from the mouth of God, showing how divine sovereignty uses even hostile foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes.
-
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.
It records the fatal confrontation at Megiddo where Pharaoh Neco killed King Josiah, marking a tragic turning point in Judah's history.
-
II Kings 23:34
Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim; but he took Jehoahaz away, and he came to Egypt and died there.
This occurrence details how Neco deposed Jehoahaz and installed Jehoiakim, demonstrating Egypt's temporary political dominance over Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pharaoh Neco in the Bible?
What does the name Neco mean?
Why did Josiah fight Neco?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
II Kings 4 verses
In his days Pharaoh Necoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates; and King Josiah…
II Kings 23:33Pharaoh Necoh put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land…
II Kings 23:34Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of Josiah his father, and changed his name to Jehoiakim;…
II Kings 23:35Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment…