סוֹא (so)
so
So
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sô appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun, referring to an Egyptian official during the era of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned exclusively in one verse, 2 Kings 17:4, where he plays a brief but pivotal role in the political downfall of King Hoshea of Israel.
Hoshea sent messengers to Sô and sent tribute to him, abandoning the annual payment due to the Assyrian king. While some translations render his title as "king," lexical sources suggest he may have been a vizier or high-ranking minister who concealed the true identity of the Egyptian ruler at that time. His involvement highlights the complex diplomatic maneuvers that characterized the region's history.
The etymology of the name is often linked to the Hebrew root meaning "to conceal" or "hide," which aligns with the narrative context of secrecy surrounding his royal status. This single reference serves as a reminder of the intricate power struggles between Israel, Assyria, and Egypt during this period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Sô appears only once in Scripture, marking a brief moment in the history of King Hoshea of Israel. This single mention reminds us that human political schemes often rely on secrecy and hidden alliances. Hoshea tried to escape Assyrian control by contacting this Egyptian official, hoping for protection behind closed doors.
When we face pressure or fear, it is natural to look for secret ways out or hidden protectors. Yet Scripture shows that such maneuvers rarely bring lasting peace. True security does not come from complex diplomatic deals or concealed strategies, but from trusting in God’s faithful presence and His established order.
This historical detail invites us to examine where we place our trust. Instead of seeking hidden escapes or relying on shifting human powers, we are called to rest in the One who holds all nations and history in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- So1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ס֣וֹא1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 17:4
The king of Assyria discovered a conspiracy in Hoshea; for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria seized him, and bound him in prison.
This verse records Hoshea’s secret alliance with Sô, highlighting how political secrecy led to Israel’s downfall rather than its salvation.