Lexical Summary Neko: Neco Original Word: נְכוֹ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Necho Probably of Egyptian origin; Neko, an Egyptian king -- Necho. Compare Par'oh Nkoh. see HEBREW Par'oh Nkoh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of foreign origin Definition a king of Eg. NASB Translation Neco (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs נְכוֺ, נְכֹה proper name, masculine Necho (II), king of Egypt (Egyptian Nkw, i.e (SteindBAS i. 346 f.) Nekawœ; Assyrian Nikû Id.ib. SchrCOT 2 Kings 23:29 is grandfather of Bibl. Necho); — contemporary of Josiah and Nebuchadnezzar [ B.C. 611-605]: נְכוֺ2Chronicles 35:20 (ᵐ5 θαραω Νεχαω), נְכֹה2Chronicles 35:22; 36:4 (ᵐ5 θαραω Νεχαω); מַּרְעֹה נְכוֺ Jeremiah 46:2, מַּרְעֹה נְכֹה 2 Kings 23:29,33,34,35 (all ᵐ5 id.). נָכוֺן proper name, masculine see below כּון, and see כִּידֹן. נכח (√ of following: probably be in front of; LagBN 30 compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Historical SettingThe name represented by this form appears only in the Chronicler’s record, yet it points to the same historical figure universally known as Pharaoh Necho II of Egypt (r. ca. 610–595 BC). He ruled during the rapid geopolitical shifts that followed the collapse of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon. Intent on controlling the vital trade and military corridor along the Levantine coast and the Euphrates, Necho mounted northern campaigns designed to aid the remnants of Assyria and to curb Babylonian expansion. Primary Biblical References 1. 2 Chronicles 35:20 – Necho’s march toward the Euphrates brings him through Judah in the days of King Josiah. “After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him.” 2. 2 Chronicles 35:22 – Josiah disregards Necho’s diplomatic overture and engages him at Megiddo, resulting in Josiah’s mortal wounding and the end of Judah’s last great reform movement. 3. 2 Chronicles 36:4 – Necho asserts control over Judah’s succession, deporting Jehoahaz to Egypt and installing Eliakim—renamed Jehoiakim—as a vassal king, thereby binding Judah to Egyptian tribute. Political and International Significance Necho’s movements throw Judah onto the stage of imperial conflict. Josiah’s disaster at Megiddo removed a righteous monarch, weakened national morale, and created a power vacuum that Egypt swiftly filled. The imposed tribute (2 Chronicles 36:3) strained Judah economically, while the enforced kingship of Jehoiakim fostered political instability that Babylon soon exploited. Thus Necho’s brief ascendancy paved the way for Judah’s deeper entanglement in the Babylonian crisis, culminating in exile. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty in the Nations Necho’s campaigns illustrate the biblical theme that the Lord directs even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes (compare Isaiah 10:5–7; Jeremiah 25:9). Josiah’s untimely death fulfilled the prophetic word that he would not witness the coming judgment (2 Kings 22:20), demonstrating that God’s counsel stands despite human intentions. 2. Responsibility of Spiritual Leadership Josiah’s refusal to heed Necho’s warning—presented as coming “from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:22)—highlights the danger of disregarding divine guidance, even when it arrives through unexpected channels. His life affirms that zeal must remain coupled with discernment (Proverbs 19:2). 3. Consequences of National Disobedience Judah’s later submission to Babylon was accelerated by the turmoil Necho instigated. The Chronicler thereby underscores that the covenant community cannot rely on political alliances for security; only covenant faithfulness brings true stability (Psalm 20:7). Lessons for Ministry Today • Leaders must weigh every decision, even seemingly patriotic or defensive actions, against the revealed will of God. Related Passages for Further Study 2 Kings 23:29–35; 24:1 Forms and Transliterations נְכ֔וֹ נְכ֖וֹ נְכ֧וֹ נכו nə·ḵōw neCho nəḵōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 35:20 HEB: הַבַּ֔יִת עָלָ֞ה נְכ֧וֹ מֶֽלֶךְ־ מִצְרַ֛יִם NAS: in order, Neco king KJV: the temple, Necho king INT: the temple came Neco king of Egypt 2 Chronicles 35:22 2 Chronicles 36:4 3 Occurrences |
    |
marry (perhaps originally in physical sense); Syriac 
is Gentle, 
gentleness).