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Socoh; Soco

Locations
Modern Location Tell es-Safi
Coordinates 31.6667° N, 34.8500° E

Geographical Setting

Socoh was a fortified Judean city situated in the Shephelah region, strategically positioned between the coastal plain and the Judean highlands.

What is the meaning of Socoh; Soco in the Bible?

Socoh was a fortified city in the Shephelah of Judah mentioned in several biblical accounts, with multiple forms and spellings. It was fortified by Rehoboam and captured by the Philistines.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Socoh with Tell es-Safi helps readers visualize the geographical context of the David and Goliath narrative and understand the strategic military importance of the Shephelah frontier in ancient Judah.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Socoh; Soco (located near modern Tell es-Safi) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Socoh; Soco in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Socoh; Soco clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Socoh; Soco." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/socoh-soco/
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