### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gôwg**, represented by `{{H1463}}`, identifies both an Israelite individual and a northern nation of prophetic significance. It appears **10 times** across **8 unique verses**, with its primary usage pointing to a figure who will act as an antagonist to Israel in the latter days. While one instance lists Gog as a person in a genealogy, the majority of its occurrences are found within the prophecies of Ezekiel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1463}}` is used in two distinct ways. Genealogically, he is named as the **son** of Joel in the lineage of the sons of Joel [[1 Chronicles 5:4]]. However, the most prominent use of the name is in the book of Ezekiel, where Gog is identified as the **chief** **prince** of **Meshech** and **Tubal**, from the land of **Magog** [[Ezekiel 38:2]]. God declares He is against Gog and will bring him up against the people of Israel as a **cloud** to **cover** the **land** in the **latter** **days** ([[Ezekiel 38:16]], [[Ezekiel 39:1]]). This confrontation is orchestrated by God so that the **heathen** may **know** Him when He is **sanctified** through His judgment upon Gog [[Ezekiel 38:16]]. The prophecy concludes with Gog and his entire **multitude** being defeated and buried in Israel, in a **valley** that will be called The **valley** of **Hamongog** [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the identity and role of Gog:
* `{{H4031}}` **Mâgôwg** (Magog, a son of Japheth; also a barbarous northern region): Gog is from the "land of **Magog**," establishing his geographical and, by extension, national origin as an outsider to Israel [[Ezekiel 38:2]].
* `{{H5387}}` **nâsîyʼ** (a king or sheik; also a rising mist): Gog is described as the "chief **prince**," signifying his role as an exalted leader and ruler over the peoples of Meshech and Tubal ([[Ezekiel 38:2]], [[Ezekiel 38:3]], [[Ezekiel 39:1]]).
* `{{H1995}}` **hâmôwn** (a noise, tumult, crowd): This word describes the vast army that accompanies Gog, referred to as "all his **multitude**," which will ultimately be buried with him [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
* `{{H1996}}` **Hămôwn Gôwg** (the multitude of Gog): This name is a direct combination of Gog and his multitude, given to the burial **valley**, signifying the complete and memorable defeat of Israel's enemy [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1463}}` is centered on God's sovereignty and self-revelation.
* **Instrument of Divine Purpose:** God explicitly states that He will **bring** Gog against His **land**, demonstrating that even the actions of God's enemies are within His sovereign control and serve His ultimate plan [[Ezekiel 38:16]].
* **Revelation to the Nations:** The primary reason given for the conflict is so that the **heathen** nations may **know** the Lord through His actions. God's power is displayed when He is **sanctified** in His judgment upon Gog before their eyes [[Ezekiel 38:16]].
* **Eschatological Judgment:** The prophecy is set in the **latter** **days** [[Ezekiel 38:16]]. God’s **fury** will **come up** against Gog [[Ezekiel 38:18]], culminating in the complete destruction of Gog and his forces, symbolized by the giving of a **place** of **graves** [[Ezekiel 39:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1463}}` is predominantly the name of a powerful, hostile leader used by God in the **latter** **days** to demonstrate His supreme power and holiness. While a minor genealogical figure shares the name, the prophetic Gog of Ezekiel stands as a key figure in eschatology. His story is not about his own might, but about the God of Israel who uses even His adversaries to make His name known throughout the **earth**.
TRV