from גּוֹג; Magog, a son of Japheth; also a barbarous northern region; Magog.
Transliteration:Mâgôwg
Pronunciation:maw-gogue'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H4031, "Mâgôwg" (מָגוֹג), is derived from `{{H1463}}` (Gog) and carries a dual semantic range. Primarily, it denotes a proper noun identifying Magog, a son of Japheth, as listed in the Table of Nations. This signifies a lineage and a people group descended from this patriarch. Secondarily, and more significantly in prophetic contexts, "Magog" refers to a geographical region, specifically described as a "barbarous northern region." This broader denotation suggests a distant, formidable, and potentially hostile land or people, often associated with the leader Gog. The interplay between the personal and geographical meanings is crucial for understanding its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
"Mâgôwg" appears in both historical and prophetic texts, with distinct contextual implications:
* **Genealogical Context:**
* [[Genesis 10:2]]: "The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras." Here, Magog is clearly identified as an individual, a direct son of Japheth, establishing his place within the early post-diluvian human family. This is a foundational, historical reference.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:5]]: "The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras." This passage reiterates the genealogical record from Genesis, confirming Magog's identity as an ancestral figure.
* **Prophetic/Eschatological Context:**
* [[Ezekiel 38:2]]: "Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him." In Ezekiel, "Magog" transitions from a personal name to a geographical entity, "the land of Magog," from which Gog, the primary antagonist, originates. It is consistently depicted as a northern power.
* [[Ezekiel 38:3]]: "And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal." This verse reinforces the connection between Gog and Magog, identifying Gog as the ruler of this land.
* [[Ezekiel 38:18]]: "And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face." The land of Magog is the source of the invading forces led by Gog.
* [[Ezekiel 39:6]]: "And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD." Here, Magog is the recipient of divine judgment, further solidifying its identity as a land or people group targeted by God's wrath.
* [[Revelation 20:8]]: "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." In the New Testament, "Gog and Magog" become a symbolic representation of the ultimate, universal rebellion against God and His people at the end of time, drawing heavily on the imagery from Ezekiel but expanding its scope to encompass all hostile nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1463}}` (Gog):** Inseparable from Magog in prophetic literature, Gog is the leader or prince of the land of Magog. Their combined identity represents a formidable eschatological foe.
* **Japheth:** As Magog's progenitor, Japheth connects Magog to the broader family of nations and the early dispersion of humanity.
* **Meshech and Tubal:** These nations are frequently associated with Gog and Magog in Ezekiel, indicating a confederation of northern powers that pose a threat to Israel.
* **"Northern Region":** The consistent geographical indicator of "the north" (e.g., "uttermost parts of the north" in Ezekiel) is a significant motif, often symbolizing distant, powerful, and hostile forces in biblical prophecy.
* **Eschatology:** The concept of end-times events, particularly a climactic battle against God's people, is intrinsically linked to the figures of Gog and Magog.
* **Apocalyptic Literature:** The use of "Gog and Magog" in Revelation aligns with the symbolic, dramatic, and universalizing nature of apocalyptic prophecy, representing the final, global opposition to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Mâgôwg" is profound, particularly in its prophetic usage:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The narrative of Gog and Magog powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even those seemingly beyond human control. Their rise and fall are orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes, ultimately revealing His glory and holiness to Israel and the world ([[Ezekiel 38:16]], [[Ezekiel 39:7]]).
* **Ultimate Rebellion and Judgment:** In Ezekiel, Gog's invasion represents a climactic act of defiance against God's people, which is met with overwhelming divine judgment. In Revelation, "Gog and Magog" symbolize the final, universal rebellion of humanity against God and His Christ, which is decisively defeated. This signifies the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the final eradication of evil.
* **Assurance of God's Protection:** The promised defeat of Gog and Magog serves as a powerful theological assurance that God will always defend His covenant people against their enemies, regardless of the perceived strength or numbers of the opposing forces. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises.
* **Symbol of Gentile Hostility:** Magog, especially in conjunction with Gog, becomes a potent symbol of the nations (Gentiles) who oppose God and His chosen people throughout history, culminating in a final, decisive confrontation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H4031, "Mâgôwg" (מָגוֹג), functions both as a genealogical marker and a powerful prophetic symbol. Historically, it identifies a son of Japheth, establishing a lineage within the early human family ([[Genesis 10:2]]). However, its most impactful usage is in the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Revelation, where "Magog" denotes a "barbarous northern region" from which the formidable leader Gog emerges. This entity represents a significant eschatological threat to God's people. Theologically, the narrative surrounding Gog and Magog underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, His unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people, and the ultimate, inevitable defeat of all forces that oppose His divine will. In Revelation, "Gog and Magog" transcend a specific historical entity to symbolize the final, global rebellion against God, which is ultimately crushed, affirming the eternal triumph of God's justice and kingdom ([[Revelation 20:8]]).
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