Gog And Magog
/ˌɡɒɡ ən ˈmeɪɡɒɡ/noun
A biblical pair of enemies representing forces hostile to God, later used for legendary destructive nations or an immense threatening crowd.
Did you know?In Ezekiel, Gog attacks a restored Israel, while Revelation transforms Gog and Magog into nations gathered for a final cosmic battle after a thousand-year reign.
Etymological Timeline
6th century BCE
Biblical Hebrew
גּוֹג מָגוֹג (Gog Magog)
“Gog, a ruler or enemy associated with the land of Magog; the exact identities and meanings are uncertain.”
3rd–2nd century BCE
Septuagint Greek
Γὼγ Μαγώγ (Gōg Magōg)
“Greek forms of the names used in the translation of Ezekiel.”
1st century CE
Koine Greek
Γὼγ καὶ Μαγώγ (Gōg kai Magōg)
“Gog and Magog, nations assembled for the final battle in the Book of Revelation.”
8th century
Latin
Gog et Magog
“Biblical apocalyptic enemies, preserved in Latin Christian writings.”
14th century
Middle English
Gog and Magog
“Names used in English biblical and legendary traditions for monstrous or hostile peoples.”
Modern English
English
Gog and Magog
“Apocalyptic enemies, legendary giants, or figuratively any vast and threatening force.”
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