Magog
/ˈmeɪɡɒɡ/noun
A biblical name for a people or land associated with apocalyptic enemies of God, later linked with Gog and Magog.
Did you know?In Revelation, Gog and Magog become symbolic names for the nations gathered for a final apocalyptic battle, not merely one historical kingdom.
Etymological Timeline
6th century BCE
Hebrew
מָגוֹג (Māgōg)
“A name for a people or land mentioned in Ezekiel as an apocalyptic enemy associated with Gog.”
3rd–2nd century BCE
Septuagint Greek
Μαγώγ (Magṓg)
“Greek transliteration of the Hebrew biblical name.”
1st century CE
Koine Greek
Μαγώγ (Magṓg)
“The name used in Revelation for the nations gathered with Gog in the final rebellion.”
4th century CE
Latin
Magog
“Latin biblical form preserved in Christian scriptural and theological writing.”
Middle English
English
Magog
“A scriptural proper name used in medieval biblical interpretation and apocalyptic literature.”
Modern English
English
Magog
“A biblical and mythological name, commonly encountered in the expression “Gog and Magog.””
Explore more surprising origins