Γώγ

Gṓg

G1136 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A proper name referring to a leader or ruler, primarily known from biblical apocalyptic literature; in Greek texts, refers specifically to 'Gog,' a figure representing collective opposition to Israel or to God, usually in eschatological, symbolic, or prophetic contexts. While the primary meaning is a personal name, in later Jewish and Christian texts the name takes on a symbolic or emblematic quality for hostile forces at the end of the age.

Semantic Range

proper name Gog, leader of hostile nations (in prophetic literature), symbolic adversary in eschatological visions

Root / Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew גּוֹג (Gog). In Greek, the name is a straightforward transliteration with no known Greek derivation. The Hebrew origin may relate to an individual or legendary figure, but the ultimate source is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Γώγ appears in the Greek Bible (Septuagint) in Ezekiel (LXX Ezekiel 38–39) as a leader of 'the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal,' symbolizing opponents in a prophetic vision of the eschatological future. In the Greek of Revelation (20:8), Gog is paired with Magog as archetypal foes gathered for a climactic cosmic battle. The name is not used as a common noun and carries strong apocalyptic and symbolic associations in post-biblical Jewish and Christian literature. English translations commonly transliterate the name as 'Gog,' but traditional glosses like 'a symbolic name for the Antichrist' reflect interpretive tradition rather than semantic or historical certainty: the Greek word itself denotes a proper name for a figure of opposition, not specifically an 'Antichrist.' The meaning is derived from context, not from inherent lexical properties. The name appears only in direct reference to the biblical or apocalyptic figure, never as an ordinary or descriptive noun.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (גּוֹג); Gog, a symbolic name for some future Antichrist:--Gog.

Root Family

Γωγ- (Gṓg) — proper name, leader, opponent (in apocalyptic contexts)

Root Γωγ- proper name, leader, opponent (in apocalyptic contexts)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1136-01 Γὼγ gog N ACC M SG Gog Gog Gog 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1136-01 Revelation 20:8 Γὼγ gog N ACC M SG Gog Gog Gog