Brief Overview of Γώγ (G1136: Gōg)

Gōg (pronounced GOG, Γώγ) is a proper noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1136. The term Gōg is a transliteration of a name that appears in the Old Testament and later in the New Testament, most notably in the apocalyptic literature. The name Gōg is often associated with a leader or ruler of a hostile nation or group that opposes the people of God. In biblical prophecy, Gōg is depicted as a figure who will lead an assault against Israel in the end times, representing the forces of evil in eschatological battles.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Gōg is identified as the name of a leader mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 20:8. BDAG notes that Gōg is associated with apocalyptic imagery, where he leads a coalition of nations against Israel in the final battle before the establishment of God’s kingdom. The lexicon emphasizes the symbolic nature of Gōg in these texts, representing the ultimate enemies of God and His people.

Thayer’s Lexicon also defines Gōg as a proper noun referring to a leader or prince who appears in prophetic and apocalyptic literature. Thayer’s highlights the use of Gōg in Ezekiel’s prophecy, where Gōg of the land of Magog is depicted as a significant adversary who will be defeated by divine intervention. The lexicon also notes the reappearance of Gōg in the Book of Revelation, where the name symbolizes the final rebellion against God.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon focuses on the proper noun Gōg as it appears in the Greek texts, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament. LSJ points out that Gōg is a name associated with eschatological enemies and is often paired with Magog to represent a coalition of nations in the final battle.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Gōg as a name used in the Bible to refer to a leader of a hostile nation, specifically mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 20:8. The concordance emphasizes the eschatological significance of Gōg, highlighting his role as an antagonist in the prophetic visions of the end times.

Gōg is directly mentioned in Ezekiel 38:2-3, where the prophecy begins, “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.” Gōg is also mentioned in Revelation 20:8, where he, along with Magog, gathers nations for the final battle against God’s people.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Gōg is primarily a biblical term and does not have significant usage in classical Greek literature outside of its scriptural context. The name Gōg appears in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, where it retains its association with the leader of hostile forces against Israel. The use of Gōg in the Septuagint emphasizes the apocalyptic and prophetic nature of the character, as he is depicted as a formidable adversary destined for defeat by divine intervention.

There are no notable references to Gōg in the works of classical Greek authors such as Homer, Plato, or Aristotle, as the term is specific to the biblical and religious tradition. However, the name Gōg might have been recognized by early Christian writers who were familiar with the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Summary

Gōg (pronounced GOG, Γώγ) is a proper noun in the Bible, representing a leader or prince of a hostile nation that opposes God’s people. The name is most prominently featured in the prophecies of Ezekiel and the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ identify Gōg as a symbolic figure who leads an alliance against Israel in the eschatological battles of the end times. In these prophecies, Gōg is depicted as the embodiment of evil forces destined to be defeated by God. While Gōg is not found in classical Greek literature, the name holds significant importance in the biblical tradition, representing the ultimate adversary in the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

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