גּוֹג (gog)
gog
Gog
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name gog appears in the Hebrew Bible as a proper noun with two distinct referents, though both are rare. In 1 Chronicles 5:4, it identifies a specific individual from the tribe of Reuben, the son of Shemaiah and father of Shimei. This usage places him within the genealogical records of the Israelite tribes during the period leading up to the exile.
The name is far more prominent in prophetic literature, where it designates a mysterious leader associated with Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. The sources note that the meaning of the name is uncertain, though some traditions link it to "mountain." In these visions, gog serves as the head of a coalition of nations, representing a force opposed to God’s people in eschatological scenarios.
Translators typically retain the name as Gog rather than translating it, preserving its identity as a specific title or figure. The juxtaposition of a minor tribal ancestor with a major apocalyptic antagonist highlights how biblical authors reused names to evoke theological connections between historical Israel and future divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gog appears in the Hebrew Bible with two distinct identities. In 1 Chronicles 5:4, it refers to a specific ancestor from the tribe of Reuben. This brief mention places him within the family records of Israel, connecting generations during a time leading up to exile. It shows how names carried weight across history, linking individuals to their heritage and God’s ongoing story with His people.
Outside this genealogy, Gog becomes a prominent figure in prophetic visions, often associated with opposition to God’s people. While the exact meaning of the name is uncertain, its use as a title for a coalition leader highlights themes of divine sovereignty and judgment. For believers, these references remind us that God remains in control, even when forces seem aligned against His purposes.
Whether encountered as an ancestor or a symbolic figure, Gog invites reflection on faithfulness through generations. The biblical narrative assures us that God’s plans endure beyond human struggles. This hope anchors our trust in His ultimate victory and care for those who remain steadfast in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gog1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גּ֥וֹג1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:4
The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
This verse identifies Gog as a son of Shemaiah, anchoring the name within the genealogical lineage of Reuben rather than its later prophetic role.