Lexical Summary Magóg: Magog Original Word: Μαγώγ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Magog. Of Hebrew origin (Magowg); Magog, a foreign nation, i.e. (figuratively) an Antichristian party -- Magog. see HEBREW Magowg NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Magog Definition Magog, a foreign nation NASB Translation Magog (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3098: ΜαγώγΜαγώγ, ὁ, see Γώγ. Topical Lexicon Name and Lineage Magog enters the biblical record as one of the seven sons of Japheth, the son of Noah (Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5). As a descendant of Japheth, Magog is identified with the peoples who spread northward and westward after the flood. In the Old Testament genealogies his name designates both an individual and a people-group that came to inhabit the far reaches “of the north.” Geographical and Ethnological Associations Ancient writers—from Josephus to Greek historians—link Magog with the Scythians or similar nomadic tribes who roamed the regions around the Black and Caspian Seas. Scripture likewise places Magog at “the remotest parts of the north” (Ezekiel 38:15), a phrasing repeatedly used by the prophets to signify distant, formidable nations beyond Israel’s immediate horizon. Although precise identification remains debated, Magog consistently represents a coalition of peoples located well outside the traditional boundaries of the Promised Land. Prophetic Role in Ezekiel Ezekiel 38–39 features the most detailed treatment of Magog. The prophet is told, “Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog” (Ezekiel 38:2). Here Magog is the territorial base from which Gog, a hostile leader, gathers a vast alliance against Israel in the “latter days” (Ezekiel 38:8,16). Key elements include: The prophecy assures Israel that even the most distant and powerful enemies fall under God’s sovereign rule. Eschatological Significance in Revelation Magog’s sole New Testament appearance occurs in Revelation 20:8, where Satan, released after the millennial reign, “will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea”. John fuses the Ezekiel imagery into a final, worldwide revolt. Magog thus becomes shorthand for all godless opposition rising against Christ’s kingdom. Fire from heaven swiftly devours the rebels (Revelation 20:9), underscoring the certainty of divine victory first prefigured in Ezekiel. Theological Themes 1. The universality of sin: Magog embodies humanity’s persistent capacity for rebellion, regardless of prior judgment or blessing. Historical Reception Early Church fathers often equated Magog with barbarian invasions threatening the Roman Empire, while medieval interpreters associated him with emerging powers on their own horizons. Reformation and modern expositors have variously applied the figure to Ottomans, Russians, or a future multinational force. Though details differ, all interpretations affirm Scripture’s portrayal of Magog as an archetype of end-time hostility ultimately crushed by the Lord. Practical Ministry Implications • Vigilance: Believers should anticipate spiritual opposition even after periods of peace. In every biblical appearance, Magog illustrates the pattern of human rebellion met by the unwavering righteousness and victory of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations Μαγωγ Μαγώγ Magog Magōg MagṓgLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
    |