Magog

Ma’gog, (Heb. Magog’, מָגוֹג, region of Gog [see below]; Sept. Μαγώγ, Vulg. Magog), the second son of Japhet (Genesis 10:2; 1 Chronicles 1:5). B.C. post 2514. “Various etymologies of the name have been suggested. Knobel (Vilke: t. p. 63) proposes the Sanscrit mah or malha, ‘great,’ and a Persian word signifying ’ mountain,’ in which case the reference would be to the Caucasian range. The terms ghogh and noghef are still applied to some of the heights of that range. This etymology is supported by Von Bohlen (Introd. to Genesis 2:211). On the other hand, Hitzig (Comm. in Ez.) connects the first syllable with the Coptic ma, ‘place,’ or the Sanscrit maha, ‘land,’ and the second with a Persian root, koka, ’ the moon,’ as though the term had reference to moon-worshippers.” In Ezekiel (38:2; 39:6) it occurs as the name of a nation, and, from the associated names in all the passages where it occurs, it is supposed to represent certain Scythian or Tartar tribes descended from the son of Japhet. SEE ETHNOLOGY. Thus, in Genesis, it is coupled with Gomer (the Cimmerians) and Madai (the Medes), among the Japhetites, while Ezekiel joins it with Meshech and Jubal (נָשַׂיא ראֹשׁ, “chief prince,” should be

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Author: McClintock and Strong Cyclopedia

Keywords: Magog

Bible reference(s): 1 Chronicles 1:5, Ezekiel 38:15, Ezekiel 39:3, Genesis 10:2, Revelation 20:7

Source: John McClintock and James Strong, Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature.

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