I. Name

Gog (gwg) occurs as the name of a mysterious figure in Ezek. 38–39. Its etymology is uncertain. A derivation from Sumerian gug (‘black spot’, ‘cornelian’, or ‘shining’, depending on the identification of the root) has been proposed (A. van Hoonacker, ZA 28 [1914] 336), but is highly implausible. The connection with a hypothetical deity ‘Gaga’, mentioned in Ee. III 3 as the vizier of Anshar (Assur), the father of the gods, must be abandoned as the name of the deity in question is to be pronounced Kaka (D. O. E…