Original Word: גֹּמֶר
Part of Speech: proper name; masculine a.; feminine
Transliteration: Gomer
Pronunciation: GO-mer
Phonetic Spelling: (go'-mer)
KJV: Gomer
NASB: Gomer
Word Origin: [from H1584 (גָּמַר - come to an end)]

1. completion
2. Gomer, the name of a son of Japheth and of his descendants
3. also of a Hebrewess

Gomer

From gamar; completion; Gomer, the name of a son of Japheth and of his descendants; also of a Hebrewess -- Gomer.

see HEBREW gamar

Word Origin
from gamar
Definition
a son of Japheth, also his desc., also the wife of Hosea
NASB Translation
Gomer (6).

גֹּ֫מָר proper name

1.masculine a. son of Japhet Genesis 10:2,3= 1 Chronicles 1:5,6; Ezekiel 38:6; Lag^{Onom. Sacr. 2, 95, 2nd ed. 367, see BN 77} proposes גמרים for גמדים Ezekiel 27:11 q. v.; he identification גֹּמֶר with Cappadocia (compare ᵑ7 Ezekiel 27:11, Kiep^{Lb. d. alt. Geogr. 91}) = Armenian Gamir -χ (with plural ending) see also Lag^{Arm. Stud. 32 § 448}; compare further Assyrian Gimirrai, Schr^{KG 157 ff.} Dl^{Pa 245 f.} also Len^{Or.ii. 1, 332 ff.}

2. feminine wife of Hosea, Hosea 1:3.

Identity and Genealogy

Gomer is first introduced among the post-Flood patriarchs as “the firstborn of Japheth” (Genesis 10:2). His position at the head of Japheth’s line indicates prominence among the Gentile nations dispersed after Babel. 1 Chronicles 1:5 repeats the record, anchoring Gomer in Israel’s inspired genealogies and confirming the historical unity of Genesis and Chronicles.

Descendants and Historical Associations

Genesis 10:3 and 1 Chronicles 1:6 list three sons—Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah—showing that Gomer became the progenitor of multiple people groups. Ancient sources and later commentators have linked these descendants with regions north of Israel and westward into Asia Minor and Europe. While absolute certainty is elusive, a broad consensus identifies Gomer’s line with the Cimmerians and related tribes who appeared in the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. around the Black Sea. Their migrations help explain why Ezekiel later situates Gomer among northern confederates that threaten Israel.

Appearance in the Table of Nations

Moses’ Table of Nations (Genesis 10) is not merely an ethnographic list; it is foundational theology. By tracing every nation back to Noah’s sons, Scripture reveals a common origin and accountability to the one true God. Gomer’s placement under Japheth affirms that the breadth of Gentile peoples is part of God’s providential plan to “enlarge Japheth” (Genesis 9:27), setting the stage for the later inclusion of the nations in the gospel.

Role in End-Time Prophecy

Ezekiel 38:6 names Gomer among the allies of Gog who assemble “in the latter years” against the restored people of God. The prophet describes a vast northern coalition: “Gomer with all its troops, and Beth-Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—many peoples are with you”. The mention of both Gomer and his grandson Togarmah reinforces the continuity of the ancient genealogy while projecting it into eschatological conflict. The episode underscores two truths: God’s sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate deliverance of Israel, themes echoed in Revelation’s portrayal of the final battle.

Symbolic Use in Hosea

In a strikingly different context, Hosea marries “Gomer daughter of Diblaim” (Hosea 1:3), a woman whose unfaithfulness embodies Israel’s covenant infidelity. Though this Gomer is female and unrelated genealogically, the prophet’s choice of name is significant. Just as patriarchal Gomer fathered wandering nations, Hosea’s Gomer represents spiritual wandering. Her eventual redemption mirrors God’s relentless pursuit of His people and previews the Messiah’s saving work among both Jews and Gentiles.

Intertextual Themes and Theological Significance

1. Universality of Sin and Grace: Gomer’s descendants appear as both historical peoples and prophetic enemies, reminding readers that all nations share a common fallenness yet remain within God’s redemptive reach.
2. Continuity of Scripture: The narrative line from Genesis through Chronicles to Ezekiel and Hosea demonstrates the coherence of biblical revelation. Names recur with purpose, linking history, prophecy, and symbolism.
3. The Nations in God’s Plan: From the earliest post-Flood days, Gomer’s family illustrates God’s interest in ethnic diversity. His sons populated regions that would later hear the gospel (Acts 2:9 mentions “Cappadocia,” a region tied to Gomer’s sphere).

Practical Ministry Lessons

• Missions Vision: The far-flung descendants of Gomer anticipate the Great Commission. Believers are called to carry the message of reconciliation even to those once portrayed as enemies of God’s people.
• Covenant Faithfulness: Hosea’s marriage warns against spiritual adultery while offering hope of restoration. Christian leaders can draw on this narrative to counsel those who feel beyond redemption.
• Eschatological Watchfulness: Ezekiel’s prophecy encourages the church to discern global events through a biblical lens, trusting God’s ultimate victory rather than yielding to fear.

Summary

Gomer stands at the crossroads of history, prophecy, and symbol. As Japheth’s firstborn, he fathers nations; as an eschatological actor, his name reappears in the end-time alliance opposing Israel; as a prophetic metaphor, Gomer illustrates both human unfaithfulness and divine mercy. Each occurrence reinforces the enduring message that God rules over the movements of peoples and the destinies of individuals, accomplishing His redemptive purposes across the sweep of Scripture.

גֹּ֑מֶר גֹּ֖מֶר גֹּ֚מֶר גֹּ֣מֶר גמר gō·mer Gomer gōmerInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts