abbadon
Original Language Overview
-
Hebrew Word: אֲבַדּוֹן
-
Transliteration: 'Avaddon
-
Translation/Definition: Destruction, ruin, place of destruction.
-
Strong's Number: H11
-
Greek Word (New Testament context): Ἀβαδδών (Hebrew name transliterated into Greek) or Ἀπολλύων
-
Transliteration: Abaddōn (for the Hebrew name), Apolluōn (for the Greek equivalent)
-
Translation/Definition: Abaddon (Hebrew for "destruction"); Apollyon (Greek for "Destroyer").
-
Strong's Number: G3 (for Abaddon), G623 (for Apollyon)
Meaning and Significance
The Hebrew word אֲבַדּוֹן ('Avaddon) primarily signifies "destruction," "ruin," or "perishing." It is used in the Old Testament to refer to a place of destruction or the realm of the dead, often in parallel with Sheol. It denotes a state of utter ruin and oblivion.
In the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation, the term takes on a personified form. In Revelation 9:11, Abaddon is identified as the angel of the bottomless pit, who leads the locusts that emerge from it. The text explicitly provides the Greek equivalent, Ἀπολλύων (Apolluōn), which means "Destroyer." This emphasizes the destructive nature and role of this figure.
Significant Occurrences in Scripture
Old Testament (Hebrew: אֲבַדּוֹן - 'Avaddon
- Job 26.6 "Sheol is naked before Him, and Abaddon has no covering." (Here, Abaddon is parallel to Sheol, referring to the realm of the dead or destruction).
- Job 28:22: "Abaddon and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'" (Again, personified with Death, indicating the realm of finality).
- Psalm 88:11: "Is your steadfast love declared in the grave, or your faithfulness in Abaddon?" (Parallel to the grave, referring to ultimate destruction or oblivion).
- Proverbs 15:11: "Sheol and Abaddon are before the Lord; how much more the hearts of the children of man!" (Illustrates God's all-knowing presence even over the deepest places of destruction).
- Proverbs 28.20: "Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man." (Depicts Abaddon as insatiable, like Sheol).
New Testament (Greek: Ἀβαδδών / Ἀπολλύων)
- Revelation 9.11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon", but in Greek, he has the name "Apollyon".
- (Here, Abaddon is clearly personified as a ruling angel over demonic forces, explicitly named "Destroyer" in Greek, indicating his active role in the judgments unleashed during the end times).
Theological Implications (Reformed Perspective)
The mention of Abaddon/Apollyon in Revelation 9:11 serves several theological points:
- Divine Sovereignty: Even the destructive forces of evil, personified by Abaddon/Apollyon, are ultimately under the sovereign control of God. This "angel of the bottomless pit" does not act independently but is given authority within the framework of God's redemptive plan and judgment (Revelation 9:1-5). God uses even evil to accomplish His purposes, though He is not the author of evil.
- Nature of Evil: The name "Destroyer" (Apollyon) highlights the inherently destructive nature of satanic and demonic forces. Their goal is ruin and opposition to God's good creation and His people. This aligns with a Reformed understanding of sin and its consequences—it always leads to death and destruction.
- Christ's Victory: While Abaddon/Apollyon represents destruction, the larger narrative of Revelation culminates in the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil, including death and Hades (Revelation 1:18, 20:14). The temporary reign of destructive forces is set against the eternal, restorative reign of God and His Christ. This reinforces the Reformed emphasis on God's ultimate triumph and the assurance of salvation for His elect.
- Figurative Language: Many Reformed commentators interpret the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation, including figures like Abaddon, as highly symbolic rather than literal. They represent the spiritual realities of conflict, judgment, and the destructive influence of demonic powers throughout history and particularly leading up to the return of Christ.
Related Words
Hebrew (Old Testament)
- שְׁאוֹל (She'ol) - H7585: Grave, underworld, realm of the dead. Often appears in parallelism with Abaddon, indicating a place of finality.
- אֲבַדּוֹן (avadon) - H11: The noun form of Abaddon, meaning destruction or ruin. This is the same word.
- אָבַד ('avad) - H6: To perish, be lost, be destroyed. This is the verbal root from which 'Avaddon is derived, emphasizing the action of destruction.
Greek (New Testament)
- Ἀπολλύων (Apolluōn) - G623: Destroyer. The direct Greek translation/equivalent given in Revelation 9:11 for Abaddon, highlighting the active role of destruction.
- ὄλεθρος (olethros) - G3639: Ruin, destruction, perishing. A general term for destruction, often used in contexts of judgment.
- ἀπώλεια (apōleia) - G684: Destruction, ruin, loss. Similar to olethros, denoting a state of ruin or eternal perdition. It is also related to the verb apollymi (to destroy, to lose), from which Apolluōn is derived.
Septuagint (LXX) Equivalents (for related Hebrew words)
-
For אֲבַדּוֹן ('Avaddon - H11):
- ἀπώλεια (apōleia - G684): Destruction, ruin (e.g., Job 26:6, Proverbs 15:11).
- θάνατος (thanatos - G2288): Death (e.g., Job 28:22, where Abaddon is paired with Death).
- ᾅδης (hadēs - G86): Hades, the underworld (e.g., Psalm 88:11, where it is used in parallel with the Hebrew Sheol, which is also often translated as Hades).
-
For שְׁאוֹל (She'ol - H7585):
- ᾅδης (hadēs - G86): Hades, the underworld (most common translation).
- θάνατος (thanatos - G2288): Death (less common, but occurs).