Revelation 9:11
They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most striking thing here is that the names Abaddon and Apollyon, both meaning "Destroyer," are given in both Hebrew and Greek. This isn't just a linguistic note; it powerfully signifies that this destructive force transcends any single culture or language, making its reach and impact universal.
These otherworldly locusts, unleashed by the fifth trumpet, are not like their earthly counterparts; they have a terrifying, intelligent leader. This king, identified as an "angel of the bottomless pit," is given dual names, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning "Destroyer." This signifies the destructive nature of the force being unleashed, highlighting a divinely orchestrated judgment rather than random chaos.
Why does Revelation emphasize that these locusts have a king, unlike their natural counterparts? This isn't just about leadership; it's about divine orchestration.
A King of Destruction
Unlike the swarming, leaderless locusts described in Proverbs 30:27, the terrifying horde in Revelation has a clear commander. This isn't a minor detail; it highlights that their destructive power is not random or accidental. It's orchestrated.
Why does John give us not one, but two names for this king—one Hebrew, one Greek? It's to ensure we grasp the full horror of his destructive nature.
The Essence of Destruction
The king of the abyss is given dual names, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both signifying 'Destroyer.' This repetition isn't redundant; it emphasizes the core identity and purpose of this entity.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
A spiritual being created by God who serves as a messenger, though in some contexts, it can refer to fallen angels or demonic powers.
abyssos · Greek Noun
The place of the dead or a place of deep, chaotic imprisonment for demonic forces, often depicted as a dark, subterranean prison.
Abaddon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew term meaning 'destruction' or 'place of destruction,' often personified as the ruler of the demonic realm.
Apollyōn · Greek Proper Noun
A Greek term meaning 'Destroyer,' used as the equivalent to Abaddon, representing the destructive nature of evil.
Written during a period of intense persecution and theological challenges, Revelation addresses believers facing immense pressure to conform to imperial cults and societal norms. The vision of Abaddon/Apollyon serves as a stark reminder that even the most destructive forces operate under God's ultimate sovereignty, and the true battle is spiritual.
c. 4 BC - AD 65
Life of Jesus Christ
The foundational events of Christianity, including the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus, occurred during this period. The early church faced Roman rule and Jewish opposition.
c. 30 - 60s AD
Early Church Expansion
The gospel spread rapidly through the Roman Empire, establishing numerous churches. This expansion also led to persecution by both Roman authorities and some Jewish leaders.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Neronian Persecution
Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a brutal persecution that martyred many believers, including possibly Paul and Peter.
c. 68-70 AD
First Jewish-Roman War and Destruction of Jerusalem
A major revolt by the Jews against Roman rule led to the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. This event had profound implications for Jewish identity and the early Christian movement.
This verse also uses 'Abaddon' (translated as 'Sheol' or 'the grave' in many English versions) to refer to a place or state of utter destruction, mirroring the destructive nature of the king in Revelation.
Proverbs 15:11This proverb states that 'Sheol and Abaddon are before the LORD,' emphasizing the vastness of destruction and the underworld, providing context for the power and domain of the 'angel of the bottomless pit'.
John 8:44Jesus calls the devil 'a murderer from the beginning,' highlighting his destructive nature and role as a source of lies and death, which aligns with the 'Destroyer' title given to the angel in Revelation.
Romans 3:12-18This passage describes the universal sinfulness and destructive tendencies of humanity, painting a picture of 'destruction and misery' that echoes the work of an entity named 'Destroyer'.
2 Thessalonians 2:3Paul refers to the 'man of lawlessness,' also called the 'son of destruction,' connecting the concept of destruction with a powerful, deceptive figure opposing God's kingdom.
ellicottRevelation 9:11: "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."
(11) And they had a king . . . —Better, They have over them as king (not “ the angel,” as in English version) an angel of the abyss; his name (is) in Hebrew Abaddon, and in the Greek he has a name , Apollyon. There is more than one point in which the seer wishes us to mark the contrast between these symbolical and…
clarkeRevelation 9:11: "And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon."
A king over them - A supreme head; some think Mohammed, some think Vespasian. The angel of the bottomless pit - The chief envoy of Satan. Abaddon - From אבד abad, he destroyed. Apollyon - From απο, intensive, and ολλυω, to destroy. The meaning is the same both in the Hebrew and Greek.
The most striking thing here is that the names Abaddon and Apollyon, both meaning "Destroyer," are given in both Hebrew and Greek. This isn't just a linguistic note; it powerfully signifies that this destructive force transcends any single culture or language, making its reach and impact universal.
These otherworldly locusts, unleashed by the fifth trumpet, are not like their earthly counterparts; they have a terrifying, intelligent leader. This king, identified as an "angel of the bottomless pit," is given dual names, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning "Destroyer." This signifies the destructive nature of the force being unleashed, highlighting a divinely orchestrated judgment rather than random chaos.
These otherworldly locusts, unleashed by the fifth trumpet, are not like their earthly counterparts; they have a terrifying, intelligent leader. This king, identified as an "angel of the bottomless pit," is given dual names, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning "Destroyer." This signifies the destructive nature of the force being unleashed, highlighting a divinely orchestrated judgment rather than random chaos.
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c. 90-100 AD— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation was likely written during the reign of Emperor Domitian, a period of intensified persecution against Christians who refused to worship the emperor.
c. 2nd - 4th centuries AD
Rise of Gnosticism and other Heresies
Various theological movements and 'heresies' emerged, challenging core Christian doctrines and causing internal conflict within the church. These movements often blended Christian ideas with other philosophical and religious systems.
"They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon." — The most striking thing here is that the names Abaddon and Apollyon, both meaning "Destroyer," are given in both Hebrew and Greek. This isn't just a linguistic note; it powerfully signifies that this…
