Ἀβαδδών (Abaddōn)
Abaddōn
Abaddon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Abaddon translates directly to "destruction" or "ruin." In the New Testament, it appears only once in Revelation 9:11, where it identifies the king of the locust-like army emerging from the Abyss. The text explicitly states that his Hebrew name is Abaddon and his Greek name is Apollyon, both meaning "Destroyer."
This title draws on Old Testament imagery where Sheol and Abaddon are personified as places of ruin for the dead (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11). Here, however, the concept is embodied in a specific angelic figure. He is described as the angel of the Abyss, serving as an agent of divine judgment rather than a chaotic force. The sources note this usage aligns with Wisdom literature, where destruction is often depicted as having a domain or ruler.
The dual naming highlights the word’s theological weight across languages. While the Hebrew term emphasizes the place of perdition, the Greek Apollyon reinforces the active role of the figure as one who brings about that end. This single occurrence presents Abaddon not merely as a location, but as a powerful entity executing the consequences of rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abaddon appears only once in the New Testament, serving as a stark reminder that evil has limits and is ultimately under God’s control. In Revelation 9:11, this figure is identified as the angel of the Abyss, ruling over a destructive force. Yet he is not an independent power warring against God; he is an agent executing judgment. This distinction offers comfort to believers, showing that even in times of severe trial or spiritual warfare, God remains sovereign and purposeful.
Understanding Abaddon helps us see that destruction is not the final word. While the name means 'ruin,' its presence in Scripture points to a divine order where justice prevails. For your faith, this means you can trust in God’s protection even when facing overwhelming opposition. The enemy may have power, but it is delegated and temporary, always subject to the authority of the Creator who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [is] Abaddon,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀβαδδών,1×
Key Verses
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Revelation of John 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”.
This verse establishes Abaddon as a specific ruler with a defined role in divine judgment, rather than a chaotic force acting on its own.