Ἀπολλύων (Apolluōn)
Apolluōn
Apollyon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The proper name Apollyon translates directly as "Destroyer." It appears only once in the New Testament, serving as the title for the angel who rules over the locust swarm in Revelation 9:11. The term identifies this figure not merely by function but as a specific entity known across traditions as the agent of ruin.
Its structure reveals its meaning clearly: it is the active participle of the verb apollumi, which means to destroy or perish. This grammatical form emphasizes ongoing action, portraying the figure as one who is actively destroying rather than simply possessing the quality of destruction. The name functions as a Greek counterpart to the Hebrew Abaddon, linking two linguistic traditions in describing this final adversary.
Translators consistently render Apollyon as "Destroyer" or "the Destroyer," preserving the stark simplicity of the original title. By using a participle, the text highlights the relentless nature of this angel’s work during the trumpet judgments. The name stands as a unique identifier in Scripture for a being whose sole purpose is devastation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Apollyon appears only once in Scripture, standing as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual conflict. It translates directly to "Destroyer" and identifies the angel who rules over the locust swarm in Revelation 9:11. This title is not just a label but an active description of his purpose. He is the agent of ruin, tasked with bringing devastation during the final judgments.
While this image can feel unsettling, it places our struggles within a larger cosmic context. The Bible does not shy away from the power of evil, yet it also reveals that these forces are limited and subject to God’s sovereign control. Understanding the nature of destruction helps us recognize the value of preservation and peace in Christ.
Ultimately, this passage points to the hope found in Jesus, who came to save rather than destroy. While Apollyon represents loss and chaos, Christ offers restoration and life. This contrast invites us to trust in His protection and to find comfort in the fact that no force of darkness can overcome His ultimate victory.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Apollyon.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀπολλύων.1×
Key Verses
-
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 explicitly links the Greek name Apollyon with the Hebrew Abaddon, showing they refer to the same figure as king of the abyss.