Ἀρμαγεδδών (Armageddōn)
Armageddōn
Armageddon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word Armageddōn appears only once in the New Testament, at Revelation 16:16. It is a proper noun that points to a specific geographic location rather than a general concept. The term combines elements meaning "mountain" or "hill" with Megiddo, an ancient city in northern Israel.
Its significance stems from the history of the nearby Jezreel Valley, known as the plain of Esdraelon. This area witnessed major biblical battles, including victories by Barak and Gideon, but also tragic defeats where kings Saul and Josiah died. In Revelation, this history serves as a symbol for the final clash between good and evil, suggesting a place of decisive judgment.
Translators often render it as "Har-Magedon," preserving the Hebrew sense of the hill of Megiddo. The image evokes not just a physical site but the weight of past conflicts, framing the end-times battle as the ultimate culmination of historical struggles between righteousness and wickedness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Armageddon appears only once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 16:16. It refers to a specific location known as the place called in Hebrew Harmagedon. This name points to Megiddo, an ancient city in northern Israel situated near the Jezreel Valley. Throughout history, this region was the site of significant battles, serving as a backdrop for both victories and defeats in the lives of biblical figures.
In the context of Revelation, this historical setting is used to describe a final gathering. It symbolizes the ultimate confrontation between opposing forces at the end of time. For readers today, the term reminds us that history is moving toward a definitive moment of judgment. It calls attention to the seriousness of spiritual choices and the certainty that God’s purposes will be fulfilled.
Understanding this word helps clarify the imagery in Revelation. It is not merely a vague concept of chaos but a reference to a real place with a heavy past. The text uses this location to emphasize the finality of the events described. This perspective encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that the narrative of Scripture reaches its intended conclusion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Armageddon.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἁρμαγεδών.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 16:16
He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, “Harmagedon”.
This verse identifies the location as Harmagedon, linking the final gathering to a specific geographic site with historical weight.