אֲבַדּוֹן (a.vad.don)
a.vad.don
destruction
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew word aḇaddôn translates simply to "destruction" or "perishing." In the Old Testament, it appears only in poetic and wisdom literature, functioning as both an abstract concept of ruin and a personified place name. It is closely linked with Sheol, representing the deepest part of the grave where the lost are kept.
Scripture often pairs it with Sheol to emphasize the totality of death’s reach. Job 26:6 notes that "Aḇaddôn and Destruction are naked before God," suggesting that even this hidden realm is exposed to divine sight. Proverbs 27:20 similarly declares that Sheol and Aḇaddôn are never satisfied, illustrating the endless nature of death’s appetite.
Its root relates to the idea of vanishing or being cut off. By using aḇaddôn alongside Sheol, the biblical writers highlight that destruction is not merely physical decay but a state of complete separation from life. This term underscores the seriousness of spiritual ruin and the finality of death in the ancient Hebrew worldview.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Abaddon appears only twice in the Old Testament, always paired with Sheol to describe the realm of destruction. It reminds us that death and ruin are real forces, yet they remain entirely within God’s sight. Even the deepest places of loss are not hidden from Him.
This truth brings a quiet comfort. No matter how overwhelming grief or spiritual brokenness may feel, nothing is beyond God’s awareness. He sees what we cannot see, and He holds all things in His hands. We do not need to fear that our pain is unnoticed or forgotten.
Instead of fearing the unknown, we can rest in the knowledge that God is present even in the darkest valleys. His love reaches further than any grave, and His grace meets us in our deepest struggles. This offers hope that no loss is final in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ destruction/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ֭/אֲבַדּ/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 27:20
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man’s eyes are never satisfied.
This verse highlights the insatiable nature of destruction, showing that even death’s appetite cannot be filled, which underscores its seriousness.