What number verse is Revelation 9:11 in the Bible?

Revelation 9:11 is the 30,852nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Revelation 9:11 sits at position 30,852.

Translation

King James Version

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.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

And ^G2532 they had ^G2192 a king ^G935 over ^G1909 them ^G848, which is the angel ^G32 of the bottomless pit ^G12, whose ^G846 name ^G3686 in the Hebrew tongue ^G1447 is Abaddon ^G3, but ^G2532 in ^G1722 the Greek tongue ^G1673 hath ^G2192 his name ^G3686 Apollyon ^G623.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is “Abaddon” and in our language, “Destroyer.”

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon.

Ask

American Standard Version

They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek tongue he hath the name Apollyon.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

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”.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they haue a King ouer them, which is the Angel of the bottomlesse pit, whose name in Hebrewe is Abaddon, and in Greeke he is named Apollyon, that is, destroying.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

and they have over them a king--the messenger of the abyss--a name is to him in Hebrew, Abaddon, and in the Greek he hath a name, Apollyon.

Ask

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Revelation 9:11 introduces the enigmatic leader of the demonic locusts unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment: an angelic being identified as the "angel of the bottomless pit." This figure is given two significant names, Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both powerfully conveying the essence of destruction and ruin, underscoring the devastating purpose of the forces he commands and the ultimate nature of evil itself.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Revelation 9:11 is situated within the highly symbolic and apocalyptic narrative of the Book of Revelation, specifically following the sounding of the fifth trumpet judgment (Revelation 9:1-12). This judgment unleashes a terrifying horde of "locusts" from the bottomless pit, which are not natural insects but supernatural entities described with scorpion-like tails and human-like faces, given power to torment those without the seal of God for five months. The immediate verses describe their appearance, their limited scope of destruction (only harming unsealed humanity, not vegetation), and their desire to torment rather than kill. Verse 9:11 then identifies the king who leads these tormenting forces, providing a crucial detail about their organized, malevolent leadership and their ultimate destructive agenda, setting the stage for further judgments.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of locusts as a divine judgment was deeply rooted in the Old Testament, recalling plagues like those in Exodus 10 or the destructive forces described in Joel 1-2. However, John's vision transforms this familiar imagery into something far more terrifying and demonic, reflecting the apocalyptic worldview of the first century. The concept of a "bottomless pit" (Greek: abyssos) was known in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought as a place of detention for evil spirits or the dead, often associated with chaos and the underworld. The naming of this king in both Hebrew (Abaddon) and Greek (Apollyon) would have resonated with John's diverse audience, encompassing both Jewish Christians familiar with Hebrew terminology and Gentile Christians conversant in Greek, emphasizing the universal scope and destructive nature of this entity.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major themes present in Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of demonic authority and organization, revealing that evil forces are not chaotic but possess a hierarchical structure with a designated leader, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6:12. Furthermore, the names Abaddon and Apollyon powerfully emphasize the destructive nature of evil, aligning with the biblical understanding that Satan and his agents seek to "steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10). The verse also underscores the sovereignty of God, as even this terrifying king and his forces are released and operate only under divine permission and within a divinely appointed timeframe, reinforcing the truth that God remains in ultimate control of all events, even those of judgment, as foreshadowed in Job 1:12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

bottomless pit (Greek, ábyssos', G12): Derived from Greek, meaning "depthless" or "abyss." In biblical usage, it refers to a deep, infernal chasm, often a place of detention for demonic spirits or the realm of the dead. Its presence here signifies the origin of these destructive forces from a primeval, chaotic, and hellish domain, emphasizing their supernatural and malevolent nature.
Abaddon (Hebrew, Abaddṓn', G3): This Hebrew name directly translates to "destruction," "ruin," or "place of perishing." In the Old Testament, it often refers to the underworld or the realm of the dead, sometimes synonymous with Sheol. Here, it is personified as a proper name for the king of the demonic locusts, highlighting his identity as the embodiment and agent of utter destruction.
Apollyon (Greek, Apollýōn', G623): This Greek name is an active participle of the verb apollymi, meaning "to destroy" or "to perish." Thus, Apollyon unequivocally means "Destroyer." The dual naming in both Hebrew and Greek underscores the universal and pervasive character of this destructive entity, signaling his influence across all peoples and his singular purpose: to bring about ruin and desolation.

Verse Breakdown

"And they had a king over them": This phrase immediately establishes a hierarchical structure among the demonic locusts. It indicates that these entities, though terrifying in their own right, are not operating autonomously but are under the command of a specific, powerful leader. This highlights the organized nature of evil forces.
"[which is] the angel of the bottomless pit": This clause identifies the king as an "angel," but one uniquely associated with the "bottomless pit" (abyssos). This signifies that he is a supernatural being, likely a fallen angel or demon, whose domain and origin are from the depths of chaos and spiritual imprisonment. His title as "angel of the bottomless pit" denotes his authority over and perhaps even his release from this infernal realm.
"whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon": This reveals the first of the king's two names, given in Hebrew. "Abaddon" (אֲבַדּוֹן) means "destruction" or "ruin." The mention of the "Hebrew tongue" suggests an appeal to John's Jewish audience, connecting this figure to Old Testament concepts of destruction and the underworld, and emphasizing the profound, destructive nature inherent in his very being.
"but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon": This provides the second name, given in Greek, "Apollyon." This name, meaning "Destroyer," serves as a direct translation and confirmation of the Hebrew "Abaddon." The inclusion of both names underscores the universal scope of this destructive entity's influence, reaching both Jewish and Gentile audiences, and unequivocally declares his essential character as an agent of ruin.

Literary Devices

Revelation 9:11 employs several significant literary devices. Symbolism is paramount, with the "angel of the bottomless pit" symbolizing the ultimate personification of destructive evil and the organized nature of demonic forces. The "bottomless pit" itself is a potent symbol of chaos, imprisonment, and the origin of malevolent spiritual power. Naming is also crucial, as the dual names "Abaddon" and "Apollyon" are not mere labels but serve as powerful epithets that define the very essence and purpose of this angelic king. These names function as a form of characterization, immediately conveying the destructive intent and nature of the figure without needing further description. The use of both Hebrew and Greek names also demonstrates cultural bridging, ensuring the message's resonance across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds within the early Christian community.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 9:11 offers a stark glimpse into the reality of spiritual warfare and the nature of the adversary. The revelation of Abaddon/Apollyon as a king over demonic forces underscores the organized and purposeful nature of evil, reminding believers that the struggle is not against mere flesh and blood but against unseen spiritual powers. This figure, whose very names mean "destruction" and "destroyer," embodies the ultimate goal of the enemy: to bring ruin, chaos, and separation from God. Yet, even in this terrifying depiction, the sovereignty of God is implicitly affirmed, as this "angel of the bottomless pit" is only released and operates within the confines of God's divine plan and timing, demonstrating that no evil force can ultimately thwart God's purposes.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Revelation 9:11, while deeply symbolic and prophetic, offers profound insights for contemporary believers concerning the nature of spiritual opposition and the ultimate triumph of God. It compels us to recognize that evil is not a random, chaotic force, but an organized kingdom with a malevolent leader whose very essence is destruction. This understanding should lead us to greater vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's protection. We are reminded that our true battle is spiritual, requiring the full armor of God, and that identifying the enemy's nature helps us to stand firm. Furthermore, the limited power and specific names of this king, revealed by God, assure us that even the most terrifying manifestations of evil are known to God, contained by His sovereignty, and ultimately destined for defeat. This knowledge should cultivate a deep sense of peace and trust in God's ultimate control, even amidst the world's turmoil.

Questions for Reflection

How does the revelation of an organized demonic kingdom, led by a "king" of destruction, impact your understanding of spiritual warfare?
In what ways might the "destructive" nature of Abaddon/Apollyon manifest in the world or in personal spiritual battles today?
How does knowing that even this destructive angel operates under God's permission strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty?

FAQ

Who is the "angel of the bottomless pit" mentioned in Revelation 9:11?

Answer: The "angel of the bottomless pit" is identified as the king who leads the demonic locusts unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment in Revelation 9. His names, Abaddon (Hebrew for "destruction") and Apollyon (Greek for "destroyer"), reveal his essential nature and purpose. While some interpretations suggest this figure could be Satan himself, others understand him as a powerful demonic entity or a specific fallen angel given authority over the abyss and its inhabitants for a specific period of judgment. The text emphasizes his role as a leader of destructive forces rather than providing a definitive identity beyond that.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Revelation 9:11 vividly portrays the destructive power of evil personified in Abaddon/Apollyon, it simultaneously highlights the absolute necessity and ultimate triumph of Christ. This "destroyer" stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who came not to destroy but to give life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10). The authority of this king of the abyss, though terrifying, is temporal and limited, operating only by divine permission, unlike the eternal and supreme authority of Christ, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has conquered the one who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14), and holds the keys of Death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). Thus, Abaddon/Apollyon represents the defeated enemy whose destructive work is ultimately undone and judged by the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the seals and execute God's righteous plan (Revelation 5:5).

Copy as

Commentary on Revelation 9 verses 1–12

1 ¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

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.

12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Upon the sounding of this trumpet, the things to be observed are, 1. A star falling from heaven to the earth. Some think this star represents some eminent bishop in the Christian church, some angel of the church; for, in the same way of speaking by which pastors are called stars, the church is called heaven; but who this is expositors do not agree. Some understand it of Boniface the third bishop of Rome, who assumed the title of universal bishop, by the favour of the emperor Phocas, who, being a usurper and tyrant in the state, allowed Boniface to be so in the church, as the reward of his flattery. 2. To this fallen star was given the key of the bottomless pit. Having now ceased to be a minister of Christ, he becomes the antichrist, the minister of the devil; and by the permission of Christ, who had taken from him the keys of the church, he becomes the devil's turnkey, to let loose the powers of hell against the churches of Christ. 3. Upon the opening of the bottomless pit there arose a great smoke, which darkened the sun and the air. The devils are the powers of darkness; hell is the place of darkness. The devil carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by extinguishing light and knowledge, and promoting ignorance and error. He first deceives men, and then destroys them; wretched souls follow him in the dark, or they durst not follow him. 4. Out of this dark smoke there came a swarm of locusts, one of the plagues of Egypt, the devil's emissaries headed by the antichrist, all the rout and rabble of antichristian orders, to promote superstition, idolatry, error, and cruelty; and these had, by the just permission of God, power to hurt those who had not the mark of God in their foreheads. 5. The hurt they were to do them was not a bodily, but a spiritual hurt. They should not in a military way destroy all by fire and sword; the trees and the grass should be untouched, and those they hurt should not be slain; it should not be a persecution, but a secret poison and infection in their souls, which should rob them of their purity, and afterwards of their peace. Heresy is a poison in the soul, working slowly and secretly, but will be bitterness in the end. 6. They had no power so much as to hurt those who had the seal of God in their foreheads. God's electing, effectual, distinguishing grace will preserve his people from total and final apostasy. 7. The power given to these factors for hell is limited in point of time: five months, a certain season, and but a short season, though how short we cannot tell. Gospel-seasons have their limits, and times of seduction are limited too. 8. Though it would be short, it would be very sharp, insomuch that those who were made to feel the malignity of this poison in their consciences would be weary of their lives, Rev 9:6. A wounded spirit who can bear? 9. These locusts were of a monstrous size and shape, Rev 9:7, Rev 9:8, etc. They were equipped for their work like horses prepared to battle. (1.) They pretended to great authority, and seemed to be assured of victory: They had crowns like gold on their heads; it was not a true, but a counterfeit authority. (2.) They had the show of wisdom and sagacity, the faces of men, though the spirit of devils. (3.) They had all the allurements of seeming beauty, to ensnare and defile the minds of men - hair like women; their way of worship was very gaudy and ornamental. (4.) Though they appeared with the tenderness of women, they had the teeth of lions, were really cruel creatures. (5.) They had the defence and protection of earthly powers - breastplates of iron. (6.) They made a mighty noise in the world; they flew about from one country to another, and the noise of their motion was like that of an army with chariots and horses. (7.) Though at first they soothed and flattered men with a fair appearance, there was a sting in their tails; the cup of their abominations contained that which, though luscious at first, would at length bite like a serpent and sting like an adder. (8.) The king and commander of this hellish squadron is here described, [1.] As an angel; so he was by nature, an angel, once one of the angels of heaven. [2.] The angel of the bottomless pit; an angel still, but a fallen angel, fallen into the bottomless pit, vastly large, and out of which there is no recovery. [3.] In these infernal regions he is a sort of prince and governor, and has the powers of darkness under his rule and command. [4.] His true name is Abaddon, Apollyon - a destroyer, for that is his business, his design, and employment, to which he diligently attends, in which he is very successful, and takes a horrid hellish pleasure; it is about this destroying work that he sends out his emissaries and armies to destroy the souls of men. And now here we have the end of one woe; and where one ends another begins.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–12. Public domain.

Copy as

TiconiusAD 390

COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 9:11

[The angel of the bottomless pit] is the devil, who possesses his great power among the kings of the world.

Primasius of HadrumetumAD 560

COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 9:11

[“As king they have over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is ‘Armageddon,’ whose name in Greek is ‘Apollion,’ and whose name in Latin is ‘Exterminans.’ ”] Although God is supremely good, by hidden yet just judgments he nevertheless allows an angel suitable for such persons to rule over them. For a person is awarded as servant to the one who conquered him. And so the apostle said that they had been handed over “to every wicked deception because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore, God sends upon them a strong delusion that they might believe what is false and that all who did not believe the truth but consented to iniquity might be condemned.” The kind of work he did, therefore, was befitting to the character of his name, that is, the “exterminator.”

Andreas of CaesareaAD 614

COMMENTARY ON THE APOCALYPSE 9:9-12

It follows that the devil is to be regarded as their king, for he certainly destroys those who obey him.

BedeAD 735

Commentary on Revelation

And they had over them a king, the angel of the abyss. Although God, who is supremely good, permits an angel fitting for such people to preside over them by hidden but just judgments.

Alcuin of YorkAD 804

COMMENTARY ON REVELATION

And they had over them a king, the angel of the abyss; whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon; in Latin Exterminans. The old enemy is not called the king of the wicked because he created them or leads them, but because he exercises the tyranny of his domination over them with God's just permission. Note also that, as already said, they are the abyss. So since he tries deceitfully to usurp the name of Christ for himself through the damned man, he is consequently mentioned by names in the three languages in which the authority of the Gospels attests that the Redeemer's name was written by Pilate on the title. [Luke 23:38 and John 19:19-20] However, since blessed Jerome, in his interpretation of Hebrew names, does not say Abaddon but “Labaddon,” it is certain that it lost its first letter by the fault of scribes. It is also fitting for the Devil to be called Exterminans, because many people are banished from the boundaries of the elect and brought to the exile of eternal death because of him.

OecumeniusAD 990

Commentary on Revelation

And they say there is a "king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon". And the name is either appropriately made and suitable for those who engage in contemplation, or at least not only are they "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" according to the divine apostle (Heb. 1:14), but also spirits sent for punishment to those worthy of chastisement; such was also the one who, in one night, struck down one hundred eighty-five thousand Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35; Isa. 37:96), and those who set fire to the five cities of Sodom. (Gen. 19:2)

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying Revelation 9:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.

Cross-References

Job 26:6
Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
Revelation 9:1
¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.
Revelation 9:2
And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
John 16:11
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
2 Corinthians 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.