### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Ἀβαδδών (Abaddṓn, `{{G3}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew word אֲבַדּוֹן (Abaddôn, `{{H11}}`). The Hebrew root from which it derives, אָבַד (ʾābad, `{{H6}}`), fundamentally means "to perish," "to be lost," or "to destroy." Consequently, Abaddôn carries the core meaning of "destruction," "ruin," or "place of destruction." In the Old Testament, particularly in poetic and wisdom literature, it often refers to the realm of the dead, the underworld, or the grave, synonymous with Sheol (e.g., [[Job 26:6]], [[Proverbs 15:11]]). In its New Testament usage, it transcends a mere concept to become a proper noun, personifying this destructive force as a specific entity: a "destroying angel."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἀβαδδών (Abaddṓn, `{{G3}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the apocalyptic vision of [[Revelation 9:11]]. In this passage, Abaddṓn is identified as "the angel of the bottomless pit," who serves as the king over the demonic locusts released during the fifth trumpet judgment. The text explicitly states, "His name in Hebrew is Abaddṓn, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon." This dual naming is significant: both Abaddṓn (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Ἀπολλύων, `{{G623}}`, Greek) mean "destroyer." The context is one of divine judgment, where this malevolent angelic figure leads forces that inflict torment upon humanity, specifically those who do not bear the seal of God. This figure is not an independent power but an agent operating under God's sovereign permission within the unfolding eschatological drama.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Ἀβαδδών (Abaddṓn, `{{G3}}`) is its Hebrew counterpart, אֲבַדּוֹן (Abaddôn, `{{H11}}`), which appears in the Old Testament in passages like [[Job 26:6]], [[Job 28:22]], [[Job 31:12]], [[Psalm 88:11]], [[Proverbs 15:11]], and [[Proverbs 27:20]]. In these instances, Abaddôn typically denotes the realm of the dead, destruction, or ruin, often paralleled with Sheol (the grave/underworld). Its Greek equivalent in [[Revelation 9:11]] is Ἀπολλύων (Apollyon, `{{G623}}`), which directly translates to "destroyer," reinforcing the essence of Abaddṓn's character and function. Other related Greek terms include ἀπώλεια (apōleia, `{{G684}}`), meaning "destruction" or "ruin," and ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, `{{G622}}`), the verb "to destroy" or "to perish." The concept of the "bottomless pit" (ἄβυσσος, abyssos, `{{G12}}`, "abyss") is intrinsically linked, as Abaddṓn is its angel and king, signifying a place of confinement and origin for destructive spiritual forces.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Abaddṓn (`{{G3}}`) holds profound theological significance, primarily as a personification of divine judgment and the destructive power of evil. While Abaddṓn is a "destroying angel," his actions are not autonomous but are clearly depicted as part of God's orchestrated plan for judgment in the end times. He is an instrument, not the ultimate authority, operating within the boundaries of God's permissive will. The dual naming in [[Revelation 9:11]]—Abaddṓn (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek)—underscores the universal and undeniable nature of this destructive force, recognized across cultures and languages. This entity serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual realities of warfare and the existence of malevolent spiritual beings. The unleashing of Abaddṓn's forces highlights the dire consequences for those who reject God's grace and remain unrepentant, emphasizing the severity of divine wrath. Ultimately, Abaddṓn's role points to the ultimate triumph of Christ, the true King, over all destructive powers and the forces of darkness.
### Summary
Ἀβαδδών (Abaddṓn, `{{G3}}`) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "destruction" or "place of destruction," personified in the New Testament as a specific "destroying angel." Its sole occurrence in [[Revelation 9:11]] identifies him as the angel and king of the bottomless pit, leading demonic forces that inflict torment during eschatological judgments. His Greek name, Apollyon (`{{G623}}`), reinforces his identity as "destroyer." Theologically, Abaddṓn serves as a powerful symbol of divinely ordained judgment and the destructive consequences of rebellion against God, operating as an agent within God's sovereign plan. The name itself encapsulates the grim reality of the ruin and perdition associated with God's righteous wrath upon an unrepentant world.
TRV