### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'abaddôwn**, represented by `{{H11}}`, serves as a foundational term for **perishing**, **Hades**, and **destruction**. It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, signifying its specific and potent role in scripture. Derived intensively from `אָבַד`, its meaning encompasses both an abstract state of perishing and a concrete reference to Hades or destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H11}}` is used in several key contexts that highlight its nature as a place or state of ultimate ruin. It is frequently presented alongside the concept of **Hell** or **Sheol** `{{H7585}}`, illustrating a realm that is consistently described as never full [[Proverbs 27:20]] and completely exposed before God [[Job 26:6]]. This term also appears in contexts of consuming to **destruction**, as seen in a passage describing fire that devastates completely [[Job 31:12]]. Furthermore, `{{H11}}` is directly linked with **death** `{{H4194}}`, implying a shared realm or state of finality [[Job 28:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of perishing and the realm of the dead:
* `{{H10}}` **'abaddôh**: This term is identified as the same as `{{H11}}` and denotes a perishing or destruction, appearing in contexts parallel to `{{H11}}` [[Proverbs 27:20]].
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death): This word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and concretely to the dead or their place/state (Hades), also figuratively signifying pestilence or ruin [[Job 28:22]]. Its association with `{{H11}}` emphasizes the finality and ruinous aspect.
* `{{H7585}}` **shᵉʼôwl** (Hades/grave/hell): This term describes Hades or the world of the dead, functioning as a subterranean retreat, and includes its accessories and inmates [[Proverbs 15:11]]. Its frequent pairing with `{{H11}}` highlights a shared domain of ruin and the unseen world.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H11}}` is significant. It describes a profound state of ending and the nature of the unseen world.
* **Ultimate Ruin and Finality:** The abstract sense of `{{H11}}` as "a perishing" or "destruction" points to a complete and irreversible state of ruin. This is particularly evident in its description of fire that "consumeth to destruction" [[Job 31:12]].
* **The Unseen Realm:** Its concrete definition as "Hades" and its consistent pairing with `{{H7585}}` "Hell" or "Sheol" points to the destination or state of the dead. This realm is portrayed as ever-consuming and revealed to divine scrutiny ([[Proverbs 27:20]], [[Job 26:6]]).
* **Divine Awareness:** The scripture notes that `{{H11}}` and `{{H7585}}` are "before the LORD" [[Proverbs 15:11]], indicating that this realm of destruction and the dead is fully known and visible to God, highlighting His omnipresence and sovereignty over all domains.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H11}}` is a profound biblical term that transcends a simple definition of ruin. It encapsulates both the abstract concept of perishing and the concrete reality of Hades, the unseen realm of the dead. Its usage, often in conjunction with terms like **death** `{{H4194}}` and **Sheol** `{{H7585}}`, emphasizes its role in conveying the ultimate state of destruction and the finality faced by humanity, all within the comprehensive knowledge of the Divine.
TRV