Brief Overview of Ἀπολλύων (G623: Apollýōn)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apollýōn

Root Words: Ἀπόλλυμι (Apóllymi), meaning “to destroy” or “to perish,” with the addition of the suffix -ων (ōn), which is a common suffix in Greek for forming agent nouns. Together, Ἀπολλύων refers to “the destroyer.”

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Primary Meanings:

• The name of the angel of the abyss in the Book of Revelation.
• Associated with destruction and ruin.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG identifies Ἀπολλύων specifically as the name of the angel of the abyss mentioned in Revelation 9:11. The term reflects the role of a destroyer or agent of ruin.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon notes that Ἀπολλύων is derived from ἀπόλλυμι and is used in Revelation 9:11 to denote a specific figure, often understood as a symbolic representation of destruction.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights that Ἀπολλύων is used in Revelation 9:11 as a name for the king of the locusts from the abyss, illustrating its role as a destroyer.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ focuses on the use of Ἀπολλύων as a proper name, derived from the root verb ἀπόλλυμι, meaning “destroyer” or “one who causes destruction.”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes Ἀπολλύων as “the destroyer,” specifically identifying it as a name for the angel of the abyss in Revelation.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Apollonius Rhodius (Argonautica, 3rd century BCE): Though Ἀπολλύων is not directly mentioned, Apollonius’ use of related terms and themes of destruction may provide context for understanding the symbolic use of Ἀπολλύων in later literature.

Plato (Timaeus, 4th century BCE): Plato’s philosophical discussions on destruction and the cosmos can provide background for understanding the symbolic nature of Ἀπολλύων as a figure of ruin.

Hesiod (Theogony, 8th century BCE): Hesiod’s works, while not mentioning Ἀπολλύων, discuss deities and figures associated with destruction, providing a broader cultural context for the concept of a destroyer.

4. Summary:

The Greek term Ἀπολλύων (Apollýōn) is used in the Book of Revelation to designate the angel of the abyss, embodying the concept of “the destroyer.” It derives from the verb ἀπόλλυμι, which means “to destroy,” and signifies a powerful figure associated with ruin and devastation. Its usage in Revelation highlights its role in the apocalyptic vision of destruction, representing a figure of significant symbolic importance. Understanding Ἀπολλύων involves recognizing its roots in Greek language and literature, where themes of destruction are prominent.