Ἀβαδδών – Pronunciation Guide: ah-bad-DŌNE (long o as in ‘bone’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G3: Abaddōn is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “destruction” or “destroyer.” In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the angel of the bottomless pit (abyss), who serves as a personification of destruction under divine sovereignty.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• Origin: Hebrew אֲבַדּוֹן (ăḇaddōn) from the root אבד (abad), meaning “to perish” or “destroy”

Morphology:

• Nominative: Ἀβαδδών (Abaddōn) – The Destroyer
• Genitive: Ἀβαδδῶνος (Abaddōnos) – Of the Destroyer

Word Origin & History

The term Abaddōn has deep roots in Hebrew literature, where it appears six times in the Old Testament as a place of destruction or realm of the dead. In Jewish apocalyptic literature, it evolved from describing a place to personifying destruction itself. The Septuagint typically translated the Hebrew Abaddōn as “destruction” (ἀπώλεια), making its appearance as a proper name in Revelation 9:11 particularly significant.

The transition from abstract concept to personified being reflects the apocalyptic genre’s tendency to assign angelic or demonic identities to abstract forces, emphasizing divine control over even the most destructive powers in creation.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Abaddōn appears only once, serving as the Hebrew name for the angel of the bottomless pit. This usage shows remarkable theological sophistication, as the text provides both the Hebrew (Abaddōn) and Greek (Apollyon) names, emphasizing the universal scope of divine judgment and sovereignty.

Key Passages:

• Revelation 9:11 – Named as the angel of the bottomless pit
• Job 26:6 – Old Testament usage linking Abaddōn to Sheol
• Proverbs 15:11 – Demonstrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s sovereignty over Abaddōn

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern thought, destructive powers were often personified as divine or semi-divine beings. However, the biblical presentation of Abaddōn is unique in showing this destroyer as ultimately subject to divine authority. This reflects the biblical worldview that even forces of destruction operate within God’s sovereign control.

Theological Significance

The appearance of Abaddōn in Revelation serves multiple theological purposes. It demonstrates God’s absolute sovereignty over forces of destruction and judgment. The dual naming (Hebrew/Greek) emphasizes the universal scope of divine authority across cultural boundaries.

This reveals a profound truth: even the most destructive forces in creation operate under divine permission and limitation. Nothing in all creation, including forces of destruction, acts independently of God’s sovereign will.

Personal Application

Understanding Abaddōn reminds us that God maintains control even over forces of destruction. This offers profound comfort in times of chaos or devastation, assuring believers that nothing—not even destruction itself—operates outside of God’s sovereign purposes.

Related Words

• ἀπώλεια (apōleia) – destruction, waste – See G684
• Ἀπολλύων (Apollyōn) – Destroyer – See G623
• ἄβυσσος (abyssos) – bottomless pit – See G12

Did you Know?

• Abaddōn is the only angel in Revelation given both Hebrew and Greek names
• In rabbinic literature, Abaddōn is sometimes depicted as a place of punishment deeper than Gehenna
• Modern Hebrew still uses the word “avadon” to mean “loss” or “destruction”

Remember This

Even the forces of destruction bow to the sovereign will of God, demonstrating His complete authority over all creation.