Destructive Depths: Ἀβαδδών (Strong’s G3: Abaddon) Reveals Hell’s Dark Ruler
Ἀβαδδών
Pronounced: ah-bad-DOHN
Strong’s G3: A name derived from Hebrew, meaning “destruction” or “destroyer,” Ἀβαδδών refers to the angel of the bottomless pit in Revelation. This personification of destruction represents a powerful demonic entity who leads armies of locusts in apocalyptic judgment, embodying divine wrath against evil.
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U – Unveiling this Word
Ἀβαδδών carries profound theological significance as the personification of destruction and judgment in apocalyptic literature. The term, borrowed from Hebrew (אֲבַדּוֹן), appears in the New Testament as the name of the angel of the bottomless pit. In Jewish literature, Abaddon often represented the place of destruction or the realm of the dead. Its appearance in Revelation elevates this concept to a personal entity – a powerful angelic being who leads destructive forces during end-time events. The early church understood this figure as representing both divine judgment and the terrible consequences of evil. Today, it serves as a sobering reminder of God’s ultimate authority over forces of destruction and the reality of divine judgment.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: Ἀβαδδών, Abaddon, /ab-ad-dōn/
- Detailed Pronunciation: ah-bad-DOHN (emphasis on final syllable)
- Part of Speech: Proper Noun
Etymology:
- From Hebrew אֲבַדּוֹן (abaddon)
- Root: אבד (abad) meaning “to perish” or “destroy”
- Suffix: וֹן (on) forming abstract or intensive nouns
D – Defining Meanings
- Angel of the bottomless pit
- Destroyer
- Place of destruction
For compound words: Not applicable as this is a direct borrowing from Hebrew
Translation Options:
- Destroyer – captures the active destructive nature
- Abaddon – transliteration preserves the proper name aspect
- Angel of Destruction – emphasizes both personal and functional aspects
R – Reviewing Morphology
Morphological features as a Proper Noun:
- Case: Nominative
- Number: Singular
- Gender: Masculine
- Declension: Indeclinable (borrowed word)
As a borrowed proper noun, Ἀβαδδών remains unchanged in different grammatical contexts. Unlike Greek nouns, it doesn’t follow standard declension patterns.
- Related words: ἀπολλύων (Apollyon) – participial form meaning “destroying one”
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
The major lexicons provide rich insights into Ἀβαδδών’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the Hebrew concept of destruction and its personification in Revelation. Thayer’s highlights its dual nature as both a place and personal name. LSJ notes its rare appearance in Greek literature outside biblical contexts. Vine’s connects it to divine judgment themes throughout Scripture. Strong’s emphasizes its intensive form in Hebrew. LEH provides Septuagint usage context where it often translates Hebrew terms for destruction. Moulton and Milligan note its absence in common Koine usage, supporting its specialized apocalyptic significance.
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T – Tracing Related Scriptures
First appearance:
Revelation 9:11: “They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is [Ἀβαδδών] Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).”
Additional References:
Due to its singular appearance in the New Testament, there are no additional direct references. However, the Hebrew form appears in:
Job 26:6
Psalm 88:11
Proverbs 15:11
A– Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Dead Sea Scrolls: War Scroll | “And in the realm of [Abaddon] destruction, all the spirits of his lot shall say…” |
| Rabbinical Literature: Midrash Rabbah | “Seven names are given to [Abaddon] the place of punishment: Sheol, Abaddon, Pit of Corruption…” |
| Apocalypse of Abraham | “And I saw there the place of [Abaddon] destruction, and it was endless in depth and measure.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Ἀβαδδών represents a profound theological concept in apocalyptic literature, embodying both the place and personification of destruction. Its appearance in Revelation as the angel of the bottomless pit reveals the organized nature of evil forces while simultaneously demonstrating God’s sovereign control over them. This demonstrates the good news of King Jesus’ ultimate victory – even the forces of destruction must acknowledge His authority. The Messiah’s triumph over death, destruction, and the grave gives hope to believers that Abaddon’s power is limited and temporary.
D – Did You Know?
- Ἀβαδδών is the only Hebrew name for an angel that appears in the New Testament with both its Hebrew and Greek translations provided
- The term appears in ancient Jewish mystical texts as one of the compartments of Gehenna
- Medieval artists often depicted Abaddon as a crowned angel emerging from the bottomless pit
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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