In the Bible, both Abaddon and Apollyon are names referring to the same entity. Abaddon is a Hebrew word that means “destruction” or “ruin”, while Apollyon is the Greek equivalent meaning “destroyer”. This entity is described symbolically in Revelation 9 as the “angel of the abyss” who is the king of a swarm of locust-like creatures that torment people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
The first reference to Abaddon/Apollyon is in Revelation 9:11 which states: “They have as king over them the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” This verse is part of a vision that the apostle John has of a star fallen from heaven to earth that is given the key to the shaft of the abyss. When opened, smoke rises out like from a huge furnace and locust-like creatures are released to torment people.
Later in Revelation, Abaddon/Apollyon is described as the “beast” who will come up out of the abyss and go to destruction in Revelation 17:8: “The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come.”
There has been much debate over the identity of Abaddon/Apollyon. Some equate him with satan or the antichrist. However, the text does not specifically link Abaddon/Apollyon with either of those figures. The imagery used seems to portray Abaddon/Apollyon as a personification of destruction and calamity that will be unleashed on the world in the end times. Just as locusts can devastate a region’s agriculture, this “king of the locusts” will wreak havoc on those who do not belong to God.
Here are some key points about Abaddon/Apollyon in the Bible:
- He is called the “angel of the abyss” suggesting a diabolical angelic being (Revelation 9:11).
- He is identified as the “king” of the demonic locust-like creatures that torture humanity (Revelation 9:11).
- His name means “destroyer” – Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek (Revelation 9:11).
- He is described as “the beast” who will arise out of the abyss before going to his destruction (Revelation 17:8).
- His arrival brings dismay and suffering to those who are not protected by God (Revelation 9:1-6).
- He may parallel the “little horn” in Daniel 7-8 who also arises in the end times to oppose God and harass the saints before his eventual destruction.
In summary, Abaddon/Apollyon seems to be a symbolic figure representing the spirit of destruction that will be released in full force during the tribulation period of the end times. This demonic being unleashes calamity on humanity through his army of locust-like followers. He may correlate with the antichrist figure(s) described in other biblical prophecies about the end times. However, the Bible does not explicitly equate Abaddon/Apollyon with the antichrist. Therefore, scholars hold various views on this association. Nevertheless, all agree that Abaddon/Apollyon epitomizes the demonic powers of devastation that will wreak havoc on the earth prior to the return of Christ.
Old Testament Background
The name Abaddon first appears in the Old Testament and provides background for the New Testament usage in Revelation. The Hebrew word “abaddon” is used several times in the Old Testament, mostly in the poetic literature.
For example, the book of Job says “Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet” (Job 26:13). The phrase “burning coals” is literally “burning winds” in Hebrew and comes from the word Abaddon. Most English translations interpret this as a reference to destruction coming before God’s presence.
In Psalm 88:11, the psalmist cries out “Shall your lovingkindness be declared in the grave, your faithfulness in Abaddon?” Again most versions translate Abaddon here as “destruction” signifying either Sheol or the realm of the dead.
Proverbs 15:11 declares “Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, How much more the hearts of men!” This verse affirms that God has sovereignty even over the realm of the dead and destruction.
This background shows Abaddon was synonymous with death, the grave, and destructive forces. So John’s use in Revelation builds on this Old Testament understanding of Abaddon as a place and power of destruction.
Who is the Angel of the Abyss?
Revelation 9:11 gives the most detail about this entity by calling him both Abaddon and Apollyon as well as the “angel of the abyss.” An angel is generally considered a messenger or servant. This angel is likely one of Satan’s high ranking demons.
He is called the angel “of the abyss.” In Revelation, the abyss is the haunt of evil spirits and a pit of confinement for disobedient angels. The abyss seems to correspond with Sheol or Hades in other parts of the Bible. Luke 8:31 and 2 Peter 2:4 specifically connect the abyss with the confinement of demons.
This demon may be the “ruler of the abyss” mentioned in Revelation 9:1-2 who opens the shaft releasing the locust-demons. Some speculate this could be the devil himself or the beast of Revelation 13:1. However, Scripture does not provide enough evidence to conclude the identity of the angel of the abyss.
Regardless of his exact identity, the symbolism suggests a powerful evil being is unleashed from captivity in the abyss to wreak havoc on humanity during the end times. He is the leader of hordes of “locusts,” which represent a wave of deceptive and destructive demonic activity that takes place in the tribulation period (Revelation 9:1-11).
Relationship to the Locust-Like Creatures
After the angel opens the shaft of the abyss, John sees billowing smoke followed by a swarm of strange locust-like creatures who come to torment people (Revelation 9:2-3). These “locusts” represent demonic spirits unleashed to administer God’s judgment.
Their power is described in terms of the torment caused by scorpions (Revelation 9:5). Scorpions are known for their painful stings. This metaphor shows how the demonic deception of the end times will bring painful consequences to those who are not protected by God.
Abaddon is the king who rules over these multitudes of tormenting spirits. They have a human leader, the beast, who commands people’s worship (Revelation 13). But the true power behind the suffering stems from Abaddon, the angel who controls the forces of the abyss.
The kingdom of Abaddon stands in contrast to the kingdom of God. Whereas one brings disaster, pain, and deceit, the other brings peace, healing, and truth.
Contrast with Biblical Prophecies of Christ
Abaddon’s introduction in Revelation may intend to contrast him with the coming of Jesus foretold earlier in the book. For example, Revelation 5 presents Christ as the victorious “Lion of Judah” who alone is worthy to open the scroll of God’s judgment.
Revelation 1 portrays the glorified Christ dwelling amidst the seven golden lampstands of the churches, ready to refine and purify. The fallen star of Revelation 8-9 who unleashes Abaddon stands opposed to the description of Christ as the bright Morning Star in Revelation 22:16.
The original hearers would have connected Abaddon’s destruction with that of the antichrist figure described in other biblical prophecies. By contrast, they would remember the prophecies of the Messiah who brings salvation. The loose parallels highlights the differences between the kingdom of God and the domain of the devil.
Destruction of Abaddon Foreseen
Though terrible destruction comes through Abaddon’s forces, Revelation foresees the eventual defeat of this “king of the abyss.” After being released for a period of time, the devil is thrown into the lake of fire at the final judgment (Revelation 20:10).
Earlier in Revelation 11:7, the beast who arises from the abyss ultimately conquers and kills the two witnesses. But they resurrect and ascend to heaven after 3 1⁄2 days as a vision of Christ’s victory over death. So too, Abaddon may slay the saints for a “little while,” but eternal life triumphs (Revelation 13:7).
At the start of Jesus’ ministry, He proclaimed “the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). Though the kingdom of Abaddon exerts power for a season, the day soon comes when the kingdom of the world becomes “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (Revelation 11:15).
Just as Jesus rose victoriously from the grave, so too His faithful people persevere through the tribulation under Abaddon’s reign of terror. They have confidence in God’s final victory over Satan, the abyss, and death itself.
Interpretations and Applications
Throughout church history, Bible interpreters have proposed various speculations about the identity of Abaddon/Apollyon. Some of the common ones include:
- The Antichrist theory: Many scholars link Abaddon to the person of the antichrist who exerts worldwide domination during the end times according to prophecies in Daniel and Revelation. In this view, the beast of Revelation 11 and 17 is one and the same with the king of the abyss.
- The Satan theory: Some believe Abaddon represents Satan himself released from the abyss to unleash final tribulation on the earth before Christ’s return. This interpretation relates Abaddon to the serpent bound and cast into the abyss in Revelation 20.
- The Judgment theory: Other interpreters take a more symbolic view of Abaddon as the personification of destruction, death, or divine judgment released on the earth during the end times.
There are good reasons why Scripture may remain vague about the identity and not equate Abaddon/Apollyon with Satan, the antichrist, or other figures directly. This allows the image of the “angel of the abyss” to represent the general forces of evil and judgment that are unleashed in the final hours of human history. Trying to pinpoint the name may miss the broader point and result in fruitless speculation.
Regardless of one’s interpretive position, the presence of figures like Abaddon in biblical prophecy should evoke a sense of sobriety and vigilance. It reminds believers that spiritual forces of wickedness are ready to deceive and destroy. Followers of Christ must be alert and on guard against devilish influence (1 Peter 5:8). They must cling all the more firmly to the savior who provides the only sure protection against the assault of Abaddon and his abyss (Revelation 7:1-3).
Abaddon/Apollyon in the End Times
Abaddon’s presence in Revelation signifies that the final period of human history before Christ’s return will see an unprecedented outpouring of evil and the unchecked operation of Satan. The servants of God’s kingdom will suffer great persecution though Abaddon and his demonic forces.
This tribulation is foreseen in several prophetic passages:
- In Daniel 7-8, the “little horn” wages war against the saints of God and prevails over them for a time.
- In Matthew 24, there is “great tribulation, such has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.”
- In 2 Thessalonians 2, the “man of lawlessness” is revealed bringing deception and death until Christ abolishes him.
Abaddon seems to epitomize this pattern of distress, deceit, and destruction by the powers of evil leading up to the consummation of God’s kingdom. The “mystery of lawlessness” gains strength but cannot prevent the triumph of righteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:7).
This tribulation also serves God’s purpose. It leads to the repentance of some (Revelation 9:20) and vindication of the martyrs (Revelation 6:9-11). As Christ’s church is persecuted, her character is refined and faith strengthened. Despite Satan’s rage, the spread of the gospel continues (Revelation 14:6).
Most importantly, the reign of Abaddon prepares the way for the final defeat of Satan and the eternal rule of Christ over the new creation. The apparent victories of the destroyer ultimately give way to the triumph of the Lamb.