Abaddon: The Angel of Destruction- Shiel Bible Home

ABADDON:THE ANGEL OF DESTRUCTION

Abaddon, the “Angel of Destruction,” is a powerful and ominous figure in biblical texts. In the Bible, Abaddon is portrayed both as a place of ruin and a being who governs the abyss.

They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).

(Revelation 9:11)

Etymology

The term “Abaddon” Hebrew: אבדון (ăḇaddōn) derives from the root verb
אבא (ăḇāḏ), meaning “to perish” or “to destroy.”

Its Greek equivalent, Ἀπολλύων (Apollyon), meaning “Destroyer,” further emphasizes this figure’s role in biblical prophecy, particularly in the Book of Revelation.

According to the Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon, this intensive form emphasizes destruction and loss.

In the Septuagint, the Hebrew “Abaddon” is translated as ἀπώλεια (apṓleia), meaning “destruction.”

In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent Ἀπολλύων(Apollyon) comes from ἀπόλλυμι (apóllymi), which also means “to destroy.”

Together, these terms encapsulate themes of mortality and divine judgment found throughout biblical texts.

Abaddon, the Angel of Destruction: From the Hebrew Bible”

In the Hebrew Scriptures, Abaddon often appears alongside Sheol (שאול Šəʾōl), the resting place of the dead. References to Abaddon highlight themes of death and destruction:

“The grave (Abaddon) is naked before God; Destruction has no covering.” ( Job 26 : 6 )
“Hell and destruction (Abaddon) are before the Lord; So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.”
( Proverbs 15 : 11 )

These passages illustrate Abaddon’s significance as a representation of the finality of death and divine judgment.

Abaddon, the Angel of Destruction in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, Abaddon can also be personified alongside Death:

“Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.” ( Job 28 : 22 )
“Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering.” ( Job 26 : 6 )
“Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied…” ( Proverbs 27 : 20 )

Though the Hebrew text in Proverbs 6: 32 does not explicitly mention Abaddon, the Septuagint translates the concept of destruction in a manner that connects it to themes surrounding Abaddon.

But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. ( Proverbs 6 : 32 )

II. Abaddon, the Angel of Destruction: From the New Testament

The concept of Abaddon evolves in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation:

And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” ( Revelation 9 : 11 )

In this passage, Abaddon is depicted as the king of a horde of locusts unleashed during the end times, emphasizing his role as a destroyer of life. The dual naming bridges Jewish and early Christian thought regarding death and destruction.

Revelation's symbolism

The identity of Abaddon in Revelation is open to interpretation:

Matthew Henry suggests that Abaddon represents the Antichrist.
The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary views him as a manifestation of Satan.
In contrast, the Interpreter’s Bible argues that Abaddon is an angel of God, executing divine judgment.

Cultural Impact

Abaddon (as Apollyon) also appears in literature, notably in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, where the protagonist battles this demon, a story that has influenced Christian thought for centuries.

Alternate Views

Some groups, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, interpret to argue that Abaddon is a representative of God, suggesting he could be another name for Jesus post-resurrection.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. 2He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while.
( Revelation 20 : 1- 3 )

Theological Implications

The portrayal of Abaddon in Revelation represents a powerful embodiment of divine judgment and chaos. The angel’s role as the king of locusts serves as a metaphor for divine retribution and the catastrophic consequences of sin. The use of both Hebrew and Greek names for Abaddon signals the universality of his destruction across cultures and languages.

Medieval Literature and Beyond

In medieval Christian literature, the interpretation of Abaddon takes on new dimensions. For example, in the “Song of Roland,” Abaddon is referenced in a context that explores themes of heroism and the moral struggles between good and evil. This representation contrasts sharply with the biblical texts, reflecting the evolving understanding of destruction and redemption in Christian thought.

III. Abaddon, the Angel of Destruction: From the Apocryphal Texts

In various apocryphal texts, Abaddon takes on distinct roles, sometimes diverging from traditional biblical interpretations.

Acts of Thomas

In the 3rd-century Gnostic text Acts of Thomas, Abaddon is identified as a demon or even the devil himself, reflecting a more malevolent characterization than found in canonical scripture.

The Ascendancy of the Abyss.

In the homily titled The Enthronement of Abaddon, attributed to pseudo-Timothy of Alexandria, Abaddon is initially named Muriel. He is portrayed as a powerful figure tasked by God with gathering the earth for Adam’s creation. Upon completing this task, he becomes a guardian figure, feared by angels, demons, and humans alike. This text also states that those who venerate Abaddon during their lives can attain salvation. Furthermore, Abaddon is depicted as playing a significant role in the Last Judgment, responsible for guiding souls to the Valley of Josaphat

Book of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

In the Book of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, attributed to Bartholomew the Apostle, Abaddon is described as being present at Jesus’ tomb during the resurrection, marking him as a witness to this pivotal event in Christian theology.

IV. Abaddon, the Angel of Destruction: The Angel of the Abyss

Abaddon, as the Angel of the Abyss, embodies profound themes of destruction, judgment, and the consequences of sin. Rooted in Hebrew tradition and vividly portrayed in the Book of Revelation, Abaddon serves as a powerful symbol of the finality of divine retribution. His association with the lowest realm of Hades underscores the belief in a moral order where evildoers face severe consequences. Through the lens of different cultures, including the Javanese interpretation linking Abaddon to “Apollo” or “killer,” we see the universal themes of fear and reverence for the forces that govern life and death. Ultimately, the figure of Abaddon invites reflection on the nature of evil, justice, and the hope for redemption, encouraging us to consider the moral implications of our choices in life.