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Book of Revelation - Chapter 9 - Verse 11

9:11
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.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Revelation, it describes a powerful being who rules over the inhabitants of the bottomless pit. The name of this ruler is given as Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek. The name Abaddon means "destruction" or "place of destruction" in Hebrew, while Apollyon means "destroyer" in Greek. This being is identified as the angel of the bottomless pit, indicating that it possesses great authority and control over those within its domain. The reference to a king in this context suggests that this being has dominion and power over its subjects, leading them to destruction and chaos. The choice of names underscores the destructive nature of this ruler, emphasizing its role in bringing about ruin and devastation. Overall, this verse serves to convey the ominous and fearsome nature of this entity and its influence over those under its rule.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of Revelation 9:11 brings to light the terrifying aspect of this verse. The mention of a king over the forces of destruction, known as Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, signifies a powerful entity ruling over chaos and destruction. In Hebrew, Abaddon means "destruction" or "place of destruction," while in Greek, Apollyon means "destroyer." This verse highlights the spiritual warfare and the battle between good and evil within the context of the book of Revelation. The imagery of the angel of the bottomless pit serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing darkness. It also serves as a warning of the ultimate consequences of following the path of destruction and chaos. The dual names in different languages emphasize the universal nature of this destructive force, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.

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