Abaddon: The Angel of the Bottomless Pit and the Spirit of Destruction
The name Abaddon originates from the Hebrew word אֲבַדּוֹן (’Abaddon), which means “destruction” or “place of destruction.” In Greek, it is rendered as Apollyon, meaning “the destroyer.” Both names point to a dark, destructive being or realm connected to death, judgment, and ruin. Abaddon is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing not only a place of destruction but also a demonic entity ruling over it.
Biblical Origins of Abaddon
The earliest references to Abaddon appear in the Old Testament as a realm of the dead, closely associated with Sheol, the Hebrew concept of the underworld. In Job 26:6, it says,
“Sheol is naked before Him, and Abaddon has no covering.”
This verse suggests that even the deepest, most hidden realms of destruction are open before the eyes of God. Similarly, Proverbs 15:11 declares,
“Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the Lord, how much more the hearts of men!”
In these early passages, Abaddon is not portrayed as a personal being but rather as a place of ruin and loss—a domain where the dead go, stripped of life and hope. It represents utter devastation, where nothing survives or returns.
However, in the New Testament—specifically in the Book of Revelation—Abaddon takes on a new identity. He becomes a powerful demonic ruler, the angel of the bottomless pit, commanding legions of infernal creatures unleashed during the Great Tribulation.
Abaddon in the Book of Revelation
The most direct and vivid reference to Abaddon is found in Revelation 9:1–11. During the sounding of the fifth trumpet, John witnesses a terrifying vision:
“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” (Revelation 9:1)
This fallen “star” opens the pit, releasing smoke that darkens the sky and locust-like demons that torment humanity for five months. These creatures are described as having faces of men, hair like women, teeth like lions, and tails like scorpions—symbols of deception, seduction, ferocity, and pain.
“They had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (Revelation 9:11)
Here, Abaddon is no longer a place—it is a fallen angelic being, a destroyer commanding demonic forces from the abyss. His role in Revelation shows that he operates under God’s sovereign judgment, released only for a set time to bring torment upon the unrepentant.
The Nature and Power of Abaddon
Abaddon’s power lies in destruction and torment. His army of demonic locusts is not allowed to kill, but to inflict agony upon those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads (Revelation 9:4–5). This distinguishes believers, who are protected by God, from the rebellious who are vulnerable to his assault.
Though Abaddon leads a horde of destructive spirits, he remains under the authority of God. Revelation 9 emphasizes that the key to the bottomless pit is given to him—indicating he cannot act apart from divine permission. Even his destructive power serves a purpose in God’s ultimate plan—to bring about judgment, repentance, and the final defeat of evil.
Abaddon’s name—“Destroyer”—reflects the demonic nature of Satan’s kingdom. Jesus said in John 10:10,
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.”
Abaddon represents that same spirit of destruction at work in the world: a demonic force seeking to devour human souls, destroy God’s creation, and oppose His people.
Is Abaddon the Same as Satan?
While some scholars equate Abaddon with Satan, Scripture suggests they are distinct entities. Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) and “the accuser” (Revelation 12:10), while Abaddon is a ruler of the abyss—the prison of certain demonic beings. Abaddon appears to function as a high-ranking fallen angel under Satan’s command, assigned to carry out destruction during the tribulation.
Nevertheless, both share the same purpose: opposition to God and devastation of humanity. Abaddon’s title “Destroyer” mirrors Satan’s intent to ruin everything God made good.
The Fate of Abaddon
The Book of Revelation ultimately reveals that all forces of evil will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Abaddon, like every fallen angel, will face eternal judgment. Revelation 20:10 says,
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Though Abaddon’s current role is to execute temporary destruction, his destiny is eternal ruin. His reign of terror will end when Christ returns as King of kings to bring final judgment and restoration to creation.
Spiritual Lessons and Protection
For believers, Abaddon represents more than an ancient figure—he is a reminder of spiritual warfare and the destructive power of sin and rebellion. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12,
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.”
The enemy still seeks to destroy, but Christ’s victory at the cross ensures that no power—whether Abaddon, Apollyon, or Satan—can prevail over those sealed with the blood of Jesus.
The way to overcome the spirit of destruction is through repentance, faith, and obedience to God. As Romans 16:20 promises,
“The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.”
In summary, Abaddon—whether as a place of destruction or a fallen angel—is a symbol of the destructive nature of evil. He is powerful but not all-powerful. His authority is limited, his reign temporary, and his defeat certain. For the believer, the message is clear: stay covered under the protection of Christ, for only in Him can we stand victorious against the destroyer.
Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
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