Revelation 9:11 – “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).”
Extended Explanation
This verse identifies the ruler over the locust-like creatures that have been released from the Abyss. Unlike natural locusts, which have no king according to Proverbs 30:27, these supernatural beings have a leader. He is called the angel of the Abyss, and he has a name in both Hebrew and Greek—Abaddon and Apollyon. Both names mean Destroyer.
This figure is not just a symbolic idea. He represents real spiritual darkness and power. He has authority over the swarm of tormenting beings that were unleashed, and his mission is destruction. He isn’t Satan himself, but he serves the same goal—bringing chaos, pain, and ruin to those who do not belong to God.
This verse puts a face and a name to the force behind the torment: not nature, not random suffering, but a dark spiritual being with a destructive purpose.
Historical Context
In John’s time, the idea of a “king” or spiritual ruler of the underworld would have resonated with both Jewish and pagan audiences. The Hebrew word Abaddon appeared in the Old Testament as a name for the place of destruction or death (Job 26:6, Proverbs 15:11). The Greek term Apollyon would have also caught attention because it closely resembled the name of Apollo, a major Greek god. Some even saw the Roman emperor as a figure like Apollo, making this name even more pointed.
To John‘s first readers, this verse confirmed that the chaos in the world wasn’t just political or social—it was deeply spiritual. A real battle was taking place behind the scenes.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that evil has organization and purpose. The forces of darkness are not random—they have a leader, a mission, and a goal: destruction. But it also reminds us that even this ruler of the Abyss is under God’s control. He is named and described, not to glorify him, but to expose him.
God is not surprised by evil. He names it, unmasks it, and limits it. The Abyss, the king over it, and all the torment unleashed from it are known to God and only allowed to act under His command.
This also teaches us that apart from God, destruction is the only end. Those not sealed by God are vulnerable to the Destroyer’s influence—not just in Revelation’s end-time setting, but even now.
Literary Analysis
John’s writing here is sharp and intentional. He gives the king of the Abyss two names in two languages. This double naming reinforces the seriousness of this being’s identity—Abaddon in Hebrew, Apollyon in Greek. Both mean Destroyer, and that repetition is not accidental. It’s to make sure we don’t miss what kind of being this is.
This verse is the first time the leader behind the tormenting forces is revealed. It acts as a climax to the previous verses describing the locust-like beings. Now we understand they are not acting alone—they serve a ruler, and he is not on the side of life.
Biblical Cross-References
- Job 26:6 – “The realm of the dead is naked before God; Destruction (Abaddon) lies uncovered.”
- Proverbs 15:11 – “Death and Destruction (Abaddon) lie open before the Lord.”
- Proverbs 30:27 – “Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks.” Revelation 9 reverses this: these locusts do have a king—Abaddon.
- John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” This sums up the mission of Apollyon.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 – The lawless one will come with Satan’s power, deceiving those who refuse to love the truth.
These verses show that God is always aware of what the enemy is doing, and He reveals it so that we can be warned and prepared.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a clear reminder that we are not just dealing with earthly problems. There is a spiritual enemy whose mission is destruction. The enemy is active, intelligent, and deceptive—but he is not in control. God is.
This verse should remind us to take our faith seriously. We are in a real battle. But we don’t need to live in fear. Those sealed by God—those who belong to Jesus—are protected from this kind of destruction.
It’s also a wake-up call to pray, stay alert, and hold fast to the truth. The Destroyer still wants to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ gives life that cannot be taken away.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
It may seem strange to talk about love in a verse like this, but God’s love is seen in His honesty. He doesn’t hide what’s at stake. He reveals the truth—even about the enemy—so that people won’t be deceived or destroyed.
God’s love is also seen in the fact that these forces can’t touch those who are sealed (Revelation 9:4). He guards His own. He doesn’t promise we’ll never suffer, but He does promise that ultimate destruction will never touch those who belong to Him.
By naming Abaddon and Apollyon, God is saying: “I see what you’re facing. I know your enemy. But I am greater.”
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the opposite of the Destroyer. He is the Redeemer, the Good Shepherd, the Giver of Life. While Abaddon seeks to destroy, Jesus came to save. In John 10:10, Jesus makes it clear: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus defeated the power of the Abyss when He rose from the grave. Revelation 1:18 says, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
He has power over every evil ruler—including the king of the Abyss. And through Him, we are safe.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God chose to name the leader of the Abyss in both Hebrew and Greek?
- What does the name “Destroyer” reveal about the nature and goals of spiritual evil?
- How does this verse challenge us to take spiritual warfare more seriously?
- In what ways do you see God’s protection in your life today?
- How does knowing that Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades give you peace?