Lexical Summary abaddon: Abaddon Original Word: אֲבַדּוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance destruction Intensive from 'abad; abstract, a perishing; concrete, Hades -- destruction. see HEBREW 'abad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abad Definition (place of) destruction or ruin, Abaddon NASB Translation Abaddon (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבַדּוֺן noun feminine? Proverbs 27:20 abstract nearly = proper name (place of) Destruction, Ruin, 'Abaddon (compare Topical Lexicon Etymology and Conceptual Background Abaddon represents the realm of irrevocable ruin—a sphere where life, order, and hope are dissolved. Within Hebrew thought it stands beside Sheol as the deepest extremity of death’s domain, emphasizing not merely cessation of life but the annihilating power of judgment. Whereas Sheol is the collective abode of the departed, Abaddon is the abyss within that abode where destruction is complete. Biblical Usage 1. Job 26:6 joins Abaddon to Sheol as equally exposed before God: “Sheol is naked before Him, and Abaddon has no covering”. The verse stresses divine omniscience; the most secret regions of death are as open to the Creator as the daylight sky. Relationship to Sheol and the Grave Abaddon and Sheol are paired three times (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11; Proverbs 27:20 in the broader canon). Sheol conveys the general state of the dead; Abaddon intensifies that picture by highlighting the destructive aspect. Together they form a poetic merism for the totality of the unseen realm. The usage underscores the total sovereignty of God over life, death, and judgment. Personification and Progression into the New Testament While Abaddon in the Old Testament is a place, Revelation 9:11 introduces “the angel of the abyss—his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” This development does not redefine the Old Testament concept; rather, it personifies it, presenting a commander of demonic forces who embodies the same destructive intent that the place had symbolized. The progression illustrates Scripture’s unity: a thematic thread from poetic imagery to apocalyptic personification. Theological Significance 1. Divine Omniscience: Abaddon’s exposure before God assures believers that no realm is outside His control (Job 26:6). Practical and Pastoral Implications • Preaching: The imagery of Abaddon lends urgency to calls for repentance, illustrating the end of unrestrained sin (Job 31:12). Typological and Eschatological Dimensions Abaddon foreshadows the “lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14) in final judgment. Conversely, Christ’s resurrection demonstrates triumph over every layer of death, including Abaddon itself (Acts 2:31, quoting Psalm 16:10). Thus the deepest abyss becomes a defeated stronghold, ensuring believers that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Summary Abaddon in Hebrew Scripture signifies the innermost chamber of death’s dominion, emphasizing destruction and hopelessness. Yet by revealing God’s sovereignty over that realm, Scripture transforms Abaddon from a symbol of despair into a backdrop for divine grace, wisdom, and final victory. Forms and Transliterations אֲבַדּ֣וֹן אבדון בָּאֲבַדּֽוֹן׃ באבדון׃ וַ֭אֲבַדּוֹן ואבדון לָֽאֲבַדּֽוֹן׃ לאבדון׃ ’ă·ḇad·dō·wn ’ăḇaddōwn avadDon bā’ăḇaddōwn bā·’ă·ḇad·dō·wn baavadDon lā’ăḇaddōwn lā·’ă·ḇad·dō·wn LaavadDon Vaavaddon wa’ăḇaddōwn wa·’ă·ḇad·dō·wnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 26:6 HEB: וְאֵ֥ין כְּ֝ס֗וּת לָֽאֲבַדּֽוֹן׃ NAS: before Him, And Abaddon has no KJV: [is] naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. INT: has covering and Abaddon Job 28:22 Job 31:12 Psalm 88:11 Proverbs 15:11 5 Occurrences |
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