Definition and Etymology:
Abad'don is a term found in the Hebrew Bible and is often associated with destruction or a place of destruction. The name is derived from the Hebrew root word "abad," meaning "to perish" or "to destroy." In the Greek New Testament, the term is translated as "Apollyon," which means "destroyer."

Biblical References:
1. Old Testament Usage:
· In the Hebrew Scriptures, Abad'don is frequently mentioned in poetic and wisdom literature, often in parallel with Sheol, the realm of the dead. It is depicted as a place of ruin and desolation.
· Job 26:6 : "Sheol is naked before Him, and Abaddon has no covering."
· Proverbs 15:11 : "Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!"
· Psalm 88:11 : "Will Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon?"

2. New Testament Usage:
· In the Book of Revelation, Abad'don is personified as the angel of the abyss, a leader of destructive forces.
· Revelation 9:11 : "They were ruled by a king, the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon."

Theological Significance:
Abad'don is often interpreted as a symbol of destruction and chaos, representing the ultimate fate of the wicked. In the Old Testament, it is associated with the grave and the finality of death, emphasizing the power and omniscience of God over life and death. In the New Testament, the personification of Abad'don as a destructive angel highlights the apocalyptic themes of judgment and the cosmic battle between good and evil.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, concepts of the afterlife and realms of the dead were common. Abad'don, as a place of destruction, fits within these broader cultural understandings of death and the afterlife. The imagery of Abad'don in the Bible reflects the existential concerns of the ancient Israelites and early Christians regarding mortality and divine justice.

Interpretations and Symbolism:
Throughout biblical scholarship, Abad'don has been interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Some view it as a literal place or entity, while others see it as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of sin and separation from God. The dual representation of Abad'don as both a place and a person in the Bible underscores its complex role in biblical eschatology.

Related Concepts:
· Sheol: Often mentioned alongside Abad'don, Sheol is the Hebrew term for the abode of the dead.
· Apollyon: The Greek equivalent of Abad'don, meaning "destroyer," used in the New Testament.
· The Abyss: A term used in Revelation to describe the bottomless pit, associated with demonic forces and judgment.

Conclusion:
Abad'don serves as a powerful biblical symbol of destruction and divine judgment, reflecting the themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the ultimate triumph of God's justice. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights its enduring significance in biblical theology and eschatology.Abad'don (1 Occurrence)

Revelation 9:11
and they have over them a king -- the messenger of the abyss -- a name 'is' to him in Hebrew, Abaddon, and in the Greek he hath a name, Apollyon.
(See RSV)

Abad'don (1 Occurrence)
Abad'don. Abaddon, Abad'don. Abadias . Multi-Version Concordance
Abad'don (1 Occurrence). Revelation 9:11 and they have over them ...
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Abaddon (7 Occurrences)

/a/abaddon.htm - 12k

Abadias

/a/abadias.htm - 6k

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