Topical Bible: Satan: Apollyon (Greek: Destroyer)

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Topical Encyclopedia

Apollyon, a term derived from the Greek word "Apollyon" meaning "Destroyer," is a title associated with Satan, the adversary of God and humanity. This name is prominently mentioned in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 9:11 : "They have as king over them the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon."

Biblical Context and Interpretation

In the context of Revelation 9, Apollyon is depicted as the king of the locusts that emerge from the abyss during the sounding of the fifth trumpet. These locusts are not ordinary insects but are symbolic of demonic forces unleashed upon the earth to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The imagery of Apollyon as the "angel of the abyss" underscores his role as a leader of destructive forces, emphasizing his nature as a destroyer.

The dual naming of this figure as both Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek) highlights the universality of his destructive influence, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Abaddon, meaning "destruction" or "place of destruction," is often associated with the realm of the dead or the underworld in Hebrew thought, further reinforcing the destructive and deathly connotations of Apollyon's role.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Apollyon represents the ultimate embodiment of chaos and destruction, standing in stark opposition to the order and life that God brings. As a title for Satan, Apollyon encapsulates his mission to destroy God's creation and lead humanity away from divine truth. This destructive nature is evident throughout Scripture, where Satan is depicted as a deceiver, accuser, and tempter, seeking to undermine God's purposes at every turn.

The portrayal of Apollyon in Revelation serves as a warning to believers about the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil forces in the world. It calls Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, relying on God's protection and the power of the Holy Spirit to resist the destructive influences of Satan.

Conclusion

Apollyon, as a title for Satan, encapsulates the essence of his destructive mission against God's creation. The imagery of Apollyon as the "angel of the abyss" in Revelation 9:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle that rages between the forces of good and evil. For believers, understanding the role of Apollyon is crucial in recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for reliance on God's strength and protection.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 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 has his name Apollyon.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

623. Apolluon -- "a destroyer," Apollyon, the angel of the abyss
... Apollyon. Active participle of apollumi; a destroyer (ie Satan) -- Apollyon. see
GREEK apollumi. (apolluon) -- 1 Occurrence. 622, 623. Apolluon. 624 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/623.htm - 6k

Library

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... is Hebrew, and means adversary (Job 2:1). Satan is referred ... air (Ephesians 2:2);
Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek), meaning destroyer (Revelation 9 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... are told in 2:Cor.11:14 that "Satan himself is ... in the Greek tongue hath his name
Apollyon." This title ... The Hebrew and the Greek names signify the same thing in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... of the abyss." His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name of Apollyon,
that is ... are said "to be delivered from the power of Satan, and to be ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... The bottomless pit, is where Satan is subsequently cast (20:3); and the ... a king over
them, named Abaddon in the Hebrew, and Apollyon in the Greek, both of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Gethsemane
... is the remarkable expression of the Greek liturgy; for ... We think Satan also assaulted
our Lord with ... John Bunyan's picture of Christian fighting, with Apollyon. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he hath his name Apollyon.]
It is a ... It is beside the point to say this king is Satan, for his ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... a despiser of religion, but more awfully a destroyer of his ... This was that terrible
battle with Apollyon, depicted in ... Satan is loath to part with a great sinner ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm