☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G623 · Greek · New Testament
Ἀπολλύων
Apollyon
Proper noun, masculine
Apollyon; Destroyer

Definition

The Greek proper noun Apollyon (G623) means Destroyer or Destruction — the active participle of apollymi (G622, to destroy/perish). It appears once in the New Testament, in Revelation 9:11, as the name of the angel of the Abyss — the king of the demonic locusts unleashed from the bottomless pit during the fifth trumpet judgment. John provides both the Hebrew name (Abaddon) and the Greek equivalent Apollyon, confirming their equivalence.

Usage & Theological Significance

The naming of the destroyer in Revelation 9:11 is a revelation of Satan's essential nature and agenda. Jesus identifies the devil as one who 'comes only to steal and kill and destroy (apolesē)' (John 10:10), while Christ Himself comes to give life abundantly. The contrast between Apollyon (destroyer) and Christ (life-giver) defines the spiritual conflict of the entire age. The Hebrew name Abaddon (destruction/the underworld) appears in Job and Proverbs as a synonym for Sheol, the realm of the dead. Revelation's use of Apollyon identifies this power with the final demonic assault before Christ's return — a ruler whose time is limited by the sovereign God who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18).

Key Bible Verses

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).
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (apolesē); I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Revelation 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Job 26:6 Death is naked before God; Destruction (Abaddon) lies uncovered.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.

Related Words