Named by God

Abaddon

Meaning and Origin

The name Abaddon originates from the Hebrew word אֲבַדּוֹן (Ăḇaddōn), meaning 'destruction' or 'doom.' It is derived from the Semitic root אָבַד (ʾăḇāḏ), which means 'to perish' or 'to destroy.' In its Greek equivalent, Apollyon (Ἀπολλύων), the name translates to 'Destroyer,' further emphasizing its destructive connotation. The name appears in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, signifying either a place of destruction or an individual entity associated with divine judgment and chaos. Historically, the term has been used to describe the realm of the dead, often appearing alongside Sheol (שְׁאוֹל), the Hebrew concept of the grave or the underworld.

Apollyon (top) battling Christian in John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress

Apollyon (top) battling Christian in John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress

Name Abaddon in languages of the Bible

Abaddon in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

The name Abaddon has a global presence, appearing in the religious and cultural traditions of at least 12 countries. It is most popular in nations like Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan, where biblical names hold significant cultural and spiritual value. The name's association with apocalyptic imagery and divine judgment makes it a powerful symbol in Christian theology, resonating with believers who emphasize the themes of accountability and redemption.

CountryVariantRank
NigeriaAbadoni32488
United Arab EmiratesApatan42664
Sudanابدون45611
New ZealandAbaddon83884
MyanmarAbaddon88901
Saudi Arabiaابدون101022
MexicoAbaddon121616
KyrgyzstanАбадон129579
UkraineAbbadon162448
IndiaAbadun270620
PhilippinesAbadon279064
IndonesiaAbaddon280006
FranceAbaddon293475
PeruAbadon320251
United KingdomAbadom329452

Showing top 15 of 12 records

Biblical and Cultural Significance

In the biblical tradition, Abaddon is a figure of great spiritual and theological significance. It is described in Revelation 9:11 as the 'angel of the abyss' and the king of a fearsome army of locusts unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment. This role highlights Abaddon's association with divine judgment and apocalyptic events. The Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 suggests that Abaddon operates under God's authority, carrying out tasks aligned with divine purposes, even if they involve destruction. Similarly, the Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 reflects Abaddon's connection to the broader narrative of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death.

Biblical Context

The name Abaddon appears prominently in Revelation 9:11, where he is described as the 'angel of the abyss' and the leader of a plague of locusts. These locusts, with human-like faces, lion's teeth, and scorpion-like tails, symbolize a divine judgment that torments those not sealed by God. Abaddon's role as their king emphasizes his authority over destruction and his alignment with the apocalyptic themes of Revelation. This depiction contrasts with earlier mentions in the Hebrew Bible, where Abaddon refers to a place of destruction or the realm of the dead, as seen in Job 26:6 and Proverbs 15:11.

Divine Proximity Metrics

God Proximity

SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8

Biblical References

  • Revelation 9:11
  • Proverbs 15:11
Abaddon | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God