King James Version

What Does Revelation 9:11 Mean?

Revelation 9:11 in the King James Version says “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 hath his name Apollyon. Apollyon: that is to say, A destroyer”

Revelation 9:11 · KJV

Context

9

And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

10

And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

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 hath his name Apollyon. Apollyon: that is to say, A destroyer

12

One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter .

13

And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Read Revelation 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 hath his name Apollyon.... This verse from Revelation's vision of fifth and sixth trumpets - demonic torment and massive army, unrepentant humanity employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 9:11 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔχει2 of 20

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐφ'3 of 20

“over”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῶν4 of 20

“them”

G848

self (in some oblique case or reflexive relation)

βασιλέα5 of 20

“a king”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τὸν6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελον7 of 20

“which is the angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

τῆς8 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀβύσσου9 of 20

“of the bottomless pit”

G12

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

ὄνομα10 of 20

“his name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτῷ11 of 20

“whose”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ἑβραϊστὶ12 of 20

“in the Hebrew tongue”

G1447

hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language

Ἀβαδδὼν13 of 20

“is Abaddon”

G3

a destroying angel

καὶ14 of 20

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν15 of 20

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἑλληνικῇ17 of 20

“the Greek tongue”

G1673

hellenic, i.e., grecian (in language)

ὄνομα18 of 20

“his name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ἔχει19 of 20

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Ἀπολλύων20 of 20

“Apollyon”

G623

a destroyer (i.e., satan)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 9:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 26:6Revelation 9:1-2John 16:11Ephesians 2:2John 8:44John 14:30

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