New Testament

Revelation 9:11

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 9:11, the text describes a terrifying figure known as the king of the locusts, who is identified as the angel of the bottomless pit.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

Their king was the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 9:11, the text describes a terrifying figure known as the king of the locusts, who is identified as the angel of the bottomless pit. This angel is named Abaddon in Hebrew, which means 'destruction,' and Apollyon in Greek, meaning 'destroyer.' This verse highlights the authority of this angel over the locusts, symbolizing chaos and destruction unleashed upon the earth. The imagery suggests a time of great tribulation, where evil forces are allowed to torment humanity. The mention of both Hebrew and Greek names emphasizes the universal nature of this figure's influence and the seriousness of the judgment being portrayed. This passage serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles that exist and the reality of evil in the world, urging readers to remain vigilant and faithful amidst trials.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 9:11 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize the reality of spiritual battles in our lives. It reminds us to stay alert and grounded in our faith, seeking God's protection and guidance. Understanding the nature of evil can help us resist temptation and remain steadfast in our beliefs.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 9:11 mean?

Revelation 9:11 refers to a powerful figure called the angel of the bottomless pit, named Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek. This verse symbolizes the authority of evil during a time of tribulation, highlighting the chaos and destruction that can occur when such forces are unleashed.

What is the significance of the names Abaddon and Apollyon in Revelation 9:11?

Abaddon, meaning 'destruction' in Hebrew, and Apollyon, meaning 'destroyer' in Greek, signify the destructive nature of the angel mentioned in Revelation 9:11. These names emphasize the role of this figure in bringing chaos and judgment upon the earth.

How does Revelation 9:11 relate to spiritual warfare?

Revelation 9:11 highlights the presence of evil forces in the world, reminding readers of the ongoing spiritual battles they may encounter. It encourages vigilance and reliance on faith to withstand such challenges.

What themes are present in Revelation 9:11?

Key themes in Revelation 9:11 include destruction, the authority of evil, spiritual warfare, judgment, and tribulation. The imagery of locusts symbolizes the chaos and devastation associated with these themes.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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