Who was Apollyon?
Apollyon is the name given to the king of the demonic locust army described in Revelation 9:11. He is portrayed as a powerful and terrifying figure who leads a horde of supernatural tormentors unleashed upon the earth during the blowing of the fifth trumpet in the book of Revelation. The name “Apollyon” comes from the Greek Ἀπολλύων (Apollýōn), which means “Destroyer.” The Hebrew equivalent given in the same verse is “Abaddon” (אֲבַדּוֹן), which also means “destruction” or “place of destruction.”
This figure is not merely symbolic but is treated in the apocalyptic narrative as a real, spiritual being with authority over the abyss, a dark prison for demonic beings. Apollyon is closely associated with judgment, wrath, and spiritual torment in the context of end-time events.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Revelation 9:1-11 – Apollyon is introduced as the king of the demonic locusts that come from the bottomless pit (the Abyss) when the fifth angel sounds his trumpet.
- Proverbs 15:11 – “Abaddon” is mentioned as a realm known to the Lord, parallel with Sheol.
- Job 26:6; 28:22; 31:12 – “Abaddon” is referenced poetically as a realm of death and destruction.
- Luke 8:31 – Demons beg Jesus not to send them into the abyss, possibly the same prison from which Apollyon’s army emerges.
These references help situate Apollyon within a biblical theology of spiritual warfare, divine judgment, and the existence of spiritual forces opposed to God.
What Happened in the Bible?
In Revelation 9, the Apostle John describes the sounding of the fifth trumpet, which unleashes a horrifying scene. A star falls from heaven to earth—symbolic of a powerful angelic being—who is given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. When opened, smoke rises and out of it emerges a plague of locust-like creatures with power to torment those without the seal of God on their foreheads.
These are no ordinary locusts. They are described with terrifying imagery—like horses prepared for battle, with faces like humans, hair like women’s hair, teeth like lions, breastplates of iron, wings that sound like chariots, and tails like scorpions. They are allowed to torment people for five months, causing intense pain but not death.
Their king is Apollyon, “the angel of the Abyss,” who rules over them and symbolizes destruction. His authority emphasizes that this judgment is controlled and directed, not chaotic. Apollyon is not Satan himself, but he is a high-ranking demonic figure under God’s sovereign permission.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Apollyon serves as a chilling reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the coming judgment of God upon a rebellious world. His role shows that God’s justice will not be delayed forever—there will come a time when evil is no longer restrained, and judgment is executed.
For believers, the key truth is that those sealed by God (Revelation 9:4) are protected. The passage reinforces that God’s people are not destined for wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9) but are secure in Christ. Even as terrifying images unfold in Revelation, they reveal the sovereignty of God over all creatures, even the most destructive.
How Apollyon’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Though Apollyon represents destruction, his story ultimately magnifies the saving power of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). While Apollyon is the destroyer of men, Jesus is the Savior of all who believe (John 3:16). The contrast between the two is stark—where Apollyon brings torment and despair, Christ offers peace and eternal life.
Furthermore, the protection from Apollyon’s torment is given to those with the seal of God, a symbol of belonging to Christ. This sealing happens through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Thus, Apollyon’s role in judgment underscores the necessity of salvation in Christ to escape the wrath to come.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Judgment and Justice
Apollyon is a servant of divine judgment, not acting on his own authority but within the sovereign control of God. This reinforces the theme that God will judge sin and rebellion.
2. Spiritual Warfare
His presence draws attention to the unseen spiritual forces at work in the world. Christians are reminded that they wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12) but against demonic powers.
3. God’s Sovereignty
Even destructive forces like Apollyon are subject to divine command. God sets the limits of their power, duration, and target. This assures believers that nothing happens apart from God’s permission.
4. Salvation and Protection
The sealing of God’s people serves as a powerful symbol of redemption and divine care. Apollyon may torment the world, but he cannot touch the redeemed.
5. The Abyss and Final Judgment
The Abyss is a recurring theme associated with confinement and judgment. Apollyon’s emergence from it previews the final conflict and ultimate defeat of evil by Christ (Revelation 20:10).
Reflection Questions
- What does Apollyon’s role in Revelation teach us about the seriousness of God’s judgment?
- How should the contrast between Apollyon and Jesus shape our understanding of the gospel?
- What does it mean to be “sealed” by God, and how does this give comfort in times of fear?
- In what ways does this passage challenge believers to remain faithful amidst spiritual conflict?
- How can we live today with urgency, knowing that judgment is coming and salvation is available only in Christ?
Apollyon is a fearsome figure, but his presence in Revelation ultimately points not just to destruction, but to the triumphant hope found in Jesus Christ, the one who saves from wrath and gives eternal life to all who believe.