Dictionary term
Apollyon
Direct answer
Apollyon is the Greek name meaning destroyer given in Revelation 9:11 to the angel of the abyss.
Apollyon is the Greek destroyer-name paired with Abaddon in Revelation.
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Apollyon when comparing biblical translation, Revelation symbolism, and later demonological interpretation.
- Do not use it for
- Do not detach Apollyon from its apocalyptic literary setting.
- Reference category
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Related terms
- Demon, Fallen Angel, Spiritual Warfare, Discernment
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The story behind Apollyon
Later Christian demonology often treated Apollyon as a demonic name because Revelation made the destroyer figure memorable.
Apollyon in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, Apollyon asks where destruction is being named accurately and where fear is merely being amplified.
Apollyon in the Bible
In Revelation, Apollyon is not introduced as a folklore character but as a Greek explanatory name for the abyss ruler called Abaddon in Hebrew.
Why Apollyon matters
Apollyon matters because it shows how Hebrew and Greek apocalyptic vocabulary can name the same destructive figure from different linguistic angles.
Apollyon at work: an example
A reader asking whether Abaddon and Apollyon are different beings can be told that Revelation presents them as parallel names.
Where interpretation stops
Information on Apollyon is presented strictly for educational, historical, and devotional purposes. Complex or sensitive spiritual topics are approached with absolute calm and balance, avoiding any ritual instructions, superstitions, or exaggerated claims. If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or safety concerns related to these themes, we warmly encourage seeking support from trusted local pastoral, clinical, or counseling resources to ensure your well-being.
Safety note
Sources and editorial method
This concise reference separates established definitions from historical, symbolic, or interpretive claims. Entries without external references are presented as editorial summaries rather than primary-source scholarship.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Also appears in
- Demons & Fallen Beings
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-15
Read apocalyptic names soberly
Apollyon in a book is one thing; Apollyon in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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Related terms
More in Demons & Fallen Beings
Common questions
What is Apollyon?
Apollyon is the Greek name meaning destroyer given in Revelation 9:11 to the angel of the abyss.
How should Apollyon be understood spiritually?
Use Apollyon when comparing biblical translation, Revelation symbolism, and later demonological interpretation.
What should I avoid when interpreting Apollyon?
Do not detach Apollyon from its apocalyptic literary setting.
