Revelation 9:11

Authorized King 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἔχει
G2192
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#3
ἐφ'
G1909
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#4
αὐτῶν
G848
them
self (in some oblique case or reflexive relation)
#5
βασιλέα
G935
a king
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
#6
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#7
ἄγγελον
G32
which is the angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἀβύσσου
G12
of the bottomless pit
depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"
#10
ὄνομα
G3686
his name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#11
αὐτῷ
G846
whose
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
#12
Ἑβραϊστὶ
G1447
in the Hebrew tongue
hebraistically or in the jewish (chaldee) language
#13
Ἀβαδδὼν
G3
is Abaddon
a destroying angel
#14
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
Ἑλληνικῇ
G1673
the Greek tongue
hellenic, i.e., grecian (in language)
#18
ὄνομα
G3686
his name
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
#19
ἔχει
G2192
hath
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#20
Ἀπολλύων
G623
Apollyon
a destroyer (i.e., satan)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection