Titles and Names of the Devil: Angel of the Bottomless Pit
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Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is a significant designation for the devil found in the book of Revelation. This title is associated with the apocalyptic imagery and events described in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the end times.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is found in Revelation 9:11 : "They have as king over them the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon." This verse occurs within the narrative of the fifth trumpet judgment, where a star falls from heaven to earth and is given the key to the shaft of the abyss. Upon opening the abyss, smoke rises, and locusts emerge to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

Interpretation and Significance:

1. Abaddon and Apollyon: The names "Abaddon" and "Apollyon" both mean "destroyer," reflecting the destructive nature of this angelic being. In Hebrew, "Abaddon" signifies a place of destruction or ruin, often associated with Sheol or the grave. In Greek, "Apollyon" carries a similar connotation of destruction and ruin.

2. Role and Authority: The "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is depicted as a king over the locusts that emerge from the abyss. This suggests a position of authority and control over the forces of chaos and destruction unleashed during the end times. The imagery of the abyss, or bottomless pit, symbolizes a realm of confinement and judgment, often associated with the abode of demonic forces.

3. Symbolism in Revelation: The book of Revelation is rich with symbolic language and imagery, and the "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is part of this apocalyptic vision. The release of the locusts and their king serves as a divine judgment upon the earth, highlighting the spiritual warfare and cosmic struggle between good and evil.

4. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the title underscores the devil's role as an adversary and destroyer. It emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the ultimate defeat of evil as foretold in the eschatological narrative of Revelation. The "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is a reminder of the devil's limited power, as he operates under the sovereign control of God, who ultimately holds the keys to the abyss.

5. Contrast with Christ: The title also serves to contrast the devil's destructive nature with the redemptive work of Christ. While the "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" brings torment and destruction, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the Savior and Redeemer, offering life and salvation to those who believe.

In summary, the "Angel of the Bottomless Pit" is a powerful and evocative title that encapsulates the devil's role in the apocalyptic events described in Revelation. It highlights the themes of judgment, destruction, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of evil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Revelation 9:11
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 has his name Apollyon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... He was the Devil incarnate; he was the Son of Perdition. ... a complete contrast between
Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but the ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... to expound, even briefly, the significance of these three titles. ... is seen here: only
they whose names were written ... be, we believe, the name of the Devil, (cf. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Antichrist.
... heart, false peace, and a deceitful devil can make ... and then it was cried, by an angel,
and the ... have invented so many places, offices, names, titles, orders, vows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... Goths, Vandals, Arians, Prelates, or the Devil," when God ... in verse 5. This discloses
their origin, from the bottomless pit. ... over them a king, the angel of the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Struggler;
... were any such Christians and doctrines; their names and doctrines ... observe and
say"What hath the devil or his ... not charge the following running-titles upon our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... matters and things of worship of Antichrist; it dwells in the titles and names that
are ... hold on the Dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Discourse
... these four rows of pillars, as the names of the ... she turns again, and pleads by her
titles, her features ... who loved her for themselves, for the devil, and for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... God; I have grieved the Spirit, and He is gone; I tempted the devil, and he ... lake"
(Matt.3:12; 13:30; Mal.4:1). And with that, the bottomless pit opened, just ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... that there had been no hell, or that I had been a devil to torment ... stubble, and cast
them into the burning lake"; and with that the bottomless pit opened just ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org

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Titles and Names of the Devil: Adversary
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