Abaddon

Abaddon ( Hebrew abad of "ruin, destruction, abyss " on Greek abaton "pit" ). Already in the Old Testament often speaks of Abaddon, always closely related to Sheol ( Hades ) (Hi 26.6 EU; 28.22 EU and Ps 88,11 EU).

In the New Testament, Abaddon is used as a name for the " angel of the abyss " is used (Rev 9,11 EU): The Revelation of John reported that after the fifth angel had trumpeted, a star fell from the sky, where the key to the fountain of abyss was given. This opened the abyss from the smoke came locusts upon the earth (Rev. 9:1-3 EU): " And they had a king over them, the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon. " (Rev 9:11) Towards the end of the Apocalypse is then the speech of an angel who has the key of the abyss and the devil throws in (Rev 20 EU).

Interpretations

The Bible text can be interpreted in various ways, who could be Abaddon.

Assuming in both places is Abaddon meant, then there is the contradiction that he himself comes from ebendem abyss into which he later closes the devil. From the different approaches to resolve it are two particularly common: either Abaddon is not the same angel who got the key, or the two passages refer to two different angels (some commentators are of the view that it was with the angel in chapter 20 to Michael, the dragon slayer, is ). Conclusively would however also be considered that Abaddon punishes both times on behalf of God: first the seduced, then the seducer ( cf. the differentiated role of Satan in the Bible). Occultists consider Abaddon as a powerful demon, or even Satan himself

Others take the word in the Apocalypse of John with a king in conjunction, who was appointed by demonic powers.

A minority, Jehovah 's Witnesses, such as, going to the testimony of (Rev 20:1-3 EU), where the angel of the abyss the devil in these flings believe that Jesus is Abaddon.