[Greek] ἄβυσσος (abyssos): bottomless, very deep, bottomless place, boundless, abyss; Rev. 9:1,2,11, Rev.11:7, Rev.17:8, Rev.20:1,3, Rom.10:7, Lk.8:31
The Angel With The Keys Of The Abyss: (painting by Albrecht Durer 1498)
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term refers to the underworld (place of imprisonment for disobedient spirits). This term is used in later Greek to describe the depths of original time, the primitive ocean, and the world of the dead. In Greek mythology, Tartarus is the deep abyss that is used as a dungeon of torment and suffering for the wicked. This is the place where souls are judged after death. Homer’s Illiad 8:14-16 states “I shall hurl him into Tartarus where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth, as far beneath Hades as heaven is above earth.”
Old Testament: This term refers to the Hebrew term tehom meaning the deep, ocean depths, original floods of water, and depth (interior) of the earth. This term, influenced by Hellenism, refers to the place where spirits are confined. The Hebrew term Abaddon refers to both a bottomless pit of destruction and the angel of the abyss. Abaddon often appears alongside the Greek term Sheol (realm of the dead). The Latin Vulgate refers to the angel of death as destroyer (exterminans).
The earth was without form or shape, with waters over the abyss (Gen.1:2). Even the deep of the seas trembled (Psa.77:17). All the fountains of the great abyss burst forth (Gen.7:11). The deep (Nile) makes it tall (Eze.31:4). They rose to the heavens, sank to the depths (Psa.106:26). The waters began to subside (Gen.8:2). Who guided them through the depths (Isa.63:13). From the water depths of the earth once more raise me up (Psa.71:20).
New Testament: This term, occurring less frequently in the New Testament, does not make a direct reference to water. Instead, this term refers to a deep place, bottomless pit, and prison for spirits. A well-like abyss forms the entrance from which some smokes ascends from hell. God has the power and control over the world of hostile spirits that expresses the idea the abyss is a spirit prison. These evil forces will ultimately be locked in this prison. The abyss also signifies the realm of the dead.
Scripture:
“And they pleaded with Him not to order them to depart to the abyss.” Lk. 8:31
Legion, who possessed the man, pleaded with Jesus not to send the demon to the abyss (demon prison).
“They had as their king the angel of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek Apollyon.” Rev. 9:11
The angel of the abyss is the destroyer.
“For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but condemned them to the chains of Tartarus and handed them over to be kept for judgment.” 2Pet.2:4
Paul was referring to the false teachers. The false teachers will be punished as severely as the fallen angels.
Conclusion:
Abyss, abysmal, exterminate
It is interesting to note that even mythology can touch upon the truths about evil and morality. Homer, an important poet, makes mention of the chains of Tartarus. Apollyon is the destroyer.
It is not surprising that there would be very many references to water in the Old Testament. The Greek influences on the Old Testament scripture make references to Sheol and Tartarus. Abaddon becomes the Hebrew term for this abyss. The idea of good versus evil becomes a very important theme in the Old Testament.
The New Testament continues this theme of evil. Jesus has control over the demons. The demons also recognize Jesus’ authority. It is significant to note that the false teachers were considered as evil as the fallen angels. It is also interesting to note that 2 Peter references Tartarus. I wouldn’t have associated this with Peter, a Jew.
We all have been in the situation when we have done something abysmal. At first glance, it does not really seem related to an abyss. The first instance of doing something extremely bad or stupid was first coined in 1904. This suggests the “depth” of one’s stupidity or ignorance.