The “bottomless pit,” also referred to as the “abyss,” is a recurring theme in Scripture that points to a place of confinement for demonic forces and a location tied to God’s judgment. This study will explore its Hebrew and Greek terms, occurrences in Scripture, possible locations, and its connection to the angel described as its ruler. We will delve into how it relates to other biblical concepts, such as the account of Lazarus and the rich man, and examine its significance in both the Old and New Testaments.
The Hebrew and Greek Words
The term “bottomless pit” is predominantly a New Testament concept, appearing in the Greek as ἄβυσσος (abussos), meaning “abyss” or “a deep, immeasurable place.” The word carries the sense of a vast, unbounded chasm or gulf. This Greek term is derived from a- (without) and buthos (depth), emphasizing its limitless nature. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), abussos is sometimes used to translate the Hebrew word תְּהוֹם (tehom), which refers to the deep or the watery depths. For instance, in Genesis 1:2, tehom describes the “deep” over which the Spirit of God hovered.
The Bottomless Pit in the Old Testament
While the specific term “bottomless pit” does not appear in the Old Testament, its concept is present in descriptions of tehom. For example, in Deuteronomy 8:7, the word is used to describe “the depths” of springs and fountains. In Job 41:31-32, tehom is used to describe the chaos and power of Leviathan. Isaiah 14:15, which speaks of the descent of Lucifer to Sheol and “the lowest depths of the Pit,” may also align with the imagery of a bottomless place reserved for judgment.
The Bottomless Pit in the New Testament
The Greek term abussos appears nine times in the New Testament, with most references found in Revelation. In Revelation 9:1-2, 11, the abyss is described as a place that is unlocked by a key, releasing demonic forces upon the earth:
“And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace” (Revelation 9:2).
The angel of the bottomless pit, referred to as Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, rules over these forces (Revelation 9:11). The abyss also serves as a temporary prison for Satan during the millennial reign of Christ:
“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit… and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up” (Revelation 20:1-3).
The Possible Location of the Bottomless Pit
The exact location of the abyss is not specified in Scripture, but it is often associated with the underworld or Sheol. In Jewish thought, Sheol was seen as a place beneath the earth where the souls of the dead resided. In Revelation 9:1, the abyss is unlocked by a “star fallen from heaven,” suggesting it may exist within the spiritual realm but have a physical or dimensional connection to the earth. The imagery of smoke rising from the abyss (Revelation 9:2) further supports the idea of a subterranean or underworld location.
The Angel of the Bottomless Pit
Revelation 9:11 identifies the angel of the abyss as Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek, both meaning “Destroyer.” This angel is described as a ruler over the demonic forces released from the abyss. The name Abaddon also appears in the Old Testament, where it is associated with destruction and the realm of the dead (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11). The role of this angel as the “Destroyer” draws parallels to “the destroyer” responsible for implementing judgement during the Passover in Exodus 12:23. The Passover angel served under God’s direct command and the angel with the key to the abyss also comes from Heaven and has authority over the bottomless pit and those within it. Whether these two angels are one in the same, is unknown.
Jude’s Account of the Fallen Angels
In Jude 1:6, we read:
“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”
This verse speaks of angels who sinned by abandoning their God-given position or “domain” (Greek: ἀρχή, arche, meaning principality or rule). Their rebellion resulted in God confining them in “everlasting chains under darkness” until the final judgment.
The “darkness” described here aligns with the concept of the abyss (Greek: ἄβυσσος, abussos), often depicted as a place of confinement for spiritual beings.
Demons Scared of the Abyss
In Luke 8:31, when Jesus casts out the legion of demons from a man, and they beg Him not to send them into the abyss:
“And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.”
This again indicates that the abyss is a place of terror even for fallen angels, reinforcing its role as a prison for evil.
The abyss also highlights God’s authority over demonic forces. In Revelation 9:1-11, the abyss is opened only by God’s permission, and its forces are unleashed as part of His divine judgement. Similarly, the binding of Satan in the abyss (Revelation 20:1-3) demonstrates God’s ultimate authority over the devil and his works.
My Final Thoughts
The bottomless pit is a vivid biblical concept that represents both the severity of God’s judgment and the depth of His authority. From its associations with the watery depths in the Old Testament to its central role in the apocalyptic events of Revelation, the abyss reminds us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the ultimate victory of God over all evil. As we study this profound theme, we are called to reflect on our own faith, trusting in Christ as our Redeemer and Deliverer from the powers of darkness. Let us walk in the light, knowing that the day of the Lord draws near.
