9:11a

king: Here the word king refers to a ruler. Some languages do not have a word for king. If that is true in your language, you may want to use a more general word. For example:

leader (New Jerusalem Bible)

the angel of the Abyss: This phrase may refer to the “star that had fallen from heaven to the earth” (9:1b, Berean Standard Bible). It is also possible that it refers to Satan. Translate in a way that allows for either interpretation.

In some languages the translation of angel only refers to beings that obey God. If that is true in your language, use a word or phrase that refers to a disobeying spirit. The usual New Testament word or phrase is “demon” or “evil spirit.” For example:

the demon of the Abyss

of the Abyss: Here the word of indicates a connection to the Abyss. The angel belonged to, or was somehow connected with, the Abyss.

Abyss: The word Abyss refers to a place of great depth. See how you translated this word in 9:1.

9:11b–c

in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon: Both the name Abaddon and the name Apollyon mean “Destroyer.” You may want to:

• Add a footnote to explain the meaning of these names. For example:

Both the name Abaddon and the name Apollyon mean “Destroyer.”
-or-
Both names mean “Destroyer.”

• Explain the meaning of the names in your translation. For example:

His name in Hebrew is Abaddon; in Greek the name is Apollyon (meaning “The Destroyer”) (Good News Translation)

Hebrew: This word refers to the language that the Jews spoke in Old Testament times.

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