The bottomless pit is mentioned several times in the book of Revelation in the Bible. One key passage that describes this pit is Revelation 9:1-12. In these verses, the bottomless pit is presented as a place of confinement for evil spirits and beings that will be released during the end times.
The passage begins with a star falling from heaven to earth (likely representing a fallen angelic being) who is given the key to the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1). When opened, smoke arises out of the pit and darkens the sun and air (Revelation 9:2). Then locust-like creatures emerge, with power like scorpions to torment people (Revelation 9:3). These creatures are described as having human-like faces, lion’s teeth, protective armor, and tails with stingers (Revelation 9:7-10). Their ruler is referred to as Abaddon in Hebrew or Apollyon in Greek, both names meaning “Destroyer” (Revelation 9:11).
So what exactly is this bottomless pit? Based on the context of Revelation, it seems to be a prison or abyss holding demonic forces that will inflict great suffering on earth during the end times judgments. The word “bottomless” indicates its vastness and unknown depths. Smoke arising from the pit implies an otherworldly, hellish realm. The bizarre locust-scorpions represent hordes of malevolent spirits set loose to torment the unrepentant.
Some key points about the biblical bottomless pit:
- It is a deep, dark abyss with no visible bottom (Revelation 9:1-2, 11:7).
- It contains imprisoned demons and evil spirits (Revelation 9:1-3, 11).
- The locust-scorpions emerge from it to inflict painful stings (Revelation 9:3-5).
- It is locked and opened only at God’s command (Revelation 9:1, 20:1).
- The beast of Revelation ascends from it (Revelation 11:7, 17:8).
- Satan will be confined there during the millennium (Revelation 20:1-3).
Based on these details, most Bible scholars agree that the bottomless pit refers to a section of Hades or hell reserved for especially evil demonic beings. It is a shadowy, depthless place of confinement that will be opened to unleash torment on the world before Christ’s return. The imagery conveys the foreboding, dangerous nature of its monstrous inhabitants.
Some additional key points about the bottomless pit in Revelation:
- It is under lock and key – The pit is secured and bound, and only God has the authority to open it (Revelation 9:1, 20:1). This demonstrates God’s sovereign control over demonic forces.
- Satan will be imprisoned there – During Christ’s millennial kingdom, Satan will be confined to the abyss before being finally thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:1-3, 7, 10).
- It will be opened before God’s wrath – The judgments of trumpets and bowls will involve the pit opening to unleash demons on the world (Revelation 9, 11, 17).
- It suggests the underworld – The abyss seems to connect to the shadowy underworld of the dead, from which beastly and ghostly beings emerge.
- It highlights supernatural evil – The bizarre beings from the pit symbolize the reality of wicked spiritual forces operating in ways humans cannot fully see or understand.
The frightening imagery of the bottomless pit underscores the real danger facing those who refuse to turn to God. While the abyss points to supernatural evil beyond human understanding, God has ultimate supremacy over its powers and inhabitants. Its opening acts as a warning of the peril ahead for the unrepentant, but believers need not fear. God holds the key and will decide when to unlock its horrors as part of His perfect end-time purposes.
In summary, the biblical bottomless pit is a shadowy prison for demonic forces that God will open during the end-times judgments described in Revelation. It vividly illustrates the impending release of destructive spiritual entities who will inflict torment and suffering on the world. But God remains in control, limiting the scope of the pit’s horrors and offering salvation from them through faith in Christ.
Some key Bible passages about the bottomless pit:
- Revelation 9:1-12 – Locusts come out of the smoke-filled pit to sting people without God’s seal.
- Revelation 11:7 – The beast kills the two witnesses, then arises from the bottomless pit.
- Revelation 17:8 – The beast arises from the bottomless pit and goes to destruction.
- Revelation 20:1-3 – An angel binds Satan in the pit for a thousand years.
- Romans 10:7 – References Christ descending into the abyss after death.
The bottomless pit is a mysterious and frightening biblical concept, representing dark spiritual forces of evil and judgment. But God has authority over it, and believers with faith in Christ are protected from its torment and terror. Though disturbing, these passages remind us to rely on God’s power rather than fear the supernatural evils of the world.
The bottomless pit demonstrates the following biblical principles:
- God is sovereign – He holds the key and determines when the pit is opened and closed (Revelation 9:1).
- There are limitations – The pit is secured and its beings limited in their torment (Revelation 9:4-5).
- Judgment is coming – The end times involve measured judgments on the earth (Revelation 9:15).
- Protection is available – God seals and shields His people from the pit’s torment (Revelation 9:4).
- Watchfulness is needed – Prophecies warn people to turn to God before it’s too late (Revelation 9:20-21).
- Spiritual warfare is real – Believers face evil supernatural entities requiring spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:12-18).
Though frightening, the biblical bottomless pit reassures believers that God is aware of impending spiritual threats and will enable His people to stand firm in Christ despite deepening darkness. Trusting God’s power and protection is the antidote to fear of demonic torments or other supernatural evils.
Here are some final key points about the bottomless pit in Revelation:
- It is a place of confinement and restraint for spiritual forces of evil that will be released as end-time judgments on the earth (Revelation 9:1-11).
- The depth and smoke indicate an otherworldly, hellish realm from which demonic entities emerge (Revelation 9:2-3).
- The bizarre locust-scorpions represent armies of malevolent spirits that inflict pain and suffering on humanity (Revelation 9:3-10).
- God is sovereign over the pit, holding its key and determining when it is opened (Revelation 9:1, 20:1-3).
- Satan will be imprisoned there, showing Christ’s triumph over evil (Revelation 20:1-3, 7).
- It is a fearsome concept reminding people of coming judgment and the need for repentance (Revelation 9:20-21).
- Believers with God’s seal are protected from its torments (Revelation 9:4).
- The pit highlights realities of spiritual warfare and God’s impending victory (Ephesians 6:12).
While the bottomless pit may seem terrifying and mysterious, Revelation’s imagery conveys important biblical truths about God’s sovereignty, coming judgment, and spiritual protection for His people. For believers, awareness of the pit inspires watchfulness and reliance on Christ rather than dread of demonic powers.