The two occurrences of the Greek phrase have traditionally been translated consistently in English Bibles from the Wycliffe Bible, following the Latin Vulgate which has "filius perditionis" in both instances. However this is not the case in all languages; for example the Luther Bible renders the use in John as "das verlorene Kind", but the use in 2 Thessalonians as "das Kind des Verderbens".
John 17:12
In Jesus, in reference to Judas Iscariot, says that of all his disciples, none has been lost except the "son of perdition". The New International Version translates the phrase as "the one doomed to destruction." D. A. Carson suggests that this verse refers both to Judas' character and to his destiny. Various Old Testament origins have been suggested for "that the scripture might be fulfilled." These traditionally include Psalm 41:9 "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." Also Psalm 109:8 "Let his days be few; and let another take his office." which is interpreted by Peter in Acts 1:16-20 as having been prophetic of Judas.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul referred to "the son of perdition". He appears to equate this image with the Man of Sin. Some scholars and theologians down through history, including Hippolytus, Luther, Wesley, Manton, Schaff, et al, say that first "Son of Perdition" reference is to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the man who attacked the SecondTemple in Jerusalem and defiled it by sacrificing a pig on the altar, erecting a statue of Zeus as himself in the temple, raiding the Temple treasury and minting coins saying "Theos Epiphanes", etc. Even those theologians who advocate an interpretation of Daniel that includes the Roman Empire in their analysis recognize Antiochus as a prototype.
Revelation
Some theologians and scholars also consider "the beast that goes into perdition" mentioned in Revelation and to be references to the son of perdition."
Derivation
Similar uses of "son" occur in Hebrew, such as "sons of corruption", however the exact Hebrew or Greek term "son of perdition" does not occur in Jewish writings prior to the New Testament. According to some modern biblical criticism New Testament writers derived the "son of perdition" concepts from Daniel and 1 Maccabees 2:48 "And they did not surrender the horn to the sinner." et al. John related the "Son of Perdition" concepts by language, referring to "the star that fell from heaven" Revelation by two names, one Greek, and the other Hebrew. The Greek name is "Apollyon", from the Greek root word "apollumi". It refers to utter loss, eternal destruction, and disassociation." ''] The Hebrew name is "Abaddon", from the Aramaic root word "'abad", which means the same thing as the Greek root word. Strong's Daniel says that the eventual destiny of the "great beast" is to be slain, and his body "destroyed", and given to the eternal flames. Matthew Henry wrote:
