Hebrews 12:26

Authorized King James Version

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Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.

Original Language Analysis

οὗ Whose G3739
οὗ Whose
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 1 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνὴ voice G5456
φωνὴ voice
Strong's: G5456
Word #: 3 of 23
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν the earth G1093
γῆν the earth
Strong's: G1093
Word #: 5 of 23
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐσάλευσεν shook G4531
ἐσάλευσεν shook
Strong's: G4531
Word #: 6 of 23
to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite
τότε then G5119
τότε then
Strong's: G5119
Word #: 7 of 23
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
νῦν now G3568
νῦν now
Strong's: G3568
Word #: 8 of 23
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
δὲ but G1161
δὲ but
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 9 of 23
but, and, etc
ἐπήγγελται he hath promised G1861
ἐπήγγελται he hath promised
Strong's: G1861
Word #: 10 of 23
to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself
λέγων, saying G3004
λέγων, saying
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 11 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἔτι Yet G2089
Ἔτι Yet
Strong's: G2089
Word #: 12 of 23
"yet," still (of time or degree)
ἅπαξ once more G530
ἅπαξ once more
Strong's: G530
Word #: 13 of 23
one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)
ἐγὼ I G1473
ἐγὼ I
Strong's: G1473
Word #: 14 of 23
i, me
σείω shake G4579
σείω shake
Strong's: G4579
Word #: 15 of 23
to rock (vibrate, properly, sideways or to and fro), i.e., (generally) to agitate (in any direction; cause to tremble); figuratively, to throw into a
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 16 of 23
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
μόνον only G3440
μόνον only
Strong's: G3440
Word #: 17 of 23
merely
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν the earth G1093
γῆν the earth
Strong's: G1093
Word #: 19 of 23
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 20 of 23
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 22 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανόν heaven G3772
οὐρανόν heaven
Strong's: G3772
Word #: 23 of 23
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

Analysis & Commentary

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. This quotes Haggai 2:6, describing a future shaking. At Sinai, God's voice shook the earth (Exodus 19:18; Psalm 68:8), demonstrating His power over creation. 'But now he hath promised' (nyn de epēggeltai, νῦν δὲ ἐπήγγελται) refers to Haggai's prophecy of final, cosmic shaking affecting 'not the earth only, but also heaven.' This indicates a coming judgment more comprehensive than Sinai, involving not just earth but entire created order, heavens included.

This eschatological shaking represents God's final judgment when He removes everything shakeable, leaving only the unshakeable kingdom. All human kingdoms, achievements, systems, and institutions will be shaken and removed. Only what belongs to God's eternal kingdom will endure. This isn't mere physical earthquake but comprehensive dissolution of the present evil age, making way for new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1).

This teaches that present world order is temporary, destined for removal. Everything appears solid and permanent—governments, economies, cultures—but will be shaken and dissolved. Only God's kingdom is unshakeable. This should radically affect our priorities and investments. Don't build on what will be shaken; invest in the unshakeable kingdom. Reformed eschatology emphasizes God's sovereignty over history, moving all things toward determined consummation when Christ returns to judge and renew creation.

Historical Context

Haggai prophesied (c. 520 BC) during temple rebuilding after Babylonian exile. His message encouraged discouraged returnees that God would shake nations, overthrow kingdoms, and fill His house with glory surpassing Solomon's temple. The prophet foresaw both near (Medo-Persian empire's overthrow) and far (final judgment) fulfillments. Hebrews applies this to eschatological judgment. Ancient world had witnessed numerous empires rise and fall—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece. Rome seemed permanent in first century but would also be shaken. The author warns that even greater shaking comes, affecting not just earthly kingdoms but heavens themselves. No created thing will escape God's final assessment.

Questions for Reflection

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