Hebrews 12:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Whose {G3739} voice {G5456} then {G5119} shook {G4531} the earth {G1093}: but {G1161} now {G3568} he hath promised {G1861}, saying {G3004}, Yet {G2089} once more {G530} I {G1473} shake {G4579} not {G3756} the earth {G1093} only {G3440}, but {G235} also {G2532} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Even then, his voice shook the earth; but now, he has made this promise:

“One more time I will shake
not only the earth, but heaven too!”

Berean Standard Bible

At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”

American Standard Version

whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:26 powerfully contrasts God's past display of power at Mount Sinai, where His voice physically shook the earth, with a future, even more comprehensive divine intervention. This verse, drawing from Old Testament prophecy, declares God's promise to shake not only the earth but also the heavens, signifying a final, cosmic upheaval that will remove all that is temporary and created, making way for the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God. It highlights the profound transition from the Old Covenant's physical manifestations to the New Covenant's ultimate spiritual and cosmic realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 12:26 is strategically placed within a broader exhortation to perseverance and a call to embrace the superior nature of the New Covenant. The preceding verses (Hebrews 12:18-24) vividly contrast the terrifying experience of the Israelites at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Descent on Sinai"), characterized by fire, darkness, storm, and the trumpet blast, with the joyous and privileged access believers now have to [Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and New Covenant Privileges"). The author emphasizes that while the Old Covenant was inaugurated with a physical shaking of the earth, the New Covenant anticipates an even greater, cosmic shaking. Following verse 26, the author immediately explains the purpose of this future shaking in [Hebrews 12:27-29](/hebrews/12-27-29 "Hebrews 12:27-29 - The Unshakable Kingdom"), which is to remove all that can be shaken, so that only the unshakable kingdom remains, underscoring the permanence and superiority of the New Covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted primarily of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. The author's argument throughout the book is to demonstrate the supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, its rituals, and its institutions. The reference to God's voice shaking the earth directly recalls the dramatic theophany at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Presence on Sinai"), an event foundational to Jewish identity and the giving of the Law. The prophecy "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven" is a direct quotation or strong allusion to [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of the Shaking of Nations"), a post-exilic prophecy that speaks of a future, universal shaking of nations and creation, leading to the coming of the "desire of all nations." This prophecy would have been familiar to the Jewish readers, and its reinterpretation in Hebrews underscores the eschatological and universal scope of God's redemptive plan, far surpassing the localized event at Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Hebrews and broader biblical theology. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all creation, capable of causing cosmic disturbances with His voice alone. It underscores the **Transition from the Old to the New Covenant**, showing that the Sinai event, though powerful, was merely a precursor to a more profound and ultimate divine intervention that inaugurates an eternal reality. Furthermore, the verse points to **Eschatological Transformation and the Unshakable Kingdom**. The promised shaking of both earth and heaven signifies a comprehensive, end-time purification and re-creation, where all temporary, created things will be removed to reveal the permanent, eternal kingdom of God, which cannot be shaken (as explicitly stated in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom")). This theme resonates with other New Testament passages that speak of the dissolution of the current heavens and earth and the creation of new ones, such as in [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shook (Greek, _saleúō_):** From G4531, meaning "to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite." This word describes the physical agitation of the earth at Sinai, conveying a sense of instability and commotion caused by God's powerful presence. It implies a disturbance that can lead to destruction or a change in state.
* **promised (Greek, _epangéllō_):** From G1861, meaning "to announce upon (reflexively), i.e. (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself." This highlights the divine assurance behind the future shaking. God is not merely predicting an event; He is making a solemn commitment, a declaration of His intent to act.
* **shake (Greek, _seíō_):** From G4579, meaning "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 tremor (of fear or concern)." While similar to _saleúō_, _seíō_ often carries a connotation of a more violent or widespread tremor, emphasizing the comprehensive and profound nature of the future cosmic upheaval. The shift in Greek words for "shook" and "shake" from the past to the future event, though subtle, may suggest an intensification or a different quality of divine action.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós_):** From G3772, meaning "the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity)." In this context, it refers to the celestial realm, encompassing not just the physical sky but also the spiritual dimension often associated with divine dwelling and cosmic order. The inclusion of "heaven" alongside "earth" signifies the universal and all-encompassing nature of the promised shaking, affecting both the visible and invisible aspects of creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whose voice then shook the earth":** This clause refers to God's past action, specifically at the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The "voice" signifies God's direct, powerful communication, and the "shaking of the earth" underscores the terrifying and awe-inspiring manifestation of His presence and authority. It recalls the physical tremors and the dramatic display of divine power that accompanied the Old Covenant's inauguration, as described in [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles").
* **"but now he hath promised, saying":** This marks a pivotal transition, introducing a new divine declaration. The "but now" contrasts the past event with a present, ongoing reality of God's promise. It emphasizes that God's future action is not a mere possibility but a certain, divinely ordained event, rooted in His faithful word. The "saying" introduces the content of this crucial promise.
* **"Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven":** This is the core of the promise, quoting or alluding to [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - The Lord Will Shake the Heavens and Earth"). The phrase "Yet once more" indicates a final, decisive, and irreversible shaking. Crucially, the scope expands beyond just the "earth" to include "heaven," signifying a cosmic, universal upheaval that will affect all created order, both visible and invisible. This shaking is not merely a physical tremor but a fundamental reordering and removal of all that is temporary and contingent, preparing the way for the eternal.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. **Contrast** is paramount, setting the past, localized shaking of the earth at Sinai against the future, universal shaking of both earth and heaven. This highlights the Old Covenant's limitations versus the New Covenant's ultimate and comprehensive scope. **Allusion** to [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of Shaking") provides theological depth, connecting the current argument to established prophetic tradition and demonstrating its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase "not the earth only, but also heaven" serves as a form of **Amplification** or **Hyperbole**, intensifying the scale of the promised event beyond human comprehension, indicating a cosmic, all-encompassing transformation rather than a mere physical tremor. Finally, **Symbolism** is present, where "shaking" represents not just physical movement but a divine act of judgment, purification, and the removal of all that is unstable or temporary, making way for the permanent and eternal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:26 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's kingdom and His redemptive plan. It underscores the transient nature of all created order in contrast to the eternal, unshakeable reality of God's reign. The shaking at Sinai inaugurated a covenant based on law and physical manifestations, which ultimately proved insufficient. The promised future shaking signifies the culmination of God's purposes, where everything that can be shaken—all human institutions, earthly powers, and even the physical cosmos—will be removed, leaving only that which is eternal and established by God's own power. This divine act is not arbitrary destruction but a purposeful purification, clearing the way for the full manifestation of the New Covenant and the establishment of a kingdom that cannot be moved, providing ultimate security and hope for believers.

* [Haggai 2:6-7](/haggai/2-6-7 "The Shaking of Nations and the Coming Glory")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "The Day of the Lord and New Creation")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:26 serves as a powerful call to spiritual discernment and a re-evaluation of our priorities. In a world characterized by constant change, instability, and the inevitable decay of all earthly things, this verse reminds us that only God and His kingdom are truly eternal and unshakeable. It challenges us to consider what we are building our lives upon: are we investing in temporary structures and fleeting pleasures, or are we anchoring our hope and efforts in the enduring realities of God's truth and His spiritual kingdom? Recognizing that all that can be shaken will be shaken should lead us to greater detachment from worldly attachments and a deeper commitment to pursuing righteousness, holiness, and the values of God's eternal reign. This perspective fosters a profound sense of security and peace, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is in Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and whose kingdom will never end.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life am I building on things that can be shaken, rather than on the unshakeable kingdom of God?**
* **How does the promise of a future, cosmic shaking affect my perspective on current events and worldly anxieties?**
* **In what ways can I live more intentionally in light of the permanence of God's kingdom and the transience of earthly things?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of God's voice shaking the earth at Sinai?**

Answer: The shaking of the earth at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles") was a dramatic and terrifying manifestation of God's holy presence and immense power. It underscored the gravity of the Old Covenant, the Law given to Israel, and God's absolute authority. It was a physical demonstration of divine power intended to instill awe and reverence, highlighting the unapproachability of a holy God under the old dispensation.

**How does the "once more" shaking differ from the shaking at Sinai?**

Answer: The "once more" shaking, prophesied in [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of the Shaking") and quoted in Hebrews 12:26, differs from the Sinai event in two crucial ways: its scope and its purpose. While Sinai was a localized, earthly shaking, the future shaking will encompass not only the earth but also the heavens, signifying a cosmic, universal upheaval. Its purpose is not merely to inaugurate a covenant but to remove all temporary, created things so that only the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of God remains, ushering in the final, permanent reality of God's reign.

**What does it mean for "heaven" to be shaken?**

Answer: The shaking of "heaven" (Greek, _ouranós_) alongside the earth signifies that the future divine intervention will be comprehensive and cosmic, affecting all aspects of the created order, both visible and invisible. It implies a fundamental reordering or dissolution of the current cosmic framework, including celestial bodies and perhaps even spiritual dominions, to make way for the new heavens and new earth described in passages like [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth") and [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth"). This emphasizes the radical and ultimate nature of God's final work of purification and recreation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the mediator of the New Covenant and the foundation of the unshakable kingdom. The old covenant, inaugurated with the shaking at Sinai, was temporary and pointed forward to Christ. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has established a new and better covenant, one that is eternal and cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Ministry and Covenant")). The future cosmic shaking, therefore, is not a threat to those in Christ, but a promise of the full and final establishment of His kingdom. It signifies the removal of all that stands in opposition to His reign and the complete purification of creation, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). As the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")), Christ is the sovereign agent of this final shaking, ensuring that His kingdom, which believers have received ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom")), will stand eternally. He is the immovable rock upon which we build our lives, providing ultimate security amidst all cosmic upheavals ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Haggai 2:6

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];

Haggai 2:7

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 13:13

Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

Exodus 19:18

And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Isaiah 2:19

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Habakkuk 3:10

The mountains saw thee, [and] they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, [and] lifted up his hands on high.