Hebrews 12:27

And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

And {G1161} this word, Yet {G2089} once more {G530}, signifieth {G1213} the removing {G3331} of those things that are shaken {G4531}, as {G5613} of things that are made {G4160}, that {G2443} those things which cannot {G3361} be shaken {G4531} may remain {G3306}.

And this phrase, “one more time,” makes clear that the things shaken are removed, since they are created things, so that the things not shaken may remain.

The words “Once more” signify the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that the unshakable may remain.

And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.

Commentary

Hebrews 12:27 continues the author’s profound discussion on the superiority of the New Covenant and the nature of God’s kingdom. This verse highlights a pivotal theological concept: a final, decisive divine action that will separate the temporary from the eternal.

Context

This verse directly references and interprets the prophecy found in Haggai 2:6, which speaks of God shaking "the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land." The preceding verse, Hebrews 12:26, distinguishes this future shaking from the past shaking at Mount Sinai, where God's voice made the earth tremble. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that the "Yet once more" signifies a final and comprehensive transformation, not just a localized event, moving beyond the physical manifestations of the Old Covenant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purification and Judgment: The "removing of those things that are shaken" points to a future act of God where all that is transient, imperfect, or contrary to His will shall be purged. This shaking is not random destruction but a purposeful purification.
  • Permanence vs. Transience: The verse starkly contrasts "things that are made" (implying creation, human systems, and the temporary elements of the Old Covenant) with "those things which cannot be shaken." This underscores the temporary nature of earthly institutions and even the physical creation in contrast to the eternal reality of God's kingdom.
  • The Unshakable Kingdom: The ultimate purpose of this shaking is to reveal and confirm the enduring nature of God's kingdom. What remains after the shaking is what truly belongs to God and is eternal. This leads directly into the encouragement of Hebrews 12:28 to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, because we have received an unshakable kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "shaken" is saleuō, which means to cause to waver, overthrow, or disturb. It conveys a sense of instability and upheaval. The term "removing" is metathesis, which signifies a change of position, a transference, or a removal. This implies a complete and definitive alteration, not just a slight adjustment. The things that are "made" (pepoiēmenōn) refer to created things, highlighting their finite and temporal nature compared to the uncreated, eternal God and His kingdom.

Practical Application

For believers today, Hebrews 12:27 serves as a powerful reminder to fix our hope and trust not in the fleeting things of this world, but in the enduring reality of God’s kingdom. It encourages us to discern between what is temporary and what is eternal, urging us to invest our lives in pursuits that will not be shaken. In times of global instability or personal trials, this verse offers immense comfort, assuring us that while much around us may be disturbed, God's ultimate plan and His reign are utterly secure. This truth calls us to live with a perspective that prioritizes the eternal, fostering a focus on things above rather than earthly concerns that will ultimately pass away.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 24:35

    Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:31

    And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

  • 2 Peter 3:11

    ¶ [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Revelation 21:1

    ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

  • Psalms 102:26

    They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: