Hebrews 12:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 12:27 serves as a profound theological declaration, interpreting an Old Testament prophecy to signify a climactic, future divine act of cosmic removal. This ultimate "shaking" will decisively purge all temporary, created elements, whether physical or institutional, revealing and establishing the enduring, unshakeable reality of God's eternal kingdom. It underscores the transient nature of all that is "made" in contrast to the permanence of God's sovereign reign and the new covenant established in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic exhortation of Hebrews 12, which contrasts the terrifying, Old Covenant encounter at Mount Sinai with the gracious, New Covenant approach to Mount Zion. Preceding this verse, [Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26 - The Shaking at Sinai and a Future Shaking") explicitly references God's voice shaking the earth at Sinai, then immediately quotes [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of God Shaking All Creation") to introduce a future, even more comprehensive shaking. The author's use of "Yet once more" in [Hebrews 12:27](/hebrews/12-27 "Hebrews 12:27 - The Unshakable Kingdom") is a direct interpretation of Haggai's prophecy, emphasizing its finality and universal scope. It transitions directly into the call for reverence and gratitude in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom"), as a response to receiving an unshakeable kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews consisted of Jewish Christians facing severe persecution and the temptation to revert to the perceived safety and familiarity of Judaism. They were grappling with the implications of the destruction of the Temple and the shifting landscape of their faith. The concept of God "shaking" the heavens and earth would have resonated deeply with their understanding of prophetic literature and divine judgment, particularly the imagery found in prophets like Isaiah ([Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - Hiding from the Lord's Shaking")) and Joel ([Joel 2:10](/joel/2-10 "Joel 2:10 - The Heavens and Earth Tremble")). The author uses this familiar imagery to assure them that while their world might be collapsing, God's ultimate plan is unshakable and superior to the temporary rituals and institutions they were tempted to return to.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. It highlights the **Superiority of the New Covenant**, demonstrating that the old order, with its earthly sanctuary and temporary laws, is destined to be removed, making way for the eternal and perfect covenant in Christ. It emphasizes **God's Sovereignty and Eschatological Judgment**, portraying God as the active agent who orchestrates this final shaking, purifying creation and human systems. Crucially, it establishes the theme of the **Unshakable Kingdom**, contrasting the transient nature of "things that are made" with the enduring reality of God's reign, which believers have already begun to inherit ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom")). This theme provides profound assurance and a call to persevere in faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **signifieth (Greek, _dēlóō'_):** From G1213, meaning "to make plain (by words); declare, shew, signify." Here, it indicates that the divine utterance "Yet once more" is not merely a poetic statement but a clear, authoritative declaration of what God intends to do. It reveals the prophetic word's true meaning and implications.
* **removing (Greek, _metáthesis'_):** From G3331, meaning "transposition, i.e. transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law); change, removing, translation." This term denotes a complete and definitive alteration or abolition. It's not a mere adjustment but a fundamental change of position or status, implying the annulment of the old order to make way for the new.
* **shaken (Greek, _saleúō'_):** From G4531, meaning "to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite." This word vividly portrays instability, upheaval, and the process of being overthrown. It describes the active, divine process by which temporary structures and systems are destabilized and ultimately dismantled.
* **remain (Greek, _ménō'_):** From G3306, meaning "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy); abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for)." This term stands in stark contrast to "shaken" and "removing." It signifies permanence, stability, and enduring presence, highlighting what will survive God's ultimate purification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth":** The author clarifies that the phrase "Yet once more," quoted from [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of God Shaking All Creation"), carries profound theological weight. It is not just a repetition of a past event (like the shaking at Sinai) but a definitive, final declaration of God's intent to act in a comprehensive and ultimate way. The Greek "dé" (G1161) often introduces a continuation or emphasis, here stressing the significance of this particular prophetic word.
* **"the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made":** This clause explains the *purpose* and *nature* of the "once more" shaking. It's a "removing" (metathesis), a complete disestablishment or transferal, of everything that is susceptible to being "shaken" (saleuō). The phrase "as of things that are made" (poiéō, G4160) clarifies that the targets of this removal are all created things, implying their inherent finitude, impermanence, and susceptibility to change, in contrast to the uncreated, eternal God. This includes not only physical creation but also human institutions, covenants, and systems that are not rooted in God's eternal nature.
* **"that those things which cannot be shaken may remain":** This final clause articulates the ultimate, divine *goal* of the shaking. The removal of the temporary is not for destruction's sake but for the revelation and establishment of the permanent. What "cannot be shaken" (mḗ saleúō, G3361 and G4531) refers to God's eternal kingdom, His immutable promises, and the new covenant established in Christ. These are the realities that will "remain" (ménō, G3306), enduring forever, providing a secure and eternal foundation for believers.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Allusion** is central, as the verse directly references and interprets the prophecy from [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of God Shaking All Creation"), giving it a new, eschatological significance within the New Covenant framework. **Contrast** is vividly used, setting "things that are shaken" (temporary, created) against "those things which cannot be shaken" (eternal, divine). This sharp dichotomy underscores the impermanence of the old order and the enduring nature of God's kingdom. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the "shaking" itself, which serves as a metaphor for divine judgment, purification, and the dismantling of all that is not eternal or aligned with God's perfect will. This symbolic act reveals the true, unshakeable reality beneath the transient surface.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 12:27 is a pivotal statement on divine sovereignty, eschatological hope, and the nature of God's kingdom. It asserts that God is actively working to bring about a final separation between the temporary and the eternal. This "shaking" is not arbitrary chaos but a purposeful act of divine purification, designed to remove all that is imperfect, human-made, or transient, thereby revealing the enduring substance of His reign. It teaches us that true security is found not in earthly structures or even religious systems, but in the immutable character of God and the everlasting covenant established in Christ. This theological truth calls believers to a radical reorientation of their values, prioritizing the eternal over the temporal.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God is our Refuge and Strength")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Day of the Lord and New Heavens and Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:27 offers profound comfort and a clear call to action for believers today. In a world characterized by constant change, instability, and uncertainty—whether economic, political, or social—this verse reminds us that all earthly foundations are ultimately temporary and subject to God's sovereign "shaking." Our hope and security must not be rooted in these fleeting realities, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God. This truth encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, discerning between what truly matters and what will ultimately pass away. It challenges us to invest our lives, resources, and affections in pursuits that align with God's eternal purposes, fostering a deep trust in His unchanging nature amidst a world in flux. It also invites us to examine our own lives: are we building on sand or on the solid rock of Christ? Do our priorities reflect the permanence of His kingdom or the transience of this world?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shaken" things in my life or in the world around me am I tempted to place my ultimate trust in?**
* **How does the promise of an "unshakable" kingdom influence my perspective on current challenges and uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally invest my time, talents, and resources in "those things which cannot be shaken"?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate purification strengthen my faith and encourage perseverance?**

### FAQ

**What does "Yet once more" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Yet once more" is a direct quotation from [Haggai 2:6](/haggai/2-6 "Haggai 2:6 - Prophecy of God Shaking All Creation"), which prophesies a future, final, and comprehensive shaking by God. In Hebrews 12:27, the author interprets this phrase to mean that there will be one ultimate, decisive act of God that will transform creation, going beyond the localized shaking at Mount Sinai ([Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26 - The Shaking at Sinai and a Future Shaking")). It signifies the finality and universality of this divine intervention, distinguishing it from previous, partial shakings.

**What are "those things that are shaken, as of things that are made"?**

Answer: This refers to all created things, both physical and institutional, that are temporary and subject to change or decay. This includes the physical heavens and earth, as well as the Old Covenant system with its laws, rituals, and earthly sanctuary. The phrase "as of things that are made" emphasizes their created, and thus finite, nature, in contrast to the uncreated, eternal God and His kingdom. God's "shaking" will remove these temporary elements to reveal what is truly eternal.

**What are "those things which cannot be shaken" that "may remain"?**

Answer: "Those things which cannot be shaken" refer primarily to the eternal, unchangeable kingdom of God, established through Jesus Christ. This includes God's immutable character, His everlasting covenant, His promises, and the spiritual realities of the new creation. These are the enduring truths and realities that will survive God's final act of purification and judgment, providing a secure and lasting foundation for believers. Believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are part of this unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 12:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. The "shaking" described is not a random act of destruction but a purposeful divine work that culminates in the establishment of Christ's eternal, unshakeable kingdom. All that is temporary, including the Old Covenant system, was designed to point to Him and is now being removed to reveal His supremacy. Christ Himself is the unshakable foundation upon which this kingdom is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated this new covenant, which is "better" because it is eternal and perfect ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). He is the King of this kingdom, whose reign "will have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Therefore, when the author speaks of "those things which cannot be shaken" remaining, he is ultimately referring to the enduring reality of God's reign *through Christ*, into which believers are invited to enter and partake ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered into the Kingdom of His Son")). Our security is not in the stability of this world, but in the eternal reign of the resurrected Lord, who has overcome all things and whose kingdom cannot be moved ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

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: