from σάλος; to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite:--move, shake (together), which can(-not) be shaken, stir up.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **saleúō**, represented by `{{G4531}}`, means to waver, agitate, rock, or topple. It appears **17 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition also extends figuratively to mean disturb or incite. The applications of `{{G4531}}` range from the literal shaking of physical objects to the profound disturbance of cosmic powers and the stirring of human emotions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4531}}` is used to describe a variety of actions. It can depict a simple, natural motion, as when Jesus asks if the crowds went out to see "a reed **shaken** with the wind" ([[Matthew 11:7]], [[Luke 7:24]]). It is also used to illustrate immense divine power, such as when a place of prayer was **shaken** [[Acts 4:31]] or when an earthquake **shaken** the foundations of a prison [[Acts 16:26]]. Figuratively, the term is used to warn believers not to be "soon **shaken** in mind" [[2 Thessalonians 2:2]] and describes the negative action of those who **stirred up** the people in opposition to the apostles [[Acts 17:13]]. In the context of a firmly built house on a rock, the structure could not be **shaken** [[Luke 6:48]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of shaking and stability:
* `{{G4579}}` **seíō**: This verb means `to rock` or `agitate`. It is used in parallel with `{{G4531}}` when describing God's voice, which first **shook** the earth and will one day **shake** both earth and heaven [[Hebrews 12:26]].
* `{{G4578}}` **seismós**: This noun means `a commotion` or `earthquake`. It is the direct cause of the action in [[Acts 16:26]], where a great **earthquake** resulted in the prison's foundations being **shaken**.
* `{{G2360}}` **throéō**: Meaning `to clamor` or `frighten`, this word is used alongside `{{G4531}}` to warn believers not to be **shaken** in mind or **troubled** by false reports [[2 Thessalonians 2:2]].
* `{{G3331}}` **metáthesis**: This word for `removing` or `disestablishment` is used to explain the consequence of things being shaken. It signifies the **removing** of things that are **shaken** so that what cannot be shaken will remain [[Hebrews 12:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4531}}` is most evident in its figurative applications. It illustrates a core contrast between the temporary and the eternal.
* **Eschatological Judgment:** The word is used to describe the cataclysmic events of the end times, when "the powers of the heavens shall be **shaken**" ([[Matthew 24:29]], [[Luke 21:26]]). This points to God's ultimate authority over all creation.
* **Personal Steadfastness:** A believer's stability is described as being unshakeable. David declared that with the Lord at his right hand, he would "not be **moved**" [[Acts 2:25]]. A life founded on the rock of God's word cannot be **shaken** by crises [[Luke 6:48]].
* **The Unshakeable Kingdom:** The most direct theological statement comes in Hebrews, which speaks of the "removing of those things that are **shaken**... that those things which cannot be **shaken** may remain" [[Hebrews 12:27]]. This distinguishes between the created order and God's eternal kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4531}}` is a dynamic word that conveys more than just physical motion. It describes everything from the trembling of a reed to the violent shaking of a prison and the heavens themselves. Figuratively, it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual stability, emotional turmoil, and the profound difference between the transient, shakeable world and the permanent, unshakeable kingdom of God.
TRV