### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **seismós**, represented by `{{G4578}}`, signifies **a commotion**, used to describe both a gale in the air and an earthquake in the ground. It appears **14 times** across **12 unique verses** in scripture. Its definition as a commotion or shaking points to its consistent use in contexts of powerful and disruptive events, whether natural or supernaturally induced.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Bible, `{{G4578}}` is used to describe a range of powerful disturbances. It appears as a great **tempest** `{{G4578}}` that arose on the sea, covering the ship with waves [[Matthew 8:24]]. More frequently, it denotes a literal **earthquake**. An earthquake marks the moment of Christ's death on the cross, causing those watching to fear greatly [[Matthew 27:54]]. Another great **earthquake** `{{G4578}}` accompanies the angel who descends from heaven to roll back the stone from Jesus's tomb [[Matthew 28:2]]. As a sign of the end times, **earthquakes** are listed alongside famines and pestilences [[Matthew 24:7]]. In Revelation, a **great earthquake** unlike any before it signifies an apocalyptic judgment upon the earth [[Revelation 16:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context in which a `{{G4578}}` occurs:
* `{{G4531}}` **saleúō** (to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple): This verb describes the physical effect of a `{{G4578}}`, as when the foundations of the prison were **shaken** [[Acts 16:26]].
* `{{G3042}}` **limós** (a scarcity of food): **Famines** are often listed with earthquakes as signs of calamitous times ([[Matthew 24:7]], [[Luke 21:11]]).
* `{{G3061}}` **loimós** (a plague): This term for **pestilences** also appears alongside earthquakes and famines as a sign of future troubles [[Luke 21:11]].
* `{{G796}}` **astrapḗ** (lightning): In scenes of divine judgment, **lightnings** often accompany thunderings and an earthquake ([[Revelation 8:5]], [[Revelation 11:19]]).
* `{{G1027}}` **brontḗ** (thunder): Like lightning, **thunderings** are frequently mentioned with an earthquake when describing heavenly events ([[Revelation 8:5]], [[Revelation 11:19]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4578}}` is demonstrated through its consistent use as a divine signifier.
* **Sign of End Times:** The term is a key component of eschatological prophecy. Jesus lists **earthquakes** `{{G4578}}` as one of the signs of the end, occurring alongside wars, **famines** `{{G3042}}`, and **pestilences** `{{G3061}}` [[Matthew 24:7]].
* **Marker of Divine Intervention:** A `{{G4578}}` often marks a moment of God's direct and powerful action in the world. This is seen in the great **earthquake** at the resurrection [[Matthew 28:2]] and the one that freed Paul and Silas from prison, causing every one's bands to be **loosed** `{{G447}}` [[Acts 16:26]].
* **Instrument of Judgment and Awe:** In Revelation, earthquakes are instruments of God's judgment that cause terror and awe. After one such great **earthquake**, the remnant were **affrighted** `{{G1719}}` and gave **glory** `{{G1391}}` to the **God** `{{G2316}}` of **heaven** `{{G3772}}` [[Revelation 11:13]]. The final earthquake is described as so mighty and so **great** `{{G3173}}` that nothing like it had ever occurred before [[Revelation 16:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4578}}` is not merely a term for a natural disaster. While it can describe a **tempest** at sea or a literal earthquake, its primary role in scripture is to signify a moment of profound divine activity. Whether marking the death and resurrection of Christ, heralding future judgment, or demonstrating God's power to intervene, **seismós** represents a shaking of the earthly realm that reveals the power and authority of the heavenly one.
TRV