The Greek word seíō, represented by G4579, is a primary verb meaning to rock, agitate, or cause to tremble. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses. Its definition encompasses both a literal, physical shaking, as in an earthquake, and a figurative agitation that throws one into a state of fear or concern.
In scripture, G4579 is used to describe events of great physical and emotional impact. Literally, it depicts the earth that "did quake" at the moment of Christ's crucifixion Matthew 27:51. It is also used in a simile where stars fall from heaven like a fig tree that "is shaken of a mighty wind" Revelation 6:13. Figuratively, it describes the powerful emotional response of people. An entire city was "moved" by the arrival of Jesus Matthew 21:10, and the keepers of the tomb "did shake" out of fear Matthew 28:4. The word is also used prophetically to describe God's ultimate power, who promises, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven" Hebrews 12:26.
Several related words clarify the context and impact of G4579:
- G4531 saleúō (to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite): This verb is used synonymously with G4579. In Hebrews 12:26, God's voice first "shook" G4531 the earth, and He promises to "shake" G4579 both earth and heaven in the future, highlighting the escalating scale of divine power.
- G1093 gē (soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe): This is the object of the shaking in several key passages. The earth G1093 quakes at the crucifixion Matthew 27:51 and is what God promises to shake again Hebrews 12:26, establishing a direct link between the action and the cosmic stage on which it occurs.
- G5401 phóbos (alarm or fright): This word denotes the cause of the figurative shaking in Matthew 28:4, where it is explicitly stated that "for fear of him the keepers did shake." This shows how G4579 can describe an internal, emotional tremor as powerful as a physical one.
The use of G4579 carries significant theological weight, often marking moments of divine intervention or human reaction to the divine.
- Manifestations of Divine Power: The word is frequently tied to displays of God's authority over creation. This is seen when the earth quakes at the crucifixion Matthew 27:51 and in the prophecy that God will one day shake not just the earth but heaven itself Hebrews 12:26.
- Human Response to Holiness: G4579 illustrates the profound effect of divine presence on humanity. The keepers at the tomb shake from fear Matthew 28:4, and the entire city of Jerusalem is moved by Jesus's entry Matthew 21:10, showing that a divine encounter can agitate and stir an entire population.
- Eschatological Upheaval: The term is used in apocalyptic contexts to signify instability and judgment. The image of a fig tree violently shaken to cast its fruit serves as a metaphor for the cosmic disturbances of the end times Revelation 6:13.
In summary, G4579 seíō is a dynamic verb that conveys powerful agitation. It is not limited to the literal quaking of the earth Matthew 27:51 but extends to the figurative shaking of a city stirred by Christ's presence Matthew 21:10 and the trembling of individuals in fear of divine power Matthew 28:4. From the ground underfoot to the hearts of people, G4579 is used to describe a profound and unsettling movement caused by an overwhelming force.
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