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.

HEBREWS 12:27KJV
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Hebrews 12:27 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 12:27 mean?

Hebrews 12:27 explains that when God says, "Yet once more," it means He will remove created things that can be shaken, so that only what cannot be shaken will remain. The verse points to a coming change where temporary things are taken away, leaving only what is lasting and unshakable.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians, reminding them of God's promise to shake not just the earth but also the heavens. This refers back to earlier Scripture and signals a time when God will separate what is temporary from what is eternal. The verse reassures believers that while created things may be unstable, God's kingdom and promises are secure.

The Greek behind Hebrews 12:27

  • "removing" (μετάθεσις, metathesis): This word means a change or removal. Here, it highlights the idea that God is actively taking away things that are not permanent, not just letting them fade away.
  • "shaken" (σαλεύω, saleuō): This word means to shake or disturb. The verse uses it to describe things that are unstable or temporary, showing a contrast with what is firm and lasting.
  • "remain" (μένω, menō): This word means to stay or continue. It emphasizes that after everything unstable is removed, what is truly lasting will endure.

Why Hebrews 12:27 matters

  • Hebrews 12:27 clarifies that not everything in the world is permanent; only what is rooted in God’s promises will last, which helps readers understand the difference between temporary and eternal things.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Hebrews of God establishing a new, unshakable covenant, encouraging believers to put their trust in what cannot be shaken.
  • It clears up confusion about God’s actions: the "shaking" is not random destruction, but a purposeful removal of what is temporary, so that what truly matters will remain.

Where else these words appear

“removing” Greek G3331 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
  • Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

“signifieth” Greek G1213 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
  • Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
  • 1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

“shaken” Greek G4531 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

“more” Greek G530 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
  • Hebrews 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.