What does Hebrews 12:27 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 12:27 speaks to the idea that God will shake the earth and the heavens, a metaphor for a profound transformation or a cataclysmic event that will fundamentally change the created order.

The phrase "Yet once more" signifies a definitive future occurrence, where God will disrupt the world to its core.

This shaking will result in the removal of what is transient or impermanent, leaving only what is unshakable and eternal.

On a deeper level, this verse is often understood to mean that God will ultimately remove all that is fallen or corruptible in creation, revealing and preserving what is of His unchangeable kingdom, highlighting a purification process where the righteous will endure.

Historical Context

Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and hardship due to their faith.

The epistle encourages them to remain steadfast and faithful to Christ.

This particular verse echoes the language from Haggai 2:6, signaling a prophetic motif of God shaking the heavens and the earth.

The historical context implies that the recipients of this message were familiar with the Old Testament and its prophecies, and it also reflects an eschatological expectation of change and renewal inherent in early Christian belief.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse reinforces the distinction between the created order, which is subject to change and decay, and the unchanging nature of God's kingdom.

It resonates with eschatological themes found in both the Old and New Testaments, where God's final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth are anticipated.

Different theological viewpoints may emphasize various aspects of this shaking, Premillennialists may view it as a literal end-time event, while Amillennialists might interpret it more symbolically as the ongoing struggle between good and evil within history.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Hebrews 12:27 can be interpreted as a call for believers to focus on what is eternal and immovable - faith, hope, love, and the truth of God's word - rather than on material possessions or worldly values which are transient.

It serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual over temporal concerns, to build one’s life on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings, and to hold onto faith amidst trials, trusting that what is of God will endure.

Cross-References

• Haggai 2:6 – "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;"
• Matthew 24:35 – "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
• 2 Peter 3:10-13 – Speaks of the day of the Lord when the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
• 1 Corinthians 3:12-13 – Describes a testing by fire of each one’s work to determine what is lasting.
• Isaiah 54:10 – "For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee..."

Language Study

The original Greek word used in Hebrews 12:27 for "shaken" is "σαλευόμενα" (saleuomena), which carries the meaning of "to move to and fro," "to shake," or "to disturb." This is in contrast to what "cannot be shaken," "ἀσάλευτα" (asaleuta), meaning “unshakable” or “immovable.” The verb "signifieth" (δηλοῦται, deloutai) suggests a clear indication or revelation.

Understanding these original terms underscores the contrast between the instability of the current world and the stability of God's kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This concept of a divine shaking can be compared to various myths and religious traditions.

For instance, in Norse mythology, the concept of Ragnarök portrays a great battle leading to the death of major gods and the emergence of a new, purified world.

In Hinduism, the god Shiva is sometimes depicted as the cosmic dancer who performs his divine dance to destroy a weary universe and make preparations for the god Brahma to start the process of creation.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of the earth being shaken may evoke imagery of seismic activity and natural disasters, events which can lead to dramatic changes in the environment and society.

While the text does not address scientific phenomena directly, modern readers may interpret "those things which cannot be shaken may remain" as an allegory for the resilience and adaptability that are essential for survival in a changing world.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations of Hebrews 12:27.

F.F.

Bruce sees this shaking as God's final intervention, leading to the establishment of an everlasting kingdom.

Albert Barnes notes that everything temporary and external may be removed in order for the substantial truths of the gospel to stand.

John Calvin comments on the passage from a spiritual perspective, indicating that it speaks of the Kingdom of Christ that cannot be moved, in contrast to earthly kingdoms.

These commentaries often emphasize the motif of hope and endurance in the face of tribulation and change, pointing towards a future where God's sovereignty is fully manifested.