King James Version

What Does Hebrews 12:27 Mean?

Hebrews 12:27 in the King James Version says “And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that ...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. are shaken: or, may be shaken”

Hebrews 12:27 · KJV

Context

25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

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.

27

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. are shaken: or, may be shaken

28

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: let: or, let us hold fast

29

For our God is a consuming fire.

Read Hebrews 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This interprets Haggai's prophecy. 'Yet once more' (eti hapax, ἔτι ἅπαξ, 'still once') indicates one final, definitive shaking—not ongoing shakings but ultimate judgment. 'The removing of those things that are shaken' (tēn metathesis tōn saleuomenōn, τὴν μετάθεσιν τῶν σαλευομένων) describes eliminating everything unstable or temporal. 'As of things that are made' (hōs pepoiēmenōn, ὡς πεποιημένων) identifies created, temporal things as what will be removed.

'That those things which cannot be shaken may remain' (hina meinē ta mē saleuomena) reveals the purpose: removing temporary to reveal permanent. God's kingdom, Christ's church, redeemed souls, divine truth, eternal righteousness—these unshakeable realities will remain after everything else is stripped away. This cosmic purging reveals what truly matters and endures. Only what originates from and belongs to God's eternal purposes survives final judgment.

This teaches profound principles for Christian living. Invest in the unshakeable—spiritual growth, loving others, obeying God, building His kingdom. Everything else—wealth, reputation, accomplishments, earthly kingdoms—will be removed. Paul writes similarly: our works will be tested by fire; what survives earns reward; what burns is lost (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). This motivates holy living: build with gold, silver, precious stones (eternal value), not wood, hay, stubble (temporal, worthless).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The distinction between created (shakeable) and uncreated (unshakeable) realities was philosophically significant in the Greco-Roman world. Platonism distinguished between temporal, material realm and eternal, spiritual realm. Hebrews uses this framework but fills it with biblical content: the unshakeable isn't Platonic forms but God's kingdom in Christ. Ancient empires' collapses demonstrated that all human power is shakeable. Rome seemed eternal in the first century but would eventually fall like predecessors. Church history has witnessed countless 'shakings'—empires falling, cultures transforming, revolutions overthrowing kingdoms. Yet God's kingdom has endured and grown through every upheaval, demonstrating its unshakeable nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'shakeable things' in your life need to be recognized as temporary and held more loosely?
  2. How are you investing in 'unshakeable' realities that will remain after God's final judgment?
  3. What difference should it make that you're receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken while everything else is removed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τὸ1 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἔτι3 of 16

“this word Yet”

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ἅπαξ4 of 16

“once more”

G530

one (or a single) time (numerically or conclusively)

δηλοῖ5 of 16

“signifieth”

G1213

to make plain (by words)

τῶν6 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαλευόμενα7 of 16

“be shaken”

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

τὴν8 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μετάθεσιν9 of 16

“the removing”

G3331

transposition, i.e., transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law)

ὡς10 of 16

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πεποιημένων11 of 16

“of things that are made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἵνα12 of 16

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μείνῃ13 of 16

“may remain”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

τὰ14 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ15 of 16

“those things which cannot”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

σαλευόμενα16 of 16

“be shaken”

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 12:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:31Matthew 24:35Revelation 21:12 Peter 3:10-11Revelation 11:15Ezekiel 21:27

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