Hebrews 12:26-27
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This verse isn't just about God's power at Sinai; it highlights a contrast: the earth-shaking voice of God then, versus His promised shaking of both heaven and earth now. This promise, while terrifying to the ungodly, is presented as a hopeful declaration for believers, pointing towards an even greater, ultimate transformation.
At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is contrasting the terrifying experience of God's voice shaking Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law with a future, even more significant, promise. This promise, quoted from the prophet Haggai, speaks of God shaking not only the earth but also the heavens, signifying profound cosmic and historical upheaval. This sets the stage for the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's covenant and the ultimate removal of all that can be shaken to make way for an unshakeable kingdom.
Remember that terrifying moment God spoke at Mount Sinai? His voice literally shook the earth! But the author of Hebrews reminds us that God's voice still speaks, and it's bringing about even greater change.
The Power of God's Voice
When God gave the law on Mount Sinai, His voice was so powerful it caused the very mountain to tremble. Imagine the ground shaking, the thunder roaring – it was a dramatic, awe-inspiring display of divine power and authority. This event wasn't just about delivering rules; it was a powerful encounter with the living God.
A New Kind of Shaking
But the verse contrasts this past event with a future promise: "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This isn't just a bigger version of the Sinai shaking. It points to a more profound, cosmic upheaval that signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new. It's a sign that God's redemptive plan is moving towards its ultimate fulfillment.
That phrase, 'Yet once more,' is packed with hope and anticipation. It’s a promise that God isn't finished yet, and His final act will be the most significant of all.
A Prophetic Promise
The author pulls this phrase directly from the prophet Haggai. In Haggai's time, the people were discouraged by the modest return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple. Haggai’s message was one of hope: God would soon shake the heavens and the earth, signaling a glorious new era, culminating in the coming of the Messiah.
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The Ultimate Fulfillment
This "yet once more" shaking signifies the complete and final transition from the old order to the new. It encompasses the upheaval and change brought by Christ's first coming, the ongoing transformation through the gospel, and the ultimate, cosmic reordering at Christ's return. It's a promise that assures us God's work is progressing towards a perfect, unshakable kingdom.
Understand the original words
phōnē · Greek Noun
The audible expression of God’s will and authority; in Scripture, God's voice is often associated with creation, judgment, and the revelation of His covenantal law.
gē · Greek Noun
The material world or the domain of humanity; often contrasted with the heavens, representing the temporal and unstable realm subject to God’s judgment and ultimate renewal.
ouranos · Greek Noun
The realm of God’s dwelling, often used in contrast to the earthly realm; it represents the eternal and spiritual order that transcends the present created physical universe.
epangellō · Greek Verb
A divine declaration or pledge; in the Bible, it signifies God’s faithfulness to His covenantal purposes and the certainty of His future actions.
saleuō · Greek Verb
The state of being fundamentally unstable, temporary, or subject to removal; it refers to the created order that lacks the permanence of God's eternal Kingdom.
The verse contrasts the terrifying voice of God at Sinai, which shook the earth, with His promise to shake both heavens and earth again. This second, greater shaking is linked to Jesus' first coming and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, signifying a profound transition from the Old Covenant to the New.
c. 1446 BC
The Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai
God's voice thunders from Mount Sinai, accompanied by lightning, smoke, and the quaking of the mountain. This event established the Old Covenant and demonstrated God's awesome power.
Late 8th century BC
Haggai's Prophecy
The prophet Haggai delivers God's message that He will soon shake the heavens and the earth, signifying a glorious new era and the coming of the 'Desire of all nations'.
c. 518 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple is completed, fulfilling Haggai's prophecy and setting the stage for the promised future glory.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
The First Coming of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the 'Desire of all nations,' is born, lives, and begins his ministry. His arrival heralds a new covenant and initiates the promised shaking.
AD 30-33
The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus' death and resurrection cause supernatural phenomena, including an earthquake, symbolizing the shaking of the old order and the inauguration of His kingdom.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple represents a major 'shaking' of the Jewish religious and political system, fulfilling prophecies and ushering in the full implications of the new covenant.
This passage describes the terrifying physical shaking of Mount Sinai, accompanied by God's voice and smoke, directly mirroring the 'shaking of the earth' mentioned in Hebrews.
Haggai 2:6This is the direct Old Testament prophecy quoted in Hebrews, foretelling God shaking not only the earth but also the heavens, setting the stage for a future, greater manifestation of His power.
Matthew 27:51The earthquake that occurred at Jesus' death is presented as a fulfillment of this shaking, demonstrating God's power to disrupt the physical world during pivotal moments of salvation history.
Revelation 16:18-20This future prophecy depicts an unparalleled cosmic shaking, including the fall of cities and mountains, echoing the ultimate fulfillment of the 'shaking of heaven and earth' as a prelude to God's final judgment and new creation.
wesleyHebrews 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."
12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth - When he spoke from mount Sinai. But now - With regard to his next speaking. He hath promised - It is a joyful promise to the saints, though dreadful to the wicked. Yet once more I will shake, not only the earth, but also the heaven - These words may refer in a lower sense to the dissolution of the Jewish church a…
vincentHebrews 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."
Whose voice (οὗ ἡ φωνὴ)Connect, after the parenthesis, with speaketh better, etc., Hebrews 12:24.Shook (ἐσάλευσεν)See on Luke 21:26, and comp. σάλος tossing or swell of the sea, Luke 21:25. See Judges 5:4; Psalm 113:7.He hath promised (ἐπήγγελται)See Haggai 2:6. The quotation is adapted from lxx, which reads: "Yet once will I shake the heaven a…
This verse isn't just about God's power at Sinai; it highlights a contrast: the earth-shaking voice of God then, versus His promised shaking of both heaven and earth now. This promise, while terrifying to the ungodly, is presented as a hopeful declaration for believers, pointing towards an even greater, ultimate transformation.
The author is contrasting the terrifying experience of God's voice shaking Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law with a future, even more significant, promise. This promise, quoted from the prophet Haggai, speaks of God shaking not only the earth but also the heavens, signifying profound cosmic and historical upheaval. This sets the stage for the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's covenant and the ultimate removal of all that can be shaken to make way for an unshakeable kingdom.
The author is contrasting the terrifying experience of God's voice shaking Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law with a future, even more significant, promise. This promise, quoted from the prophet Haggai, speaks of God shaking not only the earth but also the heavens, signifying profound cosmic and historical upheaval. This sets the stage for the author's argument about the superiority of Christ's covenant and the ultimate removal of all that can be shaken to make way for an unshakeable kingdom.
"At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have…" — This verse isn't just about God's power at Sinai; it highlights a contrast: the earth-shaking voice of God then, versus His promised shaking of both heaven and earth now. This promise, while terrif…
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Last reviewed October 2026
