Hebrews 12:27 – “The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse unpacks the meaning of God’s promise to “shake not only the earth but also the heavens” (from verse 26). The phrase “once more” points to a final, decisive act of God where He will remove everything temporary, unstable, and corruptible—everything that belongs to the current, broken world. What will remain is what is eternal, unshakable, and pure—God’s kingdom and all who belong to it. The goal of this “shaking” isn’t to cause panic but to clear away everything that doesn’t last, so that what is real and lasting will stand forever. It’s a reminder that we are heading toward a future where only what’s built on God will endure.
Historical Context
This statement builds on the prophecy found in Haggai 2:6, where God promised to shake the heavens and the earth to usher in a greater glory. In the Old Testament, God often shook the earth to reveal His presence—like at Mount Sinai or during major moments of judgment and deliverance. The early Jewish Christians reading Hebrews would have connected this prophecy with both God’s past dealings and the expected final judgment. The Roman world around them likely felt uncertain and dangerous, so the idea of a future shaking that would settle everything permanently brought both warning and hope.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God is in control over all creation and history. He is not only the Creator but also the One who will bring all things to their final purpose. The “removing of what can be shaken” means the temporary will give way to the eternal. This includes systems, structures, and even people who are not grounded in God. But it also reveals God’s plan to preserve His kingdom and His people. For those who trust in Christ, this is not a threat—it’s a promise. Everything that’s wrong will be removed. Everything that is of God will endure.
Literary Analysis
The verse focuses on interpreting the phrase “once more” from the prophecy quoted in verse 26. The writer of Hebrews uses that phrase to show finality and completion. The structure of the verse is explanatory: it explains the result of the final shaking—removal of created things so that what is eternal may remain. The contrast between “what can be shaken” and “what cannot be shaken” forms the central idea. The repetition of “shaken” emphasizes instability, while “remain” speaks of security and endurance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 40:6-8 – “The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
- Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 – Our works will be tested by fire to see what lasts.
- 2 Peter 3:10-13 – The heavens and earth will be laid bare, but God will create a new heaven and new earth.
- Revelation 21:1-5 – A vision of the new heaven and earth where God makes everything new.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse helps us live with an eternal mindset. So much of what we chase in life—success, possessions, popularity—is temporary. It can be “shaken” in a moment. But God invites us to invest in what lasts: His kingdom, His truth, His people. When the world feels unstable—and it often does—this verse reminds us that our foundation in Christ is solid. Nothing can remove what He has established. So we live for what endures, not for what fades. We learn to hold loosely to the things of this world and cling tightly to the One who never changes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He prepares us for what’s coming. He doesn’t let us build our lives on things that won’t last. That would be unloving. Instead, He lovingly warns us and gives us something better to build on—His unshakable kingdom. The “shaking” is not God losing control; it’s God making sure what truly matters remains. Like a gardener pruning a tree or a refiner purifying gold, God removes what’s temporary so the eternal can shine. That’s love with a long view—love that wants our good not just for now, but forever.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the foundation that cannot be shaken. He is the solid rock (Matthew 7:24-25), the unchanging Savior (Hebrews 13:8), and the King of a kingdom that will never end (Daniel 7:14). Through His death and resurrection, He defeated the powers of sin and death—things that can and will be shaken. In Him, we receive a kingdom that cannot be destroyed. He is the One who remains when all else falls away. And He invites us to build our lives on Him, knowing that in the final shaking, we are safe in His hands.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are you holding onto in your life that may not last?
- How does this verse challenge you to focus more on eternal things?
- When the world feels unstable, where do you turn for peace and security?
- How are you building your life on things that cannot be shaken?
- What would it look like for you to live each day with the coming “shaking” in mind?