σείω

I shake

Definition

The verb σείω primarily means 'to shake' or 'to cause to tremble.' In its literal sense, it describes physical shaking, such as the shaking of the earth in Matthew 27:51 at Jesus's death or the violent earthquake in Matthew 28:4 that terrified the guards at the tomb. Figuratively, it can mean to agitate or stir up a crowd, as seen in Matthew 21:10 where 'the whole city was shaken' upon Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. In eschatological contexts, it refers to God's ultimate shaking of heaven and earth, a theme in Hebrews 12:26 and Revelation 6:13, where stars are shaken from the sky.

Biblical Usage

Σείω is used five times in the New Testament, appearing in Matthew, Hebrews, and Revelation. In Matthew's Gospel, it describes both literal seismic events (Matthew 27:51, 28:4) and metaphorical social agitation (Matthew 21:10). The usage shifts in the later writings to depict cosmic, divine judgment: Hebrews 12:26 quotes Haggai 2:6, promising a final shaking of creation, and Revelation 6:13 uses it for the cataclysmic shaking of the stars. Thus, its usage progresses from immediate physical or social disturbances to ultimate eschatological upheaval.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb σείω (seiō), meaning 'to shake,' 'to brandish,' or 'to agitate.' It is a primary verb with a root sense of violent motion. Cognates in classical Greek could refer to shaking weapons, earthquakes, or stirring emotions. This foundational meaning of causing something to tremble or be unsettled carries directly into its biblical usage without significant semantic shift.

Semantic Range

Σείω is theologically significant as it connects historical events, like the crucifixion earthquake, to God's final judgment. In Hebrews 12:26-27, the 'shaking' signifies God's removal of all that is temporary to establish His unshakable kingdom. This frames earthly turmoil within a redemptive narrative, where God's shaking purifies and secures what remains. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting a biblical theme where physical shaking points to spiritual transformation and divine sovereignty over creation.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, earthquakes were often interpreted as divine signs or portents, directly linking physical phenomena to the actions of gods. The shaking of the earth at Jesus's death (Matthew 27:51) would have been understood by a 1st-century audience as a profound theological statement—a cosmic reaction to a pivotal event. This cultural perception amplifies the word's impact beyond mere physical description to signal divine intervention or judgment.

σαλεύω (saleuō, G4531) — often used for shaking or stirring, but can imply a loosening or making unstable, as in shaking a foundation; τρέμω (tremō, G5141) — means to tremble or quake, typically from fear or awe, focusing on the internal reaction rather than the external cause.

Word Details

Scripture References