What does Hebrews 12:27 mean?
"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." - Hebrews 12:27

Hebrews 12:27 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "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 verse is found in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews, which is known for its emphasis on the superiority of Jesus Christ and the new covenant that he brings.
In order to understand the full meaning of Hebrews 12:27, it is important to consider the context in which it is found. The author of Hebrews is writing to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to return to their former way of life under the Old Testament law. The book of Hebrews aims to encourage, instruct, and exhort these believers to remain firm in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Verse 27 comes in the midst of a passage where the author is explaining the discipline of God and how it is a sign of His love for His children. In verses 25-26, the author references the prophecy in Haggai 2:6, where God promises to shake the earth and the heavens. The author then uses this as a metaphor for the shaking and removing of earthly things in order to reveal the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God.
The phrase "Yet once more" indicates that the shaking and removing of earthly things will happen one final time. This suggests that there will be a definitive and conclusive judgment, where everything that is temporary and worldly will be shaken and removed. This can be seen as a reference to the second coming of Christ and the final judgment, where all that is not of the kingdom of God will be destroyed.
The "removing of those things that are shaken" refers to the perishable and temporary nature of the world and all that is in it. This includes not only physical creations, but also the legalistic, outward practices of religion that the Jewish Christians were tempted to cling to. The author emphasizes that these things are made, meaning they are created and therefore subject to change and decay. They are not to be relied upon or trusted, as they will ultimately fail.
On the other hand, the things that "cannot be shaken may remain" are those that are eternal and unchangeable, such as the kingdom of God, the promise of salvation in Christ, and the unchanging character of God himself. The unshakable nature of these things offers a hope and assurance for believers, as they are secure and unwavering. This contrasts with the instability and uncertainty of the world and its temporary pleasures.
Symbolically, this verse speaks to the contrast between the fleeting nature of earthly things and the enduring nature of the kingdom of God. It also serves as a warning to believers not to place their trust in material possessions, worldly success, or religious legalism, but to instead cling to the eternal promises of God. The removal of earthly things can be seen as a refining process, where the dross is separated from the gold, and the true and lasting aspects of faith are revealed.
Overall, Hebrews 12:27 conveys a powerful message about the sovereignty and permanence of God's kingdom, and the fleeting nature of the world. It encourages believers to fix their eyes on the eternal and unshakable promises of God, and to let go of the temporary and unstable things of this world. It serves as a reminder of the need to anchor our faith in God and His unchanging truth, especially in the face of adversity and persecution.
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Hebrews 12:27 - "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."
"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." - Hebrews 12:27
Hebrews 9:27 - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
Hebrews 12:8
Hebrews 10:27 - "But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
Hebrews 12:12 - "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;"
Hebrews 12:29 - "For our God is a consuming fire."
Hebrews 11:27 - "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."
Hebrews 7:12 - "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law."
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" - Hebrews 9:27
Hebrews 12:4 - "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."
Hebrews 12:21 - "And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)"
Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword."
Hebrews 8:12 - "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more."
"For our God is a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:29
Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword."
"For our God [is] a consuming fire." - Hebrews 12:29
"For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 12:6 - "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Hebrews 6:12 - "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
"Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;" - Hebrews 12:12
"For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Hebrews 12:24 - "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."
Hebrews 12:16 - "Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright."
Hebrews 3:12 - "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."
Hebrews 12:18 - "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,"
Hebrews 10:12 - "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;"
Hebrews 12:13 - "And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed."
Hebrews 12:22 - "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,"