σεισμός
seismos
earthquake
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word σεισμός (seismos), as represented by its Strong's number G4578, has a clear and concise meaning - earthquake. This term is used throughout the Bible a total of 14 times, indicating its significance in various contexts. Throughout its occurrences in the Bible, σεισμός seems to encompass a broader range of meanings than just seismic activity. It appears to refer to intense disruptions or shaking, possibly of an earth-shattering nature, but not exclusively confined to geological events. This ambiguity in its usage may be indicative of the ancient Greek perception of seismic disturbances as being more complex than solely natural physical phenomena. Given its frequency of appearance in the Bible, σεισμός carries significant weight in the overall narrative, often symbolizing chaos, instability, or divine power. Whether used in a natural or metaphorical sense, this term plays a vital role in conveying the intensity and unpredictability of certain events, underscoring the intricate relationships between human existence, nature, and the divine.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences across the text
Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.
Matthew 24:7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
Mark 13:8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.
Luke 21:11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Acts 16:26Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.
Revelation 6:12I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood.
Revelation 8:5The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, then threw it on the earth. Thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake followed.
Revelation 11:13In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Revelation 11:13In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Revelation 11:19God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.
Revelation 16:18There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as has not happened since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, and so mighty.
Revelation 16:18There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as has not happened since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, and so mighty.