ἀσάλευτος (asaleutos)
asaleutos
unshakable
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective asaleutos describes something that is firmly fixed and cannot be moved or shaken. Formed by combining a negative prefix with a root meaning "to shake," it literally translates to "unshaken." In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, carrying a sense of absolute stability that resists any external force attempting to dislodge it.
Its usage highlights two distinct contexts. In Acts 27:41, it describes a shipwrecked vessel that became "fastened" or stuck fast on a sandbar, unable to drift away despite the storm. Metaphorically, Hebrews 12:28 applies the term to the Kingdom of God, which is described as unshakable. This contrast emphasizes that while physical structures may be fixed in place temporarily, the spiritual reality of God’s reign possesses a permanent, enduring stability that outlasts all earthly turmoil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asaleutos paints a picture of absolute stability. In Acts 27, it describes a ship stuck fast on a sandbar, held in place by the very force that threatened to destroy it. This physical image helps us understand how God’s promises remain fixed, even when circumstances seem chaotic or out of control.
Hebrews 12:28 applies this same word to the Kingdom of God. Unlike earthly kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s reign is unshakable. This truth invites us to rest in a foundation that cannot be moved by fear, uncertainty, or the shifting tides of life.
When we feel unstable, we can look to this unshakable Kingdom. It offers a secure place for our faith, reminding us that what is truly important endures beyond every storm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- not to be shaken1×
- immovable,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσάλευτος,1×
- ἀσάλευτον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:41
But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
This verse uses the word to describe a ship physically stuck on a sandbar, illustrating how external forces can sometimes hold something firmly in place rather than destroying it.
-
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,
Here the term describes the Kingdom of God as permanent and stable, contrasting it with temporary earthly structures to encourage believers to serve with reverence.