σεισμός (seismos)
seismos
earthquake
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun seismos refers to a violent shaking or commotion, most commonly describing an earthquake in the New Testament. While it can technically mean a storm at sea, as seen when Jesus and his disciples are caught in a gale on the lake (Matthew 8:24), the word is overwhelmingly used for ground-shaking events. It appears twelve times across the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation, serving as a marker of divine intervention or cosmic upheaval.
Its theological weight comes from its association with judgment and revelation. In Matthew 27:54, the earthquake at Jesus’ death prompts the Roman centurion to declare, "Truly this was the Son of God," linking the physical shaking to a spiritual reality. Similarly, in Revelation, earthquakes accompany the opening of seals and bowls (Revelation 6:12; 8:5), signaling the end of the current age and the establishment of God’s kingdom.
The word derives from the root seō, meaning "to shake." This etymology underscores the power behind the event: it is not a random natural disaster but a purposeful act. Translators consistently render it as "earthquake," preserving the sense of sudden, terrifying movement that reveals God’s presence in moments of crisis.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about an earthquake in Scripture, it is easy to focus only on the shaking ground or the fear it causes. Yet these moments often mark a shift in how God reveals Himself. In Matthew 27:54, the centurion stands amidst the rubble and declares Jesus as the Son of God. The physical turmoil becomes the backdrop for a spiritual truth that changes everything.
This word reminds us that God is not distant from our chaos. Whether it is the prison doors flying open in Acts 16 or the cosmic signs in Revelation, the shaking often precedes freedom or judgment. We do not need to understand every detail of these events to know that God holds the foundation. Even when life feels unstable, His presence remains steady.
Instead of fearing the unknown, we can look for where God is moving within our own storms. The same power that rolls away the stone in Matthew 28:2 is at work in your life. Trust that He can bring order out of disorder and light out of darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an earthquake5×
- earthquake3×
- earthquakes2×
- an earthquake.1×
- a storm1×
- [was the] earthquake1×
- Earthquakes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σεισμὸς8×
- σεισμοὶ2×
- σεισμῷ1×
- σεισμός.1×
- σεισμὸν1×
- σεισμοί1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:54
Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were done, were terrified, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
This verse links the physical shaking directly to the centurion’s confession, showing how divine intervention reveals Jesus' identity.
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Acts 16:26
Suddenly 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.
Here the earthquake serves as a tool of liberation, loosening bonds and opening doors for Paul and Silas without violence.
-
Matthew 28:2
Behold, 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.
The great earthquake accompanies the angel’s descent to roll away the stone, marking the decisive moment of the resurrection.
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Revelation of John 6:12
I 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.
This occurrence signals the opening of the sixth seal, using cosmic upheaval to depict the severity of end-times judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word seismos mean?
Why are earthquakes mentioned so often in Revelation?
Is there a difference between seismos and other words for shaking?
How does this word appear in the Gospels?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 4 verses
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…
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were…
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…