Brief Overview of σαλεύω (Strong’s G4531: saleuō)

Strong’s G4531: A verb meaning “to shake, agitate, or cause to waver,” used both literally for physical movement and metaphorically for spiritual/emotional disturbance. In New Testament usage, it often describes both cosmic upheaval and the testing of spiritual foundations.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term σαλεύω carries rich metaphorical significance beyond its literal meaning of shaking or agitation. First appearing in Matthew 11:7, where Jesus contrasts John the Baptist with a reed shaken by wind, it emphasizes spiritual steadfastness versus instability. The word appears in both apocalyptic contexts describing cosmic upheaval and personal spiritual contexts regarding faith’s foundations. Early church fathers used this term to contrast the stability of God’s kingdom with the shakeable nature of earthly powers. Today, σαλεύω reminds us that while everything around us may be shaken, God’s kingdom remains unshakeable.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σαλεύω, saleuō, /sal-yoo’-o/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sal” (like ‘sal’), “yoo” (like ‘you’), “o” (like ‘oh’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From σάλος (salos) – tossing, agitation
• Related to sea motion
• No prefixes
• Verbal suffix -εύω indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To shake physically
• To agitate or disturb
• To cause to waver
• To make unstable

For compound words:
Not a compound word – derives from root meaning of motion/agitation

Translation Options:

• “to shake” – physical movement
• “to disturb” – emotional/spiritual impact
• “to unsettle” – combines physical and metaphorical meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταράσσω (tarassō) /tar-as’-so/ – to trouble See G5015 – emotional disturbance
• σείω (seiō) /si’-o/ – to quake See G4579 – violent shaking
• κλονέω (kloneō) /klon-eh’-o/ – to agitate See G2795 – intense movement

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present active: σαλεύω (I shake)
• Future: σαλεύσω (I will shake)
• Aorist passive: ἐσαλεύθην (I was shaken)
• Perfect: σεσάλευκα (I have shaken)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: σάλος (tossing)
• Related adjective: σαλευτός (shakeable)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s traces its development from maritime usage. LSJ provides extensive examples from classical literature. Vine’s highlights its apocalyptic significance. Strong’s connects it to instability and testing. LEH documents its Septuagint usage in prophetic contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in describing natural phenomena.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

As these were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” (Matthew 11:7)

Additional References:
Luke 6:48
Acts 2:25
Acts 4:31
Acts 16:26
Hebrews 12:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word σαλεύω powerfully illustrates the contrast between temporal instability and divine stability. While everything in this world can be shaken, King Jesus offers an unshakeable kingdom. This proclaims the good news that though trials may shake us, our foundation in Christ remains secure, inviting us to anchor ourselves in His unchanging truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was originally used for the motion of ships at sea.
2. Early Christians used it to describe both persecution and spiritual warfare.
3. It appears in ancient earthquake descriptions and astronomical texts.

Strong’s G4531: A verb meaning “to shake, agitate, or cause to waver,” used both literally for physical movement and metaphorically for spiritual/emotional disturbance. In New Testament usage, it often describes both cosmic upheaval and the testing of spiritual foundations.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: shake, disturb, testing, stability, foundations, apocalyptic, persecution, spiritual warfare, divine power, steadfastness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​