Brief Overview of σεισμός (Strong’s G4578: seismos)

Strong’s G4578: A shaking or agitation, primarily referring to earthquakes but also used for storms and tempests. From σείω (to shake), it appears in significant biblical narratives and apocalyptic contexts, often signifying divine intervention or judgment through natural phenomena.

U- Unveiling the Word

σεισμός fundamentally denotes a shaking or quaking, primarily of the earth, but extends to any violent agitation including storms at sea. Its first New Testament appearance in Matthew 8:24 describes a violent storm that Jesus calms, demonstrating His authority over creation. The word carries profound theological significance, often appearing in contexts of divine manifestation, judgment, or cosmic events surrounding key moments in salvation history. Early church writers used it to emphasize God’s sovereignty over nature and His power to shake both natural and spiritual realms. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s authority over all creation and the coming cosmic transformation when He returns.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σεισμός, seismos, SICE-moss
• Detailed pronunciation: σεισμός is pronounced with stress on first syllable: ‘SICE’ as in slice, ‘moss’ as in moss
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• σει- (sei-): Root from σείω meaning “to shake”
• -σμός (-smos): Noun-forming suffix indicating action or result

D – Defining Meanings

• Earthquake
• Violent stormy agitation
• Cosmic shaking or upheaval

For compound words:
Not applicable as σεισμός is derived from a primary verb with a suffix

Translation Options:

• “Earthquake” – When referring to terrestrial shaking
• “Tempest” – When describing violent storms
• “Cosmic upheaval” – When used in apocalyptic contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σαλεύω (saleuō, sal-YOO-oh) – to shake, agitate See G4531
• τρόμος (tromos, TROM-os) – trembling See G5156
• ζάλη (zalē, DZAH-lay) – surge of the sea See G2830

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd

Examples:
Singular: σεισμός (nom), σεισμοῦ (gen), σεισμῷ (dat), σεισμόν (acc)
Plural: σεισμοί (nom), σεισμῶν (gen), σεισμοῖς (dat), σεισμούς (acc)

• Cross-references: Related verb σείω (to shake)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σεισμός’s range from literal earthquakes to metaphorical shaking. Thayer’s notes its frequent use in apocalyptic contexts. LSJ documents its evolution from general shaking to specific geological events. Vine’s highlights its use for both terrestrial and maritime disturbances. Strong’s connects it to divine intervention. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence of its technical use in ancient scientific writings about earthquakes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.” Matthew 8:24

Additional References:
Matthew 24:7, Matthew 27:54, Matthew 28:2, Acts 16:26, Revelation 6:12, Revelation 8:5, Revelation 11:13, Revelation 11:19, Revelation 16:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σεισμός powerfully demonstrates both God’s sovereign power over creation and His use of natural phenomena to accomplish His purposes. From Jesus calming the storm to the earthquakes at His crucifixion and resurrection, these “shakings” reveal divine authority and redemptive activity. The word reminds us that Christ is Lord over all creation, capable of both causing and calming life’s storms, leading us to trust in His sovereign power for our salvation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Modern seismology derives its terminology from σεισμός.
2. The word appears at three crucial moments in Matthew’s Gospel: the storm, crucifixion, and resurrection.
3. Ancient Greek scientists used σεισμός in technical discussions about earthquake zones.

Strong’s G4578: A shaking or agitation, primarily referring to earthquakes but also used for storms and tempests. From σείω (to shake), it appears in significant biblical narratives and apocalyptic contexts, often signifying divine intervention or judgment through natural phenomena.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: earthquake, storm, tempest, natural phenomena, divine intervention, apocalyptic signs, Jesus’ miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, Revelation, biblical Greek, natural disasters​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​