Brief Overview of σείω (Strong’s G4579: seiō)

Strong’s G4579: A primary verb meaning “to shake, agitate, or cause to tremble.” In biblical usage, it often carries metaphorical significance beyond physical movement, depicting both divine power and human response to supernatural events, particularly in contexts of God’s manifestation and judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

σείω fundamentally means “to shake” or “to agitate,” appearing in contexts ranging from physical earthquakes to metaphorical stirring of emotions and societies. Its first New Testament use in Matthew 21:10 describes Jerusalem being “stirred up” at Jesus’ triumphal entry, showing how His presence creates spiritual and social upheaval. Early church writers used this term to describe both God’s power to shake creation and the transformative impact of the gospel on human hearts and societies. Today, it reminds us that encountering Christ inevitably brings holy disruption to our lives and communities.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σείω, seiō, SAY-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: σείω is pronounced with stress on first syllable: ‘SAY’ as in say, ‘oh’ as in oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• σει- (sei-): Primary root meaning “to shake”
• -ω (-ō): Primary verb ending

D – Defining Meanings

• To shake physically
• To cause to tremble or quake
• To stir up or agitate emotionally

For compound words:
Not applicable as σείω is a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To shake” – Emphasizes physical movement
• “To agitate” – Highlights emotional/social impact
• “To stir up” – Captures both physical and metaphorical meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ταράσσω (tarassō, ta-RAS-so) – to trouble, disturb See G5015
• σαλεύω (saleuō, sa-LEU-o) – to shake, waver See G4531
• ἀναστατόω (anastatoō, an-as-ta-TO-o) – to stir up, excite See G387

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive, Punctiliar

Examples:
Present Active: σείω (I shake), σείεις (you shake), σείει (he/she/it shakes)
Aorist Passive: ἐσείσθην (I was shaken)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σείω’s range from physical to metaphorical shaking. Thayer’s notes its connection to divine manifestation. LSJ traces its usage in classical literature for earthquakes and emotional disturbance. Vine’s highlights its figurative applications. Strong’s connects it to cosmic upheaval. Moulton-Milligan documents its technical use in ancient earthquake descriptions and its metaphorical extension to social unrest.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved saying, Who is this?” Matthew 21:10

Additional References:
Matthew 27:51, Matthew 28:4, Hebrews 12:26, Revelation 6:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σείω reveals how God’s presence and power shake both the physical and spiritual realms. From Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the earthquake at His crucifixion, this word shows how His kingdom disrupts and transforms everything it touches. It reminds us that the gospel isn’t just good news—it’s earth-shaking news that demands response and brings revolutionary change to hearts and societies.

D – Did You Know?

1. σείω is the root of modern words like “seismic” and “seismology.”
2. In Matthew’s Gospel, it appears at three pivotal moments: Jesus’ entry, death, and resurrection.
3. Ancient Greek medical writers used σείω to describe tremors in the body.

Strong’s G4579: A primary verb meaning “to shake, agitate, or cause to tremble.” In biblical usage, it often carries metaphorical significance beyond physical movement, depicting both divine power and human response to supernatural events, particularly in contexts of God’s manifestation and judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: shake, tremble, agitate, divine power, transformation, earthquakes, spiritual impact, Jesus’ entry, crucifixion, resurrection, biblical Greek, supernatural manifestation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​