Hebrews 12 · a question people ask

"Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens." (12:26). What does the letter say these words mean?

In the text

The words come after a warning: "See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven" (12:25). The letter gives them as a promise, "whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying" (12:26), and then says what they mean in its own words: "This phrase, “Yet once more” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain." (12:27). And it goes on: "Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (12:28-29). Hebrews names no passage for the words of 12:26. The WEB's Haggai 2:6 has words like them, worded differently: "Yet once more, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land" (Haggai 2:6). These notes don't say when the shaking is, apply it to no event, and name the one who speaks no further than the letter's "him who warns from heaven" (12:25).

The verses

“For this is what the LORD of Armies says: ‘Yet once more, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land;”
Haggai 2:6 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12: The race set before us

Hebrews 12 names Jesus twice: the one to run looking to, "the author and perfecter of faith" (12:2), and the one you have come to, "Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant" (12:24). Between them come "the exhortation which reasons with you as with children" (12:5) and the call, "Follow after peace with all men" (12:14).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Hebrews 12

All questions about Hebrews →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions