761. asaleutos

Lexical Summary

asaleutos: Unshakable, immovable

Original Word: ἀσάλευτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: asaleutos
Pronunciation: ah-sah'-lyoo-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (as-al'-yoo-tos)
KJV: which cannot be moved, unmovable
NASB: cannot be shaken, immovable
Word Origin: [from G1 (α - Alpha) (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4531 (σαλεύω - shaken)]

1. unshaken
2. (by implication) immovable (figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

immovable.

From a (as a negative particle) and a derivative of saleuo; unshaken, i.e. (by implication) immovable (figuratively) -- which cannot be moved, unmovable.

see GREEK a

see GREEK saleuo

HELPS Word-studies

761 asáleutos (the negated form of 4531 /saleúō, "to shake") – properly, unshakable (steady, immovable).

In Heb 12:28, 761 /asáleutos ("unshakeable") underlines how the kingdom of God always triumphs because its Kind (Jesus Christ) is alway in charge!

[Heb 12:26b-28b prophesies the coming of "the new heavens and the new earth" for the New Jerusalem.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and saleuó
Definition
unmoved
NASB Translation
cannot be shaken (1), immovable (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 761: ἀσάλευτος

ἀσάλευτος, ἀσάλευτον (σαλεύω), unshaken, unmoved: properly, Acts 27:41; metaphorically, βασιλεία, not liable to disorder and overthrow, firm, stable, Hebrews 12:28. (Euripides, Bacch. 391; ἐλευθερία, Diodorus 2; 48; εὐδαιμονία, ibid. 3, 47; ἡσυχία, Plato, Ax. 370 d.; Plutarch, others.)

STRONGS NT 761a: ἈσάφἈσάφ, ὁ (אָסָף, collector), a man's name, a clerical error for R G Ασα (which see), adopted by L T Tr WH in Matthew 1:7f.

Topical Lexicon

Concept of Unshakable Stability in Scripture

The word rendered “unshakable” captures a wide biblical theme: God alone provides permanence in a creation subject to shaking (Haggai 2:6-7; Matthew 24:35). When Scripture calls something “unshakable,” it is asserting that the object stands beyond the reach of every earthly, spiritual, or eschatological upheaval. This stability belongs supremely to God (Psalm 93:1) and, by grace, is shared with His people through covenant promises.

Occurrences of the Term

1. Acts 27:41 – Describes the ship’s bow that “stuck fast and would not move.” The scene underscores a literal immovability within severe external forces.
2. Hebrews 12:28 – Declares the “unshakable kingdom” believers are receiving: “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe”. Here the term is elevated from physical description to eschatological certainty.

Historical Context

• Acts 27 recounts Paul’s voyage to Rome (circa A.D. 59-60). Ancient Mediterranean navigation was perilous, especially after the Day of Atonement (Acts 27:9). A grounded ship, immovable against the surf, highlighted both human helplessness and divine oversight—Paul’s life would be spared so he could bear witness in Rome (Acts 23:11).
• Hebrews was written to Jewish believers tempted to retreat to the security of the old covenant system. The author contrasts the quaking of Sinai with the unshakable reality of Zion, assuring them that the new covenant cannot be overthrown by persecution, apostasy, or cosmic judgment.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Assurance – The kingdom announced by Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29-30) is not provisional. Its foundations rest on the finished work of the cross (Hebrews 9:12) and the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20), guaranteeing permanence.
2. Eschatological Hope – Hebrews 12 links the unshakable kingdom to the final removal of all that can be shaken (Hebrews 12:26-27). Believers therefore interpret present turmoil as the precursor to a cleansed, eternal order (Revelation 21:1-4).
3. Christological Center – Stability is not an abstract principle but a person: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Union with Him makes the church immovable (Matthew 16:18).

Practical Ministry Applications

• Perseverance under Trial – Congregations facing cultural or governmental pressure draw confidence from belonging to what cannot be shaken. This fuels courage for public witness and patient endurance (James 5:7-8).
• Worship Characterized by Reverence and Gratitude – Hebrews 12:28 ties awareness of kingdom stability to thankful, awe-filled worship. Leaders cultivate liturgy and preaching that magnify divine permanence rather than temporal anxieties.
• Pastoral Counseling – When believers encounter personal “storms,” Acts 27 illustrates that God’s providence controls what feels unmanageable. Even if the vessel breaks up (Acts 27:41-44), His purpose stands firm.
• Mission Strategy – The certainty of an unshakable kingdom motivates global evangelism. Paul’s shipwreck did not deter his mission; likewise modern setbacks should be interpreted as occasions for advancing the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14).

Related Themes and Cross-References

• Divine Kingship: Psalm 145:13; Daniel 2:44.
• Believer’s Security: Psalm 16:8; John 10:28-29.
• Cosmic Shaking and Renewal: Isaiah 24:18-23; 2 Peter 3:10-13.
• Immoveable Faith: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23.

Through these threads Scripture weaves a consistent message: while the created order groans and kingdoms rise and fall, God grants His people a share in what no earthquake, tempest, or judgment day can disturb.

Forms and Transliterations

ασάλευτα ασαλευτον ασάλευτον ἀσάλευτον ασαλευτος ασάλευτος ἀσάλευτος asaleuton asáleuton asaleutos asáleutos

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 27:41 Adj-NFS
GRK: ἐρείσασα ἔμεινεν ἀσάλευτος ἡ δὲ
NAS: and remained immovable, but the stern
KJV: and remained unmoveable, but
INT: having stuck fast remained unmovable and

Hebrews 12:28 Adj-AFS
GRK: Διὸ βασιλείαν ἀσάλευτον παραλαμβάνοντες ἔχωμεν
NAS: a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show
KJV: a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have
INT: Therefore a kingdom not to be shaken receiving we might have

Strong's Greek 761
2 Occurrences

ἀσάλευτον — 1 Occ.
ἀσάλευτος — 1 Occ.