The term "Great Earthquake" in the Bible refers to significant seismic events that are often associated with divine intervention, judgment, or the fulfillment of prophecy. These earthquakes are depicted as powerful acts of God that serve as signs to humanity, often accompanying pivotal moments in biblical history.

Old Testament References

1. Mount Sinai: One of the earliest mentions of a great earthquake occurs during the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:18 states, "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently." This event underscores the majesty and power of God as He establishes His covenant with Israel.

2. The Earthquake in the Days of Uzziah: The prophet Amos references a significant earthquake during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. Amos 1:1 notes, "The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel." This earthquake is also mentioned in Zechariah 14:5, indicating its lasting impact on the collective memory of the people.

New Testament References

1. The Crucifixion of Jesus: A great earthquake is recorded at the moment of Jesus' death. Matthew 27:51-54 describes, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. The tombs broke open, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After Jesus’ resurrection, when they had come out of the tombs, they entered the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God.'" This earthquake signifies the profound spiritual and cosmic implications of Christ's sacrificial death.

2. The Resurrection of Jesus: Another earthquake is mentioned in connection with the resurrection of Jesus. Matthew 28:2 states, "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it." This event marks the triumph of Jesus over death and the grave, heralding the dawn of a new covenant.

3. The Earthquake in Philippi: In Acts 16:26 , an earthquake occurs while Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi: "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose." This miraculous event leads to the conversion of the jailer and his household, demonstrating God's power to deliver and transform lives.

Eschatological Significance

The Book of Revelation contains several references to great earthquakes as part of the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John. These earthquakes are associated with the end times and the final judgment. Revelation 6:12 describes, "And when the Lamb opened the sixth seal, I looked, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red." Similarly, Revelation 11:13 and 16:18 depict earthquakes as part of the divine judgments poured out upon the earth, emphasizing the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation and history.

Throughout Scripture, great earthquakes serve as reminders of God's power and the unfolding of His divine plan. They are both literal and symbolic, pointing to moments of divine intervention and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes in the world.