King James Bible Dictionary

Mentioned among the extraordinary phenomena of Palestine (Psalms 18:7; comp. Habakkuk 3:6; Nahum 1:5; Isaiah 5:25).

The first earthquake in Palestine of which we have any record happened in the reign of Ahab (1 Kings 19:11, 12). Another took place in the days of Uzziah, King of Judah (Zechariah 14:5). The most memorable earthquake taking place in New Testament times happened at the crucifixion of our Lord (Matthew 27:54). An earthquake at Philippi shook the prison in which Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Acts 16:26).

It is used figuratively as a token of the presence of the Lord (Judges 5:4; 2 Samuel 22:8; Psalms 77:18; 97:4; 104:32).

Earthquakes, more or less violent, are of frequent occurrence in Palestine. The most remarkable occurred in the reign of Uzziah. (Zechariah 14:5) From (Zechariah 14:4) we are led to infer that a great convulsion took place at this time in the Mount of Olives, the mountain being split so as to leave a valley between its summit. An earthquake occurred at the time of our Saviour's crucifixion. (Matthew 27:51-54) Earthquakes are not unfrequently accompanied by fissures of the earth's surface; instances of this are recorded in connection with the destruction of Korah and his company, (Numbers 16:32) and at the time of our Lord's death, (Matthew 27:51) the former may be paralleled by a similar occurrence at Oppido in Calabria A.D. 1783, where the earth opened to the extent of five hundred and a depth of more than two hundred feet.

EARTH'QUAKE, noun A shaking, trembling or concussion of the earth; sometimes a slight tremor; at other times a violent shaking or convulsion; at other times a rocking or heaving of the earth. Earthquakes are usually preceded by a rattling sound in the air, or by a subterraneous rumbling noise. Hence the name, earthdin, formerly given to an earthquake

General references
Job 9:6; Psalms 18:7; Psalms 46:2-3; Psalms 104:32; Jeremiah 4:24

As judgments
Psalms 18:15; Psalms 60:2; Isaiah 13:13-14; Isaiah 24:19-20; Isaiah 29:6; Nahum 1:5

Prophecies of
Ezekiel 38:19; Zech 14:4; Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11; Revelation 11:19

Instances of:

At Sinai
Exodus 19:18; Psalms 68:8; Psalms 77:18; Psalms 114:4-7; Hebrews 12:26

When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were swallowed up
Numbers 16:31-32

When Jonathan and his armorbearer attacked the garrison at Gibeah
1 Samuel 14:15

When the Lord revealed Himself to Elijah in the still small voice
1 Kings 19:11

In Canaan, in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah
Amos 1:1; Zech 14:5

At the crucifixion of Jesus
Matthew 27:51

At the resurrection of Jesus
Matthew 28:2

When Paul and Silas were in prison at Philippi
Acts 16:26

Figurative
Psalms 60:2

Symbolic
Revelation 6:12-14; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 16:18; Revelation 16:20