Luke 21:33

KJV

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

KJV (with Strong's)

Heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1093} shall pass away {G3928}: but {G1161} my {G3450} words {G3056} shall {G3928} not {G3364} pass away {G3928}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.

Berean Standard Bible

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

American Standard Version

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:33 presents a profound declaration from Jesus Christ, asserting the absolute and enduring truth of His words in stark contrast to the transient nature of the physical cosmos. This verse serves as a foundational statement affirming the divine authority and eternal reliability of Christ's teachings, prophecies, and promises, assuring believers that while the created order is subject to decay and change, His revealed truth stands immutable through all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated within Jesus' eschatological discourse, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives shortly before His crucifixion (Luke 21:5-38). The disciples had asked about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Jesus had just described a series of cataclysmic events: global distress, cosmic disturbances with signs in the sun, moon, and stars ([Luke 21:25-27](/luke/21-25-27 "Luke 21:25-27 - Signs in the Heavens and on Earth")), and the coming of the Son of Man. He then offered the [parable of the fig tree](/luke/21-29-32 "Luke 21:29-32 - Parable of the Fig Tree") (Luke 21:29-32) to illustrate the certainty and imminence of these prophetic fulfillments. Luke 21:33 acts as a climactic, authoritative pronouncement that undergirds all the preceding prophecies, emphasizing the unwavering certainty of everything Jesus has spoken.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament emphasis on the enduring nature of God's word. Passages like [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God") declare that "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." By asserting the eternal nature of "my words," Jesus was making a claim of divine authority that resonated with and surpassed these Old Testament declarations. The concept of "heaven and earth" passing away was not entirely foreign, as Jewish apocalyptic literature sometimes spoke of a new heaven and new earth, implying the eventual dissolution or transformation of the current cosmos. Jesus' statement, therefore, draws upon familiar eschatological themes while elevating His own words to the level of ultimate, divine truth.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:33 profoundly contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and biblical theology as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of Jesus**, presenting Him not merely as a prophet but as the very embodiment of divine truth whose words hold ultimate, eternal weight. Secondly, it highlights the **Certainty of Prophecy**, assuring the disciples (and all future believers) that every detail of His eschatological predictions, no matter how grand or unsettling, will undeniably come to pass. Thirdly, it establishes a stark **Contrast Between the Temporal and the Eternal**, emphasizing that while the physical world, even its most seemingly permanent elements like heaven and earth, is finite and subject to change, God's revealed truth, embodied in Christ's words, is immutable and everlasting. This theme encourages believers to anchor their faith and hope in what is eternal, rather than what is fleeting, a concept further developed in passages like [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The New Heavens and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** This term refers to the sky, the atmospheric heavens, and by extension, the celestial abode of God. In this context, it represents the visible cosmos above us, often considered a symbol of permanence and vastness. Its inclusion alongside "earth" signifies the entirety of the created order, from the highest reaches to the deepest foundations.
* **Earth (Greek, _gē'_):** This word denotes the soil, a region, or the solid part of the terrestrial globe, including its inhabitants. Paired with "heaven," it completes the comprehensive reference to the entire physical universe as we know it, emphasizing that even the most fundamental and seemingly stable elements of creation are subject to change and eventual dissolution.
* **Pass away (Greek, _parérchomai'_):** This verb means "to come near or aside," "to go by or away," "to perish," or "to vanish." It vividly conveys the idea of something transient, moving out of existence, or ceasing to be. The repetition of this verb for both "heaven and earth" and "my words" creates a powerful rhetorical contrast, highlighting the absolute difference in their natures.
* **Words (Greek, _lógos'_):** While `lógos` can refer to a specific utterance, in this profound context, it encompasses the entirety of Jesus' teachings, prophecies, commands, and the divine truth He embodies and reveals. It signifies His complete revelation, His message, and His very being as the incarnate Word of God. The permanence of "my words" therefore refers to the enduring, unchangeable nature of all that Christ has spoken and revealed.
* **Shall not pass away (Greek, _ou mḗ parérchomai'_):** The double negative `ou mḗ` (not at all) combined with `parérchomai` creates an emphatic and absolute denial. This is not merely a statement that His words will endure, but a forceful declaration that they are utterly incapable of perishing, vanishing, or being annulled in any way. It underscores their absolute immutability and eternal validity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Heaven and earth shall pass away:"** This initial clause establishes the transient nature of the entire created order. It signifies that even the most vast, seemingly eternal, and fundamental components of the physical universe are subject to decay, transformation, or ultimate dissolution. This is a statement of cosmic impermanence, setting the stage for the dramatic contrast that follows.
* **"but my words shall not pass away."** This contrasting clause asserts the absolute permanence and immutability of Jesus' words. The conjunction "but" (Greek, _dé_) introduces a strong antithesis. Unlike the temporal cosmos, Christ's teachings, prophecies, and divine revelation possess an eternal quality. They are not subject to the laws of decay or change; they are eternally valid, reliable, and will unfailingly come to pass. This statement is a profound claim of divine authority, equating Jesus' words with the eternal Word of God.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:33 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, which is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases. Here, the transient nature of "heaven and earth" is set against the eternal nature of "my words," creating a powerful and memorable contrast that highlights the absolute reliability of Christ's declarations. This antithesis is further amplified by **Repetition** of the phrase "shall pass away," first applied to the cosmos and then emphatically negated for Jesus' words, driving home the point of their distinct natures. The statement also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Cosmic Metaphor**, using the vastness and apparent permanence of "heaven and earth" to underscore just how extraordinary and absolute the permanence of Christ's words truly is. Finally, there is an element of **Divine Claim**, where Jesus' assertion of His words' eternal nature implicitly declares His own divine identity and authority, placing Himself on par with God whose word alone endures forever.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:33 stands as a cornerstone for Christian theology, affirming the absolute authority and eternal reliability of Jesus Christ's words. It undergirds the certainty of all biblical prophecy, the immutability of God's character revealed in Christ, and the unwavering foundation for faith in a world characterized by change and uncertainty. This verse elevates Christ's teachings to the highest possible standard, equating them with the very word of God that endures forever, providing an unshakeable anchor for believers across all generations.

* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Grass Withers, the Word Endures")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")
* [1 Peter 1:24-25](/1_peter/1-24-25 "1 Peter 1:24-25 - The Enduring Word of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly shifting beneath our feet, where societal norms evolve, scientific understandings are revised, and even the most stable institutions can crumble, Luke 21:33 offers an unparalleled source of comfort, stability, and direction. It calls us to anchor our lives not in the fleeting realities of this present age, but in the eternal, unchanging truth of Jesus' words. This means diligently studying His teachings, internalizing His commands, and trusting His promises above all else. When anxieties about the future arise, or when we face personal trials that shake our foundations, this verse reminds us that Christ's words are the only truly lasting foundation upon which to build our hope, our values, and our very identity. It compels us to prioritize spiritual and eternal realities over transient earthly concerns, living with the confidence that what Christ has spoken will infallibly come to pass, both in the grand sweep of history and in the intimate details of our individual lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transient nature of "heaven and earth" highlight the unique significance of Jesus' words in your life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully trust in the enduring truth of Christ's words over temporary circumstances or human opinions?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more deeply root your life in the unchanging foundation of Jesus' teachings?**

### FAQ

**What does "heaven and earth shall pass away" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "heaven and earth shall pass away" signifies the eventual dissolution, transformation, or cessation of the current physical cosmos as we know it. It emphasizes the transient and finite nature of all creation, even its most seemingly permanent elements. This does not necessarily imply annihilation but rather a profound change or renewal, as hinted at in other biblical passages that speak of a [new heaven and a new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth"). The primary point is to contrast this transience with the absolute permanence of Jesus' words.

**How can Jesus' words be eternal if they were spoken at a specific point in history?**

Answer: Jesus' words are eternal because they are the very revelation of God, who is eternal and unchanging. As the incarnate Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), Jesus speaks with divine authority and truth. His words are not merely human utterances but divine pronouncements that reflect the eternal nature and will of God. Therefore, while spoken in time, their origin, truth, and power transcend time, remaining valid and effective for all eternity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 21:33 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. As the incarnate [Word of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus is the living embodiment of the eternal truth He declares. His "words" are not just a collection of teachings but are inextricably linked to His very being as the divine Son. The permanence of His words points directly to His enduring sovereignty and His victory over all temporal powers, including death and decay. His resurrection from the dead ([Luke 24:6-7](/luke/24-6-7 "Luke 24:6-7 - He Is Risen")) is the ultimate proof that His words concerning His death and resurrection did not "pass away" but were perfectly fulfilled, validating every other promise He made. Furthermore, His ascension to the right hand of the Father ([Luke 24:50-51](/luke/24-50-51 "Luke 24:50-51 - The Ascension of Jesus")) ensures that His reign is eternal and His word continues to be active and powerful, bringing salvation and transformation to all who believe ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Word of God is Living and Active")). Thus, the enduring nature of Christ's words is a direct reflection of His eternal personhood and His unwavering commitment to bring all His redemptive purposes to glorious completion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Psalms 102:26

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

Matthew 5:18

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.