Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1093} shall pass away {G3928}: but {G1161} my {G3450} words {G3056} shall {G3928} not {G3364} pass away {G3928}.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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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.
Luke 21:33, a profound statement from Jesus Christ, declares the absolute and enduring truth of His words: "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." This verse stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief, emphasizing the transient nature of the physical world contrasted with the eternal permanence of divine truth.
Context
This powerful declaration is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives shortly before His crucifixion. In this discourse, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Following a series of prophecies concerning global distress, cosmic disturbances (Luke 21:25-27), and the parable of the fig tree (Luke 21:29-32) which illustrates the certainty of these events, Jesus delivers this definitive statement about the unchangeable nature of His teachings.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "pass away" is parerchomai (παρέρχομαι), meaning "to pass by, to go by, to perish, to vanish." It vividly conveys the idea of something transient, moving out of existence. The word "words" is logoi (λόγοι), which in this context encompasses not just individual utterances but the entirety of Jesus' teachings, prophecies, and divine truth. It's a comprehensive term for the revelation He brought.
Practical Application
Luke 21:33 offers profound comfort and a firm foundation for faith in an ever-changing world. When faced with uncertainty, societal upheaval, or personal trials, believers can anchor their hope in the unchanging truth of Jesus' words. This verse encourages us to build our lives on His teachings, knowing that they are the only truly lasting foundation. It also serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values over fleeting earthly concerns, trusting that every promise and prophecy Christ uttered will be fulfilled precisely as He declared.