Mark 13:31

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
Mark 13:31, a profound declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, asserts the absolute and eternal reliability of Christ's words in stark contrast to the transient nature of the physical cosmos. Amidst prophecies of tribulation and the ultimate destruction of the temple and the present world order, Jesus provides an unshakeable anchor for His disciples, guaranteeing that His teachings, promises, and prophetic declarations will endure forever, reflecting His divine authority and immutable truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13; parallels in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse")), a significant prophetic teaching delivered by Jesus to His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Following His disciples' awe at the grandeur of the Jerusalem Temple, Jesus prophesies its complete destruction ([Mark 13:1-2](/mark/13-1-2 "Mark 13:1-2 - Prophecy of the Temple's Destruction")). He then proceeds to outline signs of the end times, including false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, and persecution ([Mark 13:5-23](/mark/13-5-23 "Mark 13:5-23 - Signs of the End")). The discourse culminates with vivid descriptions of His glorious second coming ([Mark 13:24-27](/mark/13-24-27 "Mark 13:24-27 - The Coming of the Son of Man")) and a parable emphasizing the need for watchfulness ([Mark 13:28-37](/mark/13-28-37 "Mark 13:28-37 - The Parable of the Fig Tree and the Need for Watchfulness")). Within this context of cosmic upheaval and future uncertainty, Mark 13:31 stands as a powerful affirmation of the unwavering certainty of Christ's message, providing a foundational truth upon which His followers can stand firm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' audience, His Jewish disciples, lived in a world where the Temple in Jerusalem was the very center of their religious, cultural, and national identity. Its destruction, as prophesied by Jesus, would have been an unimaginable catastrophe, symbolizing the end of an era and the collapse of their known world order. The concept of "heaven and earth" passing away, while rooted in Old Testament prophetic language (e.g., [Isaiah 51:6](/isaiah/51-6 "Isaiah 51:6 - Heaven and Earth will Vanish")), would have been understood as a cataclysmic event, signifying the ultimate dissolution of the physical cosmos. In contrast, the authority of a prophet's words was paramount in Jewish thought, as a true prophet spoke the very words of God. Jesus' claim that "my words shall not pass away" was therefore a direct assertion of divine authority, placing His words on par with, or even above, the enduring nature of God's own covenant promises and the Mosaic Law, a claim that would have been profoundly significant to His Jewish listeners.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 13:31 contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as Jesus explicitly claims an enduring authority for His words that transcends even the physical creation. This reinforces His identity as the Son of God, whose declarations are as immutable as God Himself. Another crucial theme is the **Transience of the Created Order versus the Eternity of God's Word**. The verse highlights that all physical reality, no matter how grand or seemingly permanent (like the Temple or the cosmos), is temporary and subject to God's ultimate plan, which includes a new creation ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). This contrasts sharply with the **Immutable and Reliable Nature of Christ's Teachings**, providing a bedrock of truth for believers facing the uncertainties of the end times. It reassures them that despite all the upheaval, God's plan, revealed through Jesus' words, will unfailingly come to pass, emphasizing the **Certainty of Prophetic Fulfillment**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** This term refers to the sky, the visible heavens, and by extension, the abode of God. In this context, "heaven and earth" (a merism) signifies the entire physical cosmos, all created reality. The inclusion of "heaven" alongside "earth" emphasizes the totality of the created order, from the celestial to the terrestrial, all of which is subject to change and ultimate dissolution.
* **Pass away (Greek, _parérchomai'_):** Derived from _para_ (alongside) and _erchomai_ (to come), this verb means to come near or aside, to go by or away, to perish, or to cease to exist. Here, it denotes the dissolution or termination of the physical universe. The verb is in the future tense, indicating a definite future event, emphasizing the temporary and perishable nature of all creation in God's sovereign plan.
* **Words (Greek, _lógos'_):** While broadly meaning "something said" or "discourse," in a theological context, especially when referring to Christ, _lógos_ carries profound weight. It encompasses Jesus' teachings, prophecies, commands, and promises—His entire divine revelation. This term is particularly significant in the New Testament, notably in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), where Jesus Himself is identified as the eternal "Word" (Logos) of God, underscoring the inseparable link between His person and His message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Heaven and earth shall pass away:"** This initial clause establishes the transience and impermanence of the entire physical cosmos. "Heaven and earth" is a comprehensive expression (a merism) for all created reality, from the celestial bodies to the ground beneath our feet. The declaration that they "shall pass away" signifies their ultimate dissolution or transformation, highlighting that even the most seemingly stable and enduring elements of the universe are temporal and subject to God's sovereign will and design. This sets a dramatic backdrop for the subsequent, contrasting assertion.
* **"but my words shall not pass away."** This clause introduces a profound contrast using the conjunction "but" (_dé_), emphasizing the absolute and eternal nature of Jesus' words. Unlike the physical creation, which is destined to perish or be transformed, Christ's teachings, prophecies, and promises are immutable and everlasting. This is a staggering claim of divine authority, placing Jesus' words on par with the very nature of God, whose word "stands forever" ([Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of God Endures Forever")). The Greek construction for "shall not pass away" uses a powerful double negative (_ou mḗ_), which emphatically means "by no means shall they pass away" or "they shall never pass away," underscoring their absolute certainty. It assures His disciples that everything He has spoken is utterly reliable and will certainly come to pass, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 13:31 powerfully employs **Antithesis** (or **Contrast**) as its primary literary device. The verse sets up a stark opposition between two fundamentally different realities: the transient nature of "heaven and earth" and the eternal permanence of "my words." This direct contrast serves to magnify the absolute authority and reliability of Jesus' declarations. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident in the phrase "heaven and earth shall pass away," which, while literally true in an eschatological sense, functions to emphasize the profound and universal scope of the impermanence of all created things, thereby further elevating the enduring nature of Christ's words. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Assertion**, where Jesus makes an explicit claim about His own unique authority and the eternal validity of His message, a statement that would have resonated with profound theological implications for His listeners, affirming His divine identity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 13:31 is a cornerstone declaration of Christ's divine authority and the immutable nature of God's truth. Theologically, it underscores the vast chasm between the created order, which is temporal and subject to decay, and the eternal, unchanging character of God, as perfectly embodied in the words of His Son. This verse assures believers that while all earthly foundations may crumble and the very cosmos may transform, the truth revealed by Jesus Christ remains an unshakeable anchor. It speaks to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, affirming that His ultimate plan, articulated through Christ, will unfailingly reach its culmination. This declaration provides immense comfort and certainty, inviting believers to root their faith not in fleeting realities but in the enduring word of their Savior.

* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Parallel Passage on the Permanence of Christ's Words")
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God")
* [2 Peter 3:10-13](/2_peter/3-10-13 "2 Peter 3:10-13 - The Passing Away of the Present Heavens and Earth and the Promise of a New Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant flux, shifting ideologies, and pervasive uncertainty, Mark 13:31 stands as a profound beacon of stability and truth for believers. This verse calls us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and foundation. If even the most colossal and seemingly permanent elements of our physical reality are destined to pass away, then our hope, security, and understanding of life's purpose must not be tethered to anything earthly or temporal. Instead, our faith is to be firmly rooted in the eternal, unchanging words of Jesus Christ. This means diligently studying His teachings, internalizing His commands, and trusting His promises, for they alone possess the power to endure beyond the present age. The permanence of Christ's words offers immense comfort, assuring us that His prophetic declarations, including His glorious return and the establishment of His kingdom, are absolutely guaranteed to be fulfilled, providing a steadfast hope in the face of any earthly tribulation or uncertainty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of your life or worldview are currently built on transient "heaven and earth" realities rather than the eternal "words" of Christ?**
* **How does the absolute certainty of Jesus' words impact your trust in His promises concerning your future and the future of the world?**
* **In what practical ways can you more intentionally root your daily decisions and perspectives in the enduring truth of Christ's teachings?**

### FAQ
**What does "heaven and earth shall pass away" mean in a literal sense?**

Answer: In a literal sense, "heaven and earth shall pass away" refers to the ultimate dissolution and transformation of the present physical cosmos. This does not necessarily imply annihilation into nothingness, but rather a radical change and renewal. Biblical prophecy, particularly in the New Testament, speaks of a "new heaven and a new earth" ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")) that will replace the old, implying a purification and re-creation rather than complete obliteration. The present heavens and earth are described as being "stored up for fire" and reserved for "the day of judgment and of the destruction of ungodly men" ([2 Peter 3:7](/2_peter/3-7 "2 Peter 3:7 - The Earth Reserved for Fire")). Therefore, the phrase signifies the end of the current order and the ushering in of God's eternal, perfected creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 13:31 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person of Jesus, who is Himself the eternal [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - Jesus, the Word Incarnate"), the living Word of God made flesh. His words are not merely human utterances but are divine pronouncements, imbued with the authority and eternality of God the Father. As the Incarnate Word, Jesus embodies the truth and reality of God's kingdom, and His teachings are the very revelation of God's will and redemptive plan. The permanence of His words is a direct reflection of His own eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Every prophecy He uttered, every command He issued, and every promise He made, culminating in His death, resurrection, and ascension, are guaranteed to be fulfilled because He is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")). His words of salvation, judgment, and the coming kingdom are eternally binding, offering the only unshakeable foundation for humanity amidst the transience of all created things. Indeed, to believe in His words is to believe in Him, the Alpha and Omega, whose reign is everlasting ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")).

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.

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.

Matthew 24:35

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

Luke 21:33

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

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.

Psalms 102:25

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.

Psalms 102:27

But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.