Matthew 24:35

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 never 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
Matthew 24:35 stands as a profound declaration within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, asserting the absolute and enduring authority of His words against the backdrop of a transient physical creation. As Jesus details the signs of the end times and the eventual dissolution of the current cosmic order, this verse provides an anchor of certainty, proclaiming that while the very fabric of the universe is subject to change and decay, Christ's teachings and prophecies possess an unyielding permanence, serving as the ultimate, unshakeable truth for all generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives, as recorded in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse"). Following His disciples' questions regarding the destruction of the Temple, the signs of His coming, and the end of the age, Jesus delivers a detailed prophecy encompassing future tribulations, cosmic disturbances, and the dramatic return of the Son of Man. Amidst these descriptions of impending global upheaval and the collapse of the existing order, [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Permanence of Christ's Words") serves as a powerful theological anchor, contrasting the temporary nature of the created world with the eternal, immutable truth of Christ's own pronouncements. It provides divine assurance that despite the chaos and change, His words will stand as the ultimate reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have been deeply familiar with Old Testament prophetic traditions concerning the end of days and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The concept of the heavens and earth "passing away" resonated with apocalyptic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and New Earth")), which envisioned a transformed creation rather than utter annihilation. For a people whose worldview was deeply rooted in the physical Temple and the land, Jesus' prophecy of their destruction (as seen in [Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1-2 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")) would have been shocking. Against this backdrop of physical impermanence, Jesus' assertion of His words' eternal nature would have been a radical claim of divine authority, placing His teachings above even the most fundamental elements of the created order and aligning Himself with the eternal Word of God known from the Hebrew Scriptures.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **Divine Authority and Permanence of Christ's Words**. Jesus' declaration elevates His teachings to an ultimate, unchangeable status, underscoring His divine nature and supreme authority over all creation. His words are not merely human wisdom but divine revelation, eternally reliable. This leads to the theme of **Eschatological Certainty**. For those grappling with the daunting prophecies of the end times, this verse offers profound reassurance that every word Jesus spoke concerning His return, the judgment, and the establishment of His kingdom will undoubtedly come to pass. The fulfillment of all prophecy is rooted in the immutability of His truth. Finally, there is a stark **Contrast Between the Temporal and the Eternal**. Jesus draws a clear distinction between the transient physical realm ("heaven and earth") and the everlasting spiritual truth embodied in His words. This theme reminds believers to fix their hope not on fleeting earthly realities but on the enduring promises of God, echoing the sentiment found in [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God"), which states, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **parérchomai (Greek, _parérchomai'_):** This word, translated "pass away," means to come near or aside, to go by or away, to perish, or to neglect. In the context of "heaven and earth," it signifies a definite conclusion, dissolution, or transformation of the current cosmic order. It does not necessarily imply annihilation but rather a definitive cessation of their present form, giving way to something new or different.
* **lógos (Greek, _lógos'_):** Translated "words," this term is rich in meaning, encompassing something said (including the thought), a topic, reasoning, or motive. Crucially, in John's Gospel, it refers to "the Divine Expression," i.e., Christ Himself. Here, "my words" refers to Jesus' teachings, prophecies, and commandments, imbued with divine authority and eternal truth. Their enduring nature is a direct reflection of Jesus' own eternal being.
* **ouranós (Greek, _ouranós'_):** This word refers to "heaven" or "sky," and by extension, the abode of God, implying happiness, power, and eternity. It represents the celestial realm, the upper part of the created universe. Its inclusion alongside "gē" (earth) signifies the entirety of the physical cosmos, from the highest heavens to the solid ground, all of which are subject to passing away.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Heaven and earth shall pass away":** This clause declares the impermanence of the physical universe, encompassing all of creation, from the celestial bodies to the terrestrial ground. It signifies that the current cosmic order is not eternal but is destined for a definitive end or transformation. This statement underscores the fragility and transient nature of all created things, setting a dramatic contrast for the subsequent assertion.
* **"but my words":** The conjunction "but" introduces a powerful antithesis. "My words" refers directly to Jesus' teachings, prophecies, and commandments, spoken throughout His ministry and specifically within this eschatological discourse. The possessive "my" emphasizes Jesus' unique and divine authority as the source of these words, distinguishing them from any human utterance.
* **"shall not pass away":** This emphatic double negative ("ou mē") strengthens the denial, asserting the absolute, unyielding, and eternal permanence of Jesus' words. Unlike the physical cosmos, His words are immutable, indestructible, and eternally valid. This signifies their divine origin, their ultimate truth, and their guaranteed fulfillment, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:35 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's impact. Jesus starkly juxtaposes "heaven and earth" (representing the temporal, created order) with "my words" (representing eternal, divine truth). This creates a powerful tension that highlights the absolute permanence and authority of Christ's teachings. The phrase "shall pass away" is repeated, creating a **Parallelism** that emphasizes the inevitable fate of the physical world while simultaneously underscoring the unique, enduring nature of Jesus' words through its negation. The assertion itself is a **Divine Assertion** or **Declaration**, spoken with the absolute authority of God, leaving no room for doubt regarding its truth. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in the statement that "heaven and earth shall pass away," not in the sense that it's untrue, but in its dramatic emphasis on the ultimate cosmic shift, serving to magnify the unwavering stability of Christ's words in comparison.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:35 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine truth and authority. It underscores the immutability of God's character, as Jesus, being God incarnate, speaks words that are as eternal and unchanging as the Father Himself. This verse assures believers that while all earthly foundations may crumble and the very cosmos may undergo radical transformation, the revealed will and promises of God, articulated through Christ, remain steadfast. It affirms the reliability of divine prophecy and the certainty of God's redemptive plan, providing an unshakeable basis for faith in a world of constant flux. The permanence of Christ's words means that His commands are eternally binding, His promises eternally true, and His ultimate victory eternally assured.

* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God")
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word is Forever")
* [1 Peter 1:24-25](/1_peter/1-24-25 "1 Peter 1:24-25 - The Abiding Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:35 offers immense comfort and a solid foundation for faith in a world characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and shifting values. In an age where truth is often considered relative and foundations seem to crumble, Jesus' declaration provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls. It calls us to place our ultimate trust not in the fleeting realities of this world—its institutions, its economies, its philosophies, or even its physical existence—but in the eternal, immutable words of Christ. This verse demands that we prioritize diligent study, fervent belief, and faithful obedience to Jesus' teachings, recognizing them as the ultimate truth and infallible guide for life. Living with an eternal perspective, informed by this verse, means investing our time, energy, and resources into that which endures: God's kingdom and His righteousness. The permanence of Christ's words serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that His promises of salvation, His care for His people, and His ultimate return are guaranteed, providing steadfastness and purpose for all who follow Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the permanence of Christ's words impact your trust in His promises, especially when facing personal or global uncertainties?**
* **In what practical ways can you better prioritize and internalize Jesus' teachings, allowing them to shape your daily decisions and worldview?**
* **Considering the temporary nature of "heaven and earth," how does an eternal perspective, informed by this verse, influence your earthly priorities and aspirations?**

### FAQ

**Does "heaven and earth shall pass away" mean the literal destruction of the universe?**

Answer: While the phrase "pass away" (Greek: *parérchomai*) implies a definite end or cessation of the current order, biblical theology generally understands this not as complete annihilation but as a radical transformation or renewal. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and New Earth"), which speaks of "a new heaven and a new earth." The emphasis is on the impermanence of the *present* cosmic order, which will be superseded by a new creation, perfectly aligned with God's eternal purposes. The point is that everything created is subject to change, decay, or transformation, unlike the eternal Word of God.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying "my words" rather than "God's words" in this context?**

Answer: The use of "my words" is a profound claim to divine authority and identity. In Jewish thought, only God's word was considered eternal and unchangeable (e.g., [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Enduring Word of God")). By equating His own words with this divine permanence, Jesus implicitly asserts His deity and His unique relationship with the Father. His words are not merely human pronouncements or prophetic utterances, but divine revelation, carrying the same eternal weight and authority as the very Word of God. This statement is a powerful testament to Jesus' self-understanding as the embodiment of divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:35 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very person of Jesus, for He is not merely the speaker of eternal words, but He *is* the eternal Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). His words are immutable because His nature is immutable; He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). The "passing away" of heaven and earth, which Jesus foretells, points to the eschatological reality inaugurated by His death and resurrection—the beginning of the new creation. Through His atoning work, Christ has secured a new heaven and a new earth, a reality where His eternal words will be perfectly fulfilled and fully realized ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). His words of salvation, judgment, and promise are the foundation upon which the entire cosmos will ultimately be judged and transformed, demonstrating that His authority extends over all creation, past, present, and future. The enduring nature of His words assures believers that every promise He made, every prophecy He uttered, and every truth He revealed will come to pass, culminating in His glorious return and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom ([Matthew 24:30-31](/matthew/24-30-31 "Matthew 24:30-31 - The Coming of the Son of Man")).

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.

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.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.

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.

Proverbs 30:5

Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

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.