Luke 21 33

Luke 21:33 kjv

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

Luke 21:33 nkjv

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Luke 21:33 niv

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

Luke 21:33 esv

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

Luke 21:33 nlt

Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

Luke 21 verses

Luke 21 33 Meaning

Luke 21:33 conveys an absolute declaration from Jesus regarding the enduring truth and unwavering certainty of His divine words, contrasting them sharply with the transient nature of the physical cosmos. It affirms that while the material heaven and earth will certainly perish or transform, Christ's pronouncements and prophecies will never fail, change, or cease to be true. This verse underscores the supreme authority and eternal validity of all Jesus taught, particularly in the context of His predictions concerning the end times and His second coming, ensuring their complete fulfillment.

Luke 21 33 Context

Luke 21:33 is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives following His departure from the Temple. In this significant discourse (Luke 21:5-36), Jesus warns His followers about future events: the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple (which occurred in A.D. 70), signs preceding His Second Coming, cosmic disturbances, persecution of believers, and the need for vigilance. This verse acts as a definitive affirmation that despite the temporary nature of all creation, and the turbulent times ahead that He describes, His predictions—and indeed all His teachings—are irrevocably true and will be fulfilled. It assures the disciples (and all believers) that everything He has revealed about the future, no matter how unbelievable or distant it seems, is certain because His word is foundational and eternal, unlike the heavens and earth which He indicates will be subject to change and passing away.

Luke 21 33 Word analysis

• Heaven (οὐρανός, ouranos): Refers to the visible sky and the celestial bodies within it. In a broader biblical sense, it also points to the spiritual realm or the dwelling place of God. Its mention here signifies the physical cosmos in its entirety, everything tangible above the earth, emphasizing its ultimate subjection to temporal change.

• And earth (καὶ γῆ, kai gē): "Earth" refers to the physical world, the material ground, and all that is upon it. Paired with "heaven," it encompasses the entire physical creation, emphasizing that even the most enduring parts of our known universe are not eternal.

• Will pass away (παρελεύσονται, pareleusontai): From parerchomai. This word means to pass by, go by, perish, or come to an end. It denotes a cessation, a change, or a removal from existence as it is currently known. It signifies the impermanence and transient nature of creation.

• But (δὲ, de): A strong adversative conjunction, establishing a clear contrast or opposition. It highlights the stark difference between what precedes it (the perishing heaven and earth) and what follows (the enduring words of Jesus).

• My words (οἱ λόγοι μου, hoi logoi mou): "My" points directly to Jesus Himself, signifying His divine authority and personal connection to the words. "Words" (λόγοι, logoi) denotes utterances, teachings, commands, prophecies, and principles. This is not merely human speech but divine revelation, intrinsically linked to Jesus as the Living Word (Logos).

• Will by no means pass away (οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν, ou mē parelthōsin): This is a powerful double negative construction in Greek (οὐ μή), emphatically asserting an absolute impossibility of failure. It means "it shall absolutely not pass away," "it shall never fail," or "it cannot possibly come to an end." It underlines the infallible, eternal, and unbreakable nature of Christ's truth.

• "Heaven and earth will pass away...": This phrase points to the eschatological reality of cosmic dissolution or transformation, signaling an end to the current physical order. This aligns with prophetic passages in both Old and New Testaments regarding a renewed or new creation. The polemic here is against any belief in an eternally unchanging or self-sustaining physical cosmos as the ultimate reality, asserting divine sovereignty over creation's destiny.

• "...but My words will by no means pass away.": This climactic statement contrasts divine permanence with cosmic impermanence. It asserts the ultimate reliability and eternal validity of all Christ has spoken. This concept challenges any human doubt or skepticism regarding God's declared plan and prophetic fulfillments. It solidifies Jesus' claim to deity; only divine words could possess such eternal validity and authority, enduring beyond the fabric of creation itself. It ensures that the hope, warnings, and promises He conveys are absolutely trustworthy.

Luke 21 33 Bonus section

The theological depth of "My words" (hoi logoi mou) also subtly links to Jesus as the "Logos" (Word) Himself (Jn 1:1, Rev 19:13). The endurance of His spoken words reflects His own eternal, unchanging nature. Thus, the reliability of His prophecy is inherently tied to His divine identity. The permanence of "My words" implies the permanence of His Person and His saving work. The emphasis on "passing away" for heaven and earth also resonates with the idea that our present world is under the curse of sin (Rom 8:19-22) and must be transformed or replaced to fully manifest God's eternal righteousness and presence. Therefore, the fragility of the present cosmos is not a defeat but a step towards ultimate glory, secured by the unwavering word of Christ.

Luke 21 33 Commentary

Luke 21:33 stands as a pivotal affirmation within Jesus' eschatological discourse, serving as an unwavering anchor for faith amidst the prophecies of upheaval. By declaring that "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away," Jesus establishes a profound theological truth: divine revelation is superior and more enduring than the very foundations of the created order.

The fleeting nature of the physical cosmos, a consistent theme in biblical prophecy (Psa 102:25-27, 2 Pet 3:10-13, Rev 21:1), highlights the impermanence of all things outside of God. This cosmic shift speaks to a divine plan of ultimate transformation, not mere annihilation, leading to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells. Yet, even as creation awaits its re-formation, Jesus' words remain fixed.

"My words" encompasses everything Jesus spoke—His teachings on the Kingdom, His commands to love, His warnings of judgment, and especially His predictions regarding future events, including His second advent. The Greek double negative ou mē powerfully guarantees their absolute and utter impossibility of failure. This assertion implies Jesus' divine authority, for only God's word possesses such eternal validity and immutability (Isa 40:8, Mal 3:6).

For the original audience, facing impending destruction and future tribulation, this was a potent message of assurance. It affirmed that despite external chaos and the collapse of earthly structures, the truth Jesus imparted would hold firm. For believers today, it provides ultimate confidence in God's promises, urging us to root our lives in the unshakable truth of Christ's teaching, rather than the changing circumstances of the world. It means that His warnings will be fulfilled, His comfort will endure, and His promises, including that of His return, are absolutely certain.

For practical usage, this verse:

• Strengthens faith during times of uncertainty, reminding believers that divine truth remains regardless of world changes.
• Motivates obedience to Jesus' teachings, recognizing their eternal relevance and authoritative nature.
• Encourages hopeful expectation for His return and the fulfillment of all His prophecies.