Jesus proclaimed: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away' (ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσονται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται). This contrasts temporary creation with eternal revelation. 'Heaven and earth'—the entire physical universe—will pass away (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). Yet Jesus' words endure forever. The double negative 'shall not pass away' (ou mē pareleusontai, οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται) is strongest Greek negation—absolute impossibility. This claims divine authority—only God's word is eternal (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25). Jesus equated His words with God's eternal word, claiming deity. His teachings aren't culturally conditioned opinions but permanent divine revelation. Every prediction, promise, and command will be fulfilled. This grounds biblical authority and inerrancy—Scripture is God's eternal word, not human speculation.
Historical Context
Old Testament affirmed God's word's eternality: 'The grass withereth... but the word of our God shall stand for ever' (Isaiah 40:8). Jesus applied this to His own teaching, claiming His words share God's eternal nature. This was implicit claim to deity—only God's word is eternal. Early church recognized this, preserving and copying Jesus' teachings with utmost care. Gospel writing aimed to record accurately 'that which was from the beginning' (1 John 1:1). The New Testament canon development sought to identify apostolic writings carrying Jesus' authority. Church fathers cited Jesus' words as final authority. Reformation principle sola scriptura elevated Scripture as supreme authority. Modern critical scholarship questions Bible's reliability; Jesus' claim that His words are eternal contradicts this skepticism. If Jesus' words are eternal, Scripture recording them carries divine authority.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' claim that His words are more permanent than the physical universe reveal about His identity and authority?
How does this verse ground confidence in Scripture's reliability and authority as God's eternal word?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus proclaimed: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away' (ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσονται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται). This contrasts temporary creation with eternal revelation. 'Heaven and earth'—the entire physical universe—will pass away (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1). Yet Jesus' words endure forever. The double negative 'shall not pass away' (ou mē pareleusontai, οὐ μὴ παρελεύσονται) is strongest Greek negation—absolute impossibility. This claims divine authority—only God's word is eternal (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25). Jesus equated His words with God's eternal word, claiming deity. His teachings aren't culturally conditioned opinions but permanent divine revelation. Every prediction, promise, and command will be fulfilled. This grounds biblical authority and inerrancy—Scripture is God's eternal word, not human speculation.