King James Version

What Does Mark 13:31 Mean?

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 13:31 · King James Version

Context

29

So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

31

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

32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' claim that His words are more permanent than the physical universe reveal about His identity and authority?
  2. How does this verse ground confidence in Scripture's reliability and authority as God's eternal word?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
ὁ
1 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸς
2 of 13

“Heaven”

G3772
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
3 of 13

“and”

G2532
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
4 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
5 of 13

“earth”

G1093
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
παρέλθωσιν
6 of 13

“pass away”

G3928
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
οἱ
7 of 13
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ
8 of 13

“but”

G1161
but, and, etc
λόγοι
9 of 13

“words”

G3056
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
μου
10 of 13

“my”

G3450
of me
οὐ
11 of 13
G3756
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
μὴ
12 of 13
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παρέλθωσιν
13 of 13

“pass away”

G3928
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:8Isaiah 51:6Matthew 24:35Luke 21:33Matthew 5:18Psalms 102:25-27

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