King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:35 Mean?

Matthew 24:35 in the King James Version says “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:35 · KJV


Context

33

So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. it: or, he

34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

35

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

36

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

37

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus declares ultimate permanence: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away' (Greek: ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ παρελεύσεται, οἱ δὲ λόγοι μου οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν, 'heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away'). The double negative οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν intensifies certainty. Creation itself is temporal, but Jesus' words are eternal. This astounding claim asserts divine authority - only God's word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). In eschatological discourse about end times, Jesus grounds confidence in His teaching's absolute reliability. His words are more certain than physical reality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish thought emphasized Torah's eternal validity. Jesus applies this permanence to His own teaching, implicitly claiming divine authority. 2 Peter 3:10-13 describes heavens passing away, new creation coming. Jesus' words will outlast even the cosmos. Early Christians faced persecution, false teaching, and cultural pressure, but anchored faith in Jesus' abiding words. Two thousand years later, His words remain authoritative while empires and philosophies have disappeared. This verse grounds confidence in Scripture's enduring truthfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Jesus' words are more permanent than creation itself?
  2. How should this promise affect our approach to Scripture?
  3. What gives you more security - physical circumstances or Jesus' promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
1 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὐρανὸς2 of 13

Heaven

G3772

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

καὶ3 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

4 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆ5 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)

παρέλθωσιν6 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

οἱ7 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ8 of 13

but

G1161

but, and, etc

λόγοι9 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

μου10 of 13

my

G3450

of me

οὐ11 of 13
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ12 of 13
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

παρέλθωσιν13 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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 24:35 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 Matthew 24:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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