Luke 21:33
What does Luke 21:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 21:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 21:33 means
Jesus pronounces a profound truth: "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." This declaration elevates the eternal reliability and authority of His teachings above even the most fundamental elements of creation. While the physical universe is temporary, subject to change and eventual dissolution, Jesus' words are steadfast, immutable, and everlasting. This underscores the absolute certainty of His prophecies and the enduring truth of His message, giving full weight to all He has spoken.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Heaven and earth will come to an end, but my words will not come to an end.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the heaven and the earth shall pass away, but my words may not pass away.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The heaven and the earth shall pass away, but my words shall in no wise pass away.
Context
This verse provides a powerful and ultimate affirmation of the reliability and permanence of Jesus' words, following directly from His statement about "this generation" in verse 32. It serves as the capstone for His prophetic discourse, establishing the absolute certainty of all He has declared. This grand statement of divine truth then transitions to a crucial practical warning and call to vigilance for His disciples in verses 34-36, urging them to prepare for these certain events.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.
- 2 Peter 3:7
but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
- Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
- Revelation 20:11
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
- Psalms 102:26
They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
- 1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you.
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