Heaven and earth will pass away
This phrase emphasizes the transient nature of the physical world. In biblical context, "heaven and earth" often represent the entirety of creation (Genesis 1:1). The idea that they will "pass away" aligns with prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 34:4 and Revelation 21:1, which speak of a new heaven and a new earth. This reflects the eschatological belief that the current world order is temporary and will be replaced by God's eternal kingdom. Historically, this would have resonated with a Jewish audience familiar with apocalyptic themes, emphasizing the impermanence of earthly things compared to divine promises.

but My words will never pass away
This phrase asserts the eternal and unchanging nature of Jesus' teachings. In the cultural context of the time, words and covenants were binding and significant, often seen as enduring beyond the physical. Jesus' claim here elevates His words to the level of divine authority, akin to the eternal nature of God's word as seen in Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." This also connects to the concept of Jesus as the Logos, the Word made flesh (John 1:1), indicating that His teachings are not only prophetic but foundational to the new covenant. This assurance would have provided comfort and certainty to early Christians facing persecution and uncertainty.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is delivering the Olivet Discourse, a prophetic message about the end times, to His disciples.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are seeking understanding about the signs of the end times and the fulfillment of God's kingdom.

3. Mount of Olives
The location where Jesus delivers this discourse, a significant place in biblical prophecy and Jesus' ministry.

4. Heaven and Earth
Representing the physical universe, these are contrasted with the eternal nature of Jesus' words.

5. End Times
The broader context of this passage, focusing on the events leading up to the return of Christ and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.The Eternal Nature of Christ's Words
Jesus' words are unchanging and reliable, providing a foundation for faith and life.

The Temporary Nature of the Physical World
Recognize the transient nature of the physical world and prioritize spiritual truths that endure.

Trust in God's Promises
In a world of uncertainty, believers can find assurance in the promises of Christ, which will never fail.

Preparation for the End Times
Live with an eternal perspective, preparing for the fulfillment of God's kingdom and the return of Christ.

The Authority of Scripture
Uphold the authority of the Bible as the inspired word of God, which remains relevant and true across all generations.(35) Heaven and earth.--The tone is that of One who speaks with supreme authority, foreseeing, on the one hand, death and seeming failure, but on the other, the ultimate victory, not of truth only in the abstract, but of His own word as the truth. The parallelism of the words with those of Psalm 102:26, Isaiah 40:8, gives them their full significance. The Son of Man claims for His own words the eternity which belongs to the words of Jehovah. (Comp. 1Peter 1:24-25.) The whole history of Christendom witnesses to the fulfilment of the prophetic claim. Amid all its changes and confusions, its errors and its sins, the words of Christ have not passed away, but retain their pre-eminence as the last and fullest revelation of the Father.

Verse 35. - Christ adds a solemn assurance that his words have in them a vitality and endurance which the mightiest works of nature do not possess. The facts and truths embodied in his words are sure and steadfast, and what he has promised or predicted shall inevitably be fulfilled. This verse is omitted by א but it is most probably genuine, as it undoubtedly has its place in the other two synoptists (comp. 1 Peter 1:24, 25).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Heaven
οὐρανὸς (ouranos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

earth
γῆ (gē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

will pass away,
παρελεύσεται (pareleusetai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3928: From para and erchomai; to come near or aside, i.e. To approach, go by, perish or neglect, avert.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

My
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

words
λόγοι (logoi)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

{will} never
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

pass away.
παρέλθωσιν (parelthōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3928: From para and erchomai; to come near or aside, i.e. To approach, go by, perish or neglect, avert.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away (Matt. Mat Mt)