KOINE - Pass Away
The Greek verb translated “pass away” is παρέρχομαι (parerchomai). It carries the sense of something moving along, coming to an end, or ceasing to exist. When applied to “heaven and earth,” it means the created order as we know it is temporary—it will one day reach its appointed end.
But when Jesus contrasts that with “my words will not pass away”, the phrase is just as important. The same verb is used, but with the strong negative: οὐ μὴ παρέλθωσιν—literally “shall never, by no means, pass away.” In other words, everything else is subject to change, decay, and eventual ending… but the words of Christ are permanent, unchangeable, enduring beyond creation itself.
The contrast is striking. What feels most solid to us—the earth beneath our feet, the sky above our heads—is actually fragile and fleeting. Meanwhile, what can seem intangible—Jesus’ words—is the only thing that will never dissolve or fade.
So in Mark 13, Jesus anchors our hope. The world will shift, kingdoms will fall, even the heavens will be rolled up like a scroll—but His promises are as fixed as God Himself. His words are eternal, trustworthy, and the very foundation we build our lives on.
Article written by ShaunFereday, Prison Chaplain (Sessional) & Leader@SFGH Church
Comments
Post a Comment