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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 16:17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/16-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/42_Luk_16_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 16:17 - The Law and the Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/16-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/16-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/16-16.htm" title="Luke 16:16">◄</a> Luke 16:17 <a href="/luke/16-18.htm" title="Luke 16:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/luke/16.htm">New International Version</a> It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. <a href="/nlt/luke/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> But that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force. It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest point of God’s law to be overturned. <a href="/esv/luke/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. <a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/kjv/luke/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. <a href="/nkjv/luke/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. <a href="/nasb_/luke/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/nasb/luke/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/nasb77/luke/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/lsb/luke/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/amp/luke/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Yet it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a letter of the Law to fail and become void. <a href="/csb/luke/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the law to drop out. <a href="/hcsb/luke/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the law to drop out. <a href="/asv/luke/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall. <a href="/cev/luke/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Heaven and earth will disappear before the smallest letter of the Law does. <a href="/erv/luke/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall. <a href="/gwt/luke/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It is easier for the earth and the heavens to disappear than to drop a comma from Moses' Teachings. <a href="/gnt/luke/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the smallest detail of the Law to be done away with. <a href="/isv/luke/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> However, it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for one stroke of a letter in the Law to be dropped. <a href="/msb/luke/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. <a href="/net/luke/16.htm">NET Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a letter in the law to become void. <a href="/nheb/luke/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the Law to become void. <a href="/wbt/luke/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than one tittle of the law to fail. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But it is easier for earth and sky to pass away than for one smallest detail of the Law to fall to the ground. <a href="/web/luke/16.htm">World English Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/luke/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and it is easier for the heaven and the earth to pass away, than one tittle to fall of the Law. <a href="/blb/luke/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than one stroke of a letter of the Law to fail. <a href="/ylt/luke/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and it is easier to the heaven and the earth to pass away, than of the law one tittle to fall. <a href="/slt/luke/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one horn of the law to fall.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/luke/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fall. <a href="/cpdv/luke/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one dot of the law to fall away. <a href="/nabre/luke/16.htm">New American Bible</a> It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest part of a letter of the law to become invalid. <a href="/nrsvce/luke/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/luke/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one letter of the law to pass away. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But it is easier for Heaven and earth to pass away than for one symbol of The Law to pass away.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/luke/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one point of the law to fail. <a href="/godbey/luke/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And it is easier that heaven and earth pass away, than one tittle fall from the law.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/luke/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fail. <a href="/mace/luke/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> yet heaven and earth may sooner pass away, than any part of the law be unaccomplish'd. <a href="/wey/luke/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But it is easier for earth and sky to pass away than for one smallest detail of the Law to fall to the ground. <a href="/worrell/luke/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/luke/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Though it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than one tittle of the law to fail.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/luke/16-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=6594" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/luke/16.htm">The Law and the Prophets</a> …16The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/2123.htm" title="2123: eukopōteron (Adj-NNS-C) -- Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile.">easier for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranon (N-AMS) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1093.htm" title="1093: gēn (N-AFS) -- Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.">earth</a> <a href="/greek/3928.htm" title="3928: parelthein (V-ANA) -- From para and erchomai; to come near or aside, i.e. To approach, go by, perish or neglect, avert.">to pass away</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than for</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: mian (Adj-AFS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">a single</a> <a href="/greek/2762.htm" title="2762: keraian (N-AFS) -- Feminine of a presumed derivative of the base of keras; something horn-like, i.e. the apex of a Hebrew letter.">stroke of a pen</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: pesein (V-ANA) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">to drop out</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomou (N-GMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">Law.</a> 18Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Matthew 5:18</a> For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. <a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a> Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a> The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/psalms/119-89.htm">Psalm 119:89</a> Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens. <a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a> The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">1 Peter 1:25</a> but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you. <a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Romans 3:31</a> Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19</a> Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a> So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. <a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10</a> Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. <a href="/john/10-35.htm">John 10:35</a> If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a> So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. <a href="/romans/7-14.htm">Romans 7:14</a> We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one pronunciation mark of the law to fail.it.<a href="/luke/21-33.htm">Luke 21:33</a> Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.<a href="/psalms/102-25.htm">Psalm 102:25-27</a> Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands… <a href="/isaiah/51-6.htm">Isaiah 51:6</a> Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.than.<a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a> The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.<a href="/romans/3-31.htm">Romans 3:31</a> Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.<a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">1 Peter 1:25</a> But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/28-11.htm">Detail</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Disappear</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Dot</a> <a href="/amos/9-13.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/luke/8-5.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/luke/13-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/5-24.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/luke/16-9.htm">End</a> <a href="/luke/16-9.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/luke/14-5.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/luke/14-18.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/luke/15-21.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/16-16.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Pen</a> <a href="/luke/13-19.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/mark/4-31.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Stroke</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Tiny</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Tittle</a> <a href="/luke/1-37.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/21-25.htm">Detail</a> <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Disappear</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Dot</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Dropped</a> <a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/luke/18-25.htm">Easier</a> <a href="/luke/16-22.htm">End</a> <a href="/luke/18-30.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/luke/17-2.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/luke/19-44.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/luke/20-1.htm">Law</a> <a href="/john/10-1.htm">Pen</a> <a href="/luke/17-24.htm">Sky</a> <a href="/acts/8-10.htm">Smallest</a> <a href="/revelation/13-3.htm">Stroke</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Tiny</a> <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Tittle</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Void</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 16</div>1. <a href="/luke/16-1.htm">The parable of the unjust steward.</a> 14. <a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Jesus reproves the hypocrisy of the covetous Pharisees.</a> 19. <a href="/luke/16-19.htm">The parable of the rich man and Lazarus the beggar.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away This phrase emphasizes the permanence and unchangeability of God's creation and His Word. In biblical context, heaven and earth are often used to signify the entirety of creation (<a href="/genesis/1.htm">Genesis 1:1</a>). The imagery suggests something seemingly impossible, as heaven and earth are seen as enduring and stable. This reflects the Jewish understanding of the cosmos as a divinely ordered structure. The statement underscores the authority and eternal nature of God's decrees, aligning with passages like <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a>, which states that the word of God stands forever.than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law. The "single stroke of a pen" refers to the smallest letter or part of a letter in the Hebrew alphabet, often interpreted as a "jot" or "tittle" (<a href="/matthew/5-18.htm">Matthew 5:18</a>). This highlights the meticulous nature of the Law and its divine origin, suggesting that even the smallest detail is significant and divinely inspired. The Law, or Torah, was central to Jewish life and religious practice, and Jesus affirms its enduring validity. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of the fulfillment of the Law through Christ (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>), who embodies its ultimate purpose and meaning. The statement serves as a reminder of the precision and care with which God's Word is to be regarded, reflecting the belief in its complete and unalterable truth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching about the enduring nature of God's Law. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a> Refers to the Mosaic Law, which includes the commandments and teachings given to the Israelites. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heaven_and_earth.htm">Heaven and Earth</a> Symbolic of the created order, representing the entirety of the physical universe. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees.htm">The Pharisees</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the audience in the surrounding context, often challenging Jesus' teachings. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_god.htm">The Kingdom of God</a> The broader context of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the fulfillment and continuation of God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_permanence_of_god's_word.htm">The Permanence of God's Word</a> God's Law is unchanging and eternal, reflecting His perfect nature. Believers are called to respect and uphold the teachings of the Law as they reveal God's character and will. <a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_the_law_in_christ.htm">The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ</a> Jesus fulfills the Law, not abolishing it but bringing it to its intended purpose. Christians are to understand the Law through the lens of Christ's teachings and sacrifice. <a href="/topical/t/the_reliability_of_scripture.htm">The Reliability of Scripture</a> Just as heaven and earth are stable and reliable, so is God's word. Believers can trust in the Bible's teachings and promises, knowing they are steadfast and true. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_obedience.htm">Living in Obedience</a> While the ceremonial aspects of the Law are fulfilled in Christ, the moral principles remain. Christians are called to live in obedience to God's commands, reflecting His holiness in their lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture_study.htm">The Importance of Scripture Study</a> Understanding the depth and breadth of God's Law requires diligent study. Believers should commit to regular Bible study to grow in knowledge and application of God's word.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 16</a> <a href="/q/what_are_a_jot_and_a_tittle.htm">What are a jot and a tittle?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_65_17_align_with_science.htm">Isaiah 65:17: How does the concept of a 'new heavens and a new earth' align with established scientific laws governing the universe?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_old_covenant_still_valid.htm">Is the Old Covenant still in effect? (Jeremiah 31:31-34 vs. Luke 16:17)</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_transfiguration_of_jesus.htm">What is the Transfiguration of Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) It is easier for heaven and earth to pass.--See Notes on <a href="/matthew/5-18.htm" title="For truly I say to you, Till heaven and earth pass, one stroke or one pronunciation mark shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.">Matthew 5:18</a>. Our first impression on reading the words here is that there is less logical sequence in their position. They seem unconnected with the teaching as to the mammon of unrighteousness. It is possible that here, as elsewhere, some links of the chain have been dropped; but the explanation that has been given of the preceding parable gives a sufficient connection. The scribes and Pharisees had been tampering with the sacredness of the laws which are not of to-day or yesterday--fixed as the everlasting hills--and they are told that their casuistry cannot set aside the claims of those laws in any single instance, such, e.g., as that which immediately follows.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/luke/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the Law to fail. "Yet think not," went on the Master, "that, though things are changing, the Divine Law will ever fail. The mere temporary and transitory regulations will, of course, give place to a new order, but not the smallest part of one letter of the Divine moral Law will fail." "One tittle." This is the rendering of a Greek word the diminutive of "horn," which denoted the horn or extremity of a Hebrew letter, by the omission or addition of which - to give an instance - the letter d becomes the letter r; thus with the horn it is ד, daleth, d; without the horn ר, resh, r. The heresiarch Marcion (second century) here, in his recension of St. Luke, changes the text thus: "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of my sayings to fail." Marcion, who refused fallow the Divine origin of any part of the Old Testament, was afraid of the testimony which this assertion of our Lord would give to the Divine authority of the Pentateuch. In illustration of his saying that the moral Law given to the Jews was changeless, and while earth endured would never fail, the Master instances one grave chapter of the Law with which there had been much tampering-that of divorce. "See," he said, "the new state of things which I am now teaching, instead of loosening the cords with which the old Law regulated human society, will rather tighten them. Instead of a laxer code being substituted, I am preaching a yet severer one. My law of divorce is a severer one than that written down by Moses." <a href="/commentaries/luke/16-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δέ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. it is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. easier for εὐκοπώτερον (eukopōteron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2123.htm">Strong's 2123: </a> Easier. Comparative of a compound of eu and kopos; better for toil, i.e. More facile. heaven οὐρανὸν (ouranon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. earth γῆν (gēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1093.htm">Strong's 1093: </a> Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. to pass away παρελθεῖν (parelthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3928.htm">Strong's 3928: </a> From para and erchomai; to come near or aside, i.e. To approach, go by, perish or neglect, avert. than for ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. a single μίαν (mian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. stroke of a pen κεραίαν (keraian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2762.htm">Strong's 2762: </a> Feminine of a presumed derivative of the base of keras; something horn-like, i.e. the apex of a Hebrew letter. to drop out πεσεῖν (pesein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law. νόμου (nomou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/luke/16-17.htm">Luke 16:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/luke/16-17.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 16:17 But it is easier for heaven (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/16-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 16:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 16:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/16-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 16:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 16:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>