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Luke 16:17

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 16:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.
Luke 16:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.
15And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
16The law and the prophets [were] until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.
17But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.
18Every one that putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth one that is put away from a husband committeth adultery.
19Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:
20and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores,
← Luke 16:16Luke 16:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, etc.] This is said by Christ, lest it should be thought by his saying, that the law and the prophets were until John, that they were no longer, nor of any more use; but were now abrogated and laid aside; whereas heaven and earth might sooner pass away, and the whole frame of nature be dissolved: than one tittle of the law to fail; which, and the prophets, in all the precepts, promises, types, figures, prophecies, etc. thereof, had their full accomplishment in the person, miracles, obedience, sufferings, and death of Christ; (see <400518>Matthew 5:18).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“it is easier, &c.--(See on Mat 5:17-18)”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See the notes at Matthew 5:18. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Not that the Gospel at all destroys the law. Mat 5:18. Luke 16:18”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:17 that doesn’t mean that the law has lost its force: Although the new covenant fulfilled the Old Testament law and prophets, the law has not passed away (however, cp. Acts 15:23-29). • Heaven and earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new heaven and earth at the end of the age (Rev 21:1), but God’s word endures forever (Ps 119:89, 160; Isa 40:8; 55:10-11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“it: Luk 21:33; Psa 102:25-27; Isa 51:6; Mat 5:18; Pe2 3:10; Rev 20:11, Rev 21:1, Rev 21:4 than: Isa 40:8; Rom 3:31; Pe1 1:25 Luke 16:18”
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Related study paths

Read Luke 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification