Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 16:17

"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall." — Luke 16:17 (ASV)

The Pharisees had the truth of the “Law” of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) and the “Prophets” (v.16, here representing the rest of the OT).

They failed to respond not only to the good news of the kingdom but even to their own Scriptures (cf. Mark 7:8–9; see also comment on Lk 16:29; for the relationship of John the Baptist to the kingdom, see comment on 7:28).

The last part of v.16 is difficult to interpret (see comments on Mt 11:12–13).

It seems best to see it as an expression of one’s enthusiastic drive to enter the kingdom (cf. 13:24). In any case, it is clear that the Pharisees had missed what was really of value (v.15), while all around them were people whose values were in order and who were energetically seeking the kingdom (cf. Matthew 13:44–46; for Lk 16:17, see comments on Mt 5:17–20).