Ask a Priest

Q: In the Glory Be, we say “As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.” Is this speaking about the world we live in now? And how can this be, since according to Scripture everything will be destroyed at the coming of Jesus in the end times?

Yogi Smith
Christ the King Catholic Church, Oklahoma City


A: The phrase “world without end” is a translation of the Greek εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis toùs aionas ton aiṓnōn) and the Latin in saecula saeculorum, both of which are rooted deeply in the Christian scriptures (cf. Eph 3:21 and Rev 1:6, et al.) and in the Christian liturgy. Literally the phrase is translated “unto the ages of ages” and is an ancient expression of eternity.

The English translation "world without end” dates from the King James era, “world” being used archaically to mean “age” or “era,” not the planet earth or even the physical universe. Thus, it points to an eternity that is not bound necessarily to creation and time: the eternity in which God dwells.

This English translation found its usage into the “Glory Be” prayer through Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer around the time of the reformation of the Church of England.

In the Roman liturgy, the same phrase is translated “for ever and ever” which is arguably more indicative of eternity and perhaps more suitable for use in our day.

Jesus announces, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away,” (Mt 24:35) and thus the meaning of the phrase is maintained – that despite an end to the created realm, the eternal dwelling of God “will not pass away.” It is there where the words of Jesus and those he calls to himself in glory will glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Father Zachary Boazman
Associate Director of the Secretariat for Divine Worship