Skip to main contentAccessibility feedback

$75K Matching Challenge is in effect! Giving Tuesday—the global day of giving that inspires hundreds of millions of people to celebrate generosity together—is upon us. Please help Catholic Answers reach our $75K goal by supporting our good work with whatever size gift you can.

We change lives every day … but not without your help. Just click here to assist us in spreading the gospel and explaining and defending the Catholic faith. Thank you, and may God bless you!

$75K Matching Challenge is in effect! Giving Tuesday—the global day of giving that inspires hundreds of millions of people to celebrate generosity together—is upon us. Please help Catholic Answers reach our $75K goal by supporting our good work with whatever size gift you can.

We change lives every day … but not without your help. Just click here to assist us in spreading the gospel and explaining and defending the Catholic faith. Thank you, and may God bless you!

Does “World without End” Mean There Will Be No End of the World?

Question:

The Glory Be and some prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours use the phrase "World without end." I presume this refers to the coming of a new heaven and new earth. Is it incorrect therefore to refer to the "end of the world?"

Answer:

“World without end” is an idiom that means “forever” and is not meant to be taken literally. In Latin, the phrase saecula saeculorum means “ages of ages” (i.e., forever). In the current edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, it is translated “and will be for ages unending.”

Did you like this content? Please help keep us ad-free
Enjoying this content?  Please support our mission!Donatewww.catholic.com/support-us