“word” (NIV) = “saying” (KJV) = logos = the whole of Jesus’ message.

“keeps” = tereo = to attend to carefully, take care of.

What does Jesus mean by this statement? Apart from the second coming, won’t we all die? Death loses its sting for the Christian (1 Cor 15:55). This is so true that after the resurrection of Christ, when the death of a believer is referred to, it is spoken of as “falling asleep” and not “dying” (1 Cor 15:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Physical death loses its finality for the one who does all that Jesus says. Death for such a one is but a transition from this life into the presence of God to live with Him forever. Jesus is speaking of the spiritual death that results from judgment on a sinner but, of course, the Jews don’t understand.

1 Corinthians 15:55  “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

1 Corinthians 15:6  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13  Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.