Matthew 5:18

Authorized King James Version

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀμὴν
verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#4
ὑμῖν·
unto you
to (with or by) you
#5
ἕως
Till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#6
ἂν
whatsoever
#7
παρέλθῃ
pass
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
οὐρανὸς
heaven
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
γῆ
earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#13
ἰῶτα
jot
"iota", the name of the eighth letter of the greek alphabet, put (figuratively) for a very small part of anything
#14
μία
one
one
#15
or
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
#16
μία
one
one
#17
κεραία
tittle
something horn-like, i.e., (specially) the apex of a hebrew letter (figuratively, the least particle)
#18
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#19
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#20
παρέλθῃ
pass
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
#21
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#22
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
νόμου
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#24
ἕως
Till
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#25
ἂν
whatsoever
#26
πάντα
all
all, any, every, the whole
#27
γένηται
be fulfilled
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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