Matthew 5:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
verily
G281
ἀμὴν
verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 27
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἕως
Till
G2193
ἕως
Till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
5 of 27
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
παρέλθῃ
pass
G3928
παρέλθῃ
pass
Strong's:
G3928
Word #:
7 of 27
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸς
heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸς
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 27
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
earth
G1093
γῆ
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
12 of 27
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἰῶτα
jot
G2503
ἰῶτα
jot
Strong's:
G2503
Word #:
13 of 27
"iota", the name of the eighth letter of the greek alphabet, put (figuratively) for a very small part of anything
κεραία
tittle
G2762
κεραία
tittle
Strong's:
G2762
Word #:
17 of 27
something horn-like, i.e., (specially) the apex of a hebrew letter (figuratively, the least particle)
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
19 of 27
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παρέλθῃ
pass
G3928
παρέλθῃ
pass
Strong's:
G3928
Word #:
20 of 27
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμου
the law
G3551
νόμου
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
23 of 27
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
Cross References
Luke 16:17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.Isaiah 40:8The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.1 Peter 1:25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Isaiah 51:6Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.Mark 13:30Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.Psalms 102:26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
Historical Context
Jewish scribes took extraordinary care copying Scripture, counting letters to ensure accuracy. They recognized that changing even a small letter could alter meaning (e.g., Leviticus 6:2 vs 6:5 in Hebrew). Jesus affirms this reverence while opposing the Pharisaic traditions that could effectively nullify Scripture's intent (Matthew 15:6). For Matthew's primarily Jewish-Christian audience, this statement assured them that following Jesus didn't require abandoning their Scriptures—rather, Jesus brought Scripture's true fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Scripture's permanence reveal about God's character and faithfulness?
- How should the indestructibility of God's Word shape our approach to Bible study?
- In what ways has Scripture proven trustworthy in your experience despite cultural changes and challenges?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus intensifies His previous statement with solemn authority ('verily I say unto you'—ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν/amen lego hymin). The 'jot' (ἰῶτα/iota) is the smallest Hebrew letter (yod), while 'tittle' (κεραία/keraia) refers to the minute decorative strokes distinguishing similar Hebrew letters. Jesus affirms Scripture's absolute reliability down to its smallest components. The phrase 'till heaven and earth pass' establishes a timeframe extending to the end of the present created order. The dual 'till' clauses create emphasis:
God's Word possesses unshakeable permanence and authority. This verse undergirds biblical inerrancy and the unity of Scripture—every detail matters in God's redemptive plan.