Matthew Chapter 5 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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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
ὑμῖν· unto you G5213
ὑμῖν· unto you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 4 of 27
to (with or by) you
ἕως Till G2193
ἕως Till
Strong's: G2193
Word #: 5 of 27
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἂν G302
ἂν
Strong's: G302
Word #: 6 of 27
whatsoever
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
μία one G1520
μία one
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 14 of 27
one
ἢ or G2228
ἢ or
Strong's: G2228
Word #: 15 of 27
disjunctive, or; comparative, than
μία one G1520
μία one
Strong's: G1520
Word #: 16 of 27
one
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
οὐ
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 18 of 27
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
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
ἕως Till G2193
ἕως Till
Strong's: G2193
Word #: 24 of 27
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἂν G302
ἂν
Strong's: G302
Word #: 25 of 27
whatsoever
πάντα all G3956
πάντα all
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 26 of 27
all, any, every, the whole
γένηται be fulfilled G1096
γένηται be fulfilled
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 27 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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:

  1. until the cosmos ends,
  2. until all is fulfilled.

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.

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