JOT NOR TITTLE

During the 'Sermon on the Mount', Jesus affirmed that everything set forth in Scripture is eternally steadfast and true. His role as the Messiah was not to take away the commandments, but to obey them on our behalf. Christ became the unblemished Lamb of God who would die in our stead. 

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Matthew 5:17-18 

As we study the Word of God, it behooves us to dig into the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases. This passage begs the question ... what’s a 'jot' and a 'tittle'?

A 'jot' is the 10th and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. It was written above the line and looks like an apostrophe ...

                                                  

It is related to the English word 'iota', meaning a 'very small amount'.

A 'tittle' is even smaller than a 'jot'. It is a letter extension, a pen stroke that can differentiate one Hebrew letter from another. An example can be seen in the comparison between the Hebrew letters resh and daleth ...

 

The resh (on the left) is made with one smooth stroke. The daleth (on the right) is made with two. The letters are very similar to each other, but the distinguishing mark of the daleth is that small extension of the roof of the letter ...

     

When Jesus said, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”, He was emphatically stating that God has spoken, His words have been written down accurately, and what the Lord has said will surely come to pass. 

It will not be compromised. 

Doubters will doubt, scoffers will scoff, mockers will mock ... but in the end, Scripture will be proven 'authoritative'. 

Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89 

It changes lives ... 

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

The Book of Revelation gives us a dire warning concerning our treatment of God's Word. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses fail to heed it ... 

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and the Holy City that is described in this book. Revelation 22:18-19

Allow the inerrant Word of God to be the foundation upon which your faith is built. Every 'jot' and 'tittle' was written for your edification.